Posts Tagged ‘Isabel Garcia’
Heartbreak, Health and Healing
Today Ailyn is active in her faith life, but that has not always been the case. A cradle-Catholic, Ailyn didn't really own her faith until, after a tough breakup, she found no comfort until she encountered Christ!
In this episode of BOLD, Isabel sits down with Ailyn to ask her about this time in her life, how her faith has flourished on campus and how staying healthy can help our mental and spiritual health.
Takeaways
- Having a good faith life takes time and effort.
- Being active can help our mental and spiritual health.
- Leaning into friends is important when going through a dry spell in our faith.
- God works in our life in mysterious ways.
Reflections
- What are some ways that you can "knock on doors" that will help improve your faith?
- When you are in a dry spell in your faith, what do you do?
- Have you ever had a hard situation that in the long run has made your faith stronger?
Education, Passion and Social Service
Justo Garcia’s energy is unmatched. With everything he does, he brings so much passion. This includes teaching kickboxing at the Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center (The JAAC) at UST and his job as the Admissions Counselor for the Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies.
In this episode of BOLD, Justo talks to Isabel about his experience as a non-traditional student at UST, working in social services and his experience returning to UST. Originally from Nicaragua, he also shares about how going to college is a family experience and why he has dedicated his life to serving others.
The Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies is a two-year associate’s program that is doing game-changing work for the community. Learn more here.
Takeaways
- Justo emphasizes the importance of education and encourages others to pursue education to improve their personal and professional lives.
- Find your passion and integrate it into your work.
- The Kolbe School of Innovation is providing life-changing programs to non-traditional students.
Reflections
- Social service is a fulfilling way to give back. Find ways to serve your communities and make a positive impact.
- What are some ways that you can be better connected to your family?
- Consider how education, passion, and social service can all work together and how can they be integrated into your life?
How to Move to a New Country
As an International Student, Tchissola Silva discusses her journey from Angola to the University of St. Thomas to receive her Master's in Diplomacy and Strategic Affairs. In this episode of BOLD, she talks about adapting to the United States while still maintaining her own culture. Tchissola also talks about how welcoming the UST community has been.
Takeaways
- Getting out of your comfort zone is crucial to make new friends.
- Maintaining your culture is important.
- Never take for granted the opportunities that you have.
Reflections
- What are some ways that you can learn about new cultures
- How can you challenge yourself in your daily life?
- Think about what opportunities you have that not everyone else has.
Navigating Nursing, Soccer and School
As Isabella Rivera walks us through her busy schedule, she explains how she balances being a part of the soccer team, a member of the Filipino Student Association (FSA), studying nursing, and working at a hospital. In this episode of BOLD, we discover the methods that facilitated Isabella’s success while still maintaining her mental health. She also provides advice to students about time management and organization.
Isa and Isabel visit the JAAC’s soccer field to talk about her victories and struggles with soccer.
Takeaways
- Time management and planning are key.
- Prioritize mental health.
- Having people to rely on is necessary when you are as busy as Isa is.
Reflections
- How do you balance your responsibilities?
- What are some ways that you can manage your time better?
- If you are a student, how can you connect with alumni?
Success, Stocks, and Struggle
In this episode of BOLD, Ibrahim Akhtar talks about how investing is not limited to financial decisions but extends to personal relationships, education, and community, which is why he founded the UST Investment Club. As he faced obstacles in graduating, Ibrahim expanded his skill set to maximize his college experience, which fueled his passion for investments.
Ibrahim provides insight into the Bloomberg Terminal in Welder Hall, which he used to build his financial understanding.
Takeaways
- Investing, even at an early age, is important.
- Obstacles lead us to an even better path.
- Bloomberg Terminal is a software that dives into different markets.
Reflections
- When you face adversity how do you respond?
- What are some ways that you can invest in yourself?
- Think about a time that you faced an obstacle and what was the result.
The Royal Treatment
In November of 2022, Calen Anderson and Kailee Mann were selected as Mr. & Ms. UST, students who exemplify the values of the University of St. Thomas, serve their community and standout as examples of character. In this episode of BOLD, Isabel gets the inside scoop, how did Calen and Kailee win the titles, their reactions on winning and what their UST experience has been like.
They also explore the locations important them. We visit the Nursing Simulation Lab with Kailee and dive into life as a nursing student. We also visit the Jerabeck Athletic and Activity Center - the JAAC - to talk winning four men's basketball conference championships with Calen.
Grit, Determination, and the Draw of Sacred Music
In this episode of BOLD, we talk to Nathan Schafsnitz, a UST Music major who plays the organ. Host Isabel Garcia talks about his experience of finding the organ, its highs and lows, and how playing has impacted his faith life. They also talk about his experience at UST and how he continues to grow in his talent and as a person.
Friendship | The Real Reel
In this episode of The Real Reel, we asked UST students about friendship. They share what qualities they look for in a friend, how they make friends and how they maintain good friendships.
You'll also hear from Licensed Professional Counselor Ivan Navarro, Director of UST Counseling and Wellness Services, who shares some reflections on the value of quality friendships in college.
The Real Reel is an Instagram Reel series where UST students weigh in on various topics. We create a video mashup (like this) for YouTube. Visit MAX Studios on Instagram for all the reels, @maxstudiosust.
Links:
Fake Names, Filipino Ceviche and Owning Your Culture
Also listen wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode of BOLD, we talk to Christel Vallagomesa, a UST psychology major who was originally born in the Philippines. Host Isabel Garcia asks about her experience moving from the Philippines to the U.S., embracing her culture in an American setting and saying her name correctly. They also talk about her experience at UST and how she continues to learn and grow as a person.
Takeaways
- 1. The importance of one's culture.
- Taking advantage of different opportunities.
- How our culture impacts who we are.
Reflections
- What are some ways that you can learn more about your own culture?
- Think of three opportunities that have been presented to you that you can take advantage of?
- Brainstorm some practical ways you can learn about another culture.
Bound for Success
Also listen wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode of BOLD, we talk to Gloria Bounds, a two-time UST alumna and Manager in Corporate Community Relations for Centerpoint Energy. At UST, she studied communications, international studies and received her MBA in Finance.
She shares her UST experience, learning about service and diversity, and tells us how it prepared her for the work she does today. She also talks about her involvement with Latin Women's Initiative, the importance of community and how it influences her whole life.
Gloria and her husband, Jesse, were honorary chairs for the 2022 Two Saints and A Taco Tasting, which is an alumni-sponsored event that raises money for student scholarships.
Takeaways
- Diversity and service, what she learned at UST, allows her to succeed in her job.
- Gratitude for your past experiences will serve you well in the future.
- UST prepared Gloria not only to be successful in her job but also in her personal life.
Reflections
- How can you instill service in your everyday life?
- If you are a student, think about reaching out to alumni for career questions.
- If you are a UST alumni, what are ways that you can give back to your alma mater?
Links:
UST Cameron School of Business
UST Center for International Studies
