Paula Chavez

What made you decide to enroll at the University of Maryland?
When I was deciding between schools my priority was to look for a place that was close to home and had a good reputation. The University of Maryland (UMD) met all of my expectations, which is why it was one of my top choices. I was further encouraged to enroll at UMD because of the Robert H. Smith School of Business and the fact that my major was offered here. I had always heard former students speak well of their experience at UMD so choosing this university became an easier choice.

What major/career path do you plan on pursuing and how did you select that path?
Choosing a career path was something that I struggled with. I did not always feel like there was a specific job I wanted, so picking a major was not a simple decision. After taking the time to do some research, the major I chose was business management. I believe it was the best option for me because it does not box me in to one single job. With this major, I have a wide range of choices. The flexibility and usefulness of this major was incredibly important for me.

Activities I do outside of class or community service/volunteer activities I'm involved with:
At UMD, I have been able to meet and connect with people who care about the same issues as me. Through these connections, I have been able to take action. Throughout the year, I have volunteered at an organization targeted towards helping incarcerated people. My main task was to address and send letters that explained what the organization did and offered resources to help these individuals and their families.

Aside from academics, what else do you hope to take away from your time at Maryland?
College is the perfect environment to learn real world skills. I hope to not just improve upon talents I already have, but pick up on new capabilities that I can use in my everyday life. Another important take away is the relationships I will continue to build. Meeting new people and gaining new experiences will help me become a more well-rounded person by the time I graduate from UMD.

What are your future goals after graduation?
After graduation, my main priority will be finding a job. While my goals are ever-changing, I know for certain that the end goal is to get a job where I feel valued.