September 2022 Spotlight: Ariana Antunez
Ariana Antunez, ISPA Class of 2019 | University: Florida International University
Degree: Bachelors in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communications 2021 | Masters in Global Strategic Communications, Graduating December 2023
Career Goals: After completing my masters in Global Strategic Communications (Management Track), I hope to work for the development/marketing team for a big sports corporation such as the Miami Heat or the Miami Dolphins.
What has been the biggest surprise about the college experience? The biggest surprise would be just how on your own you are. It’s really up to you to forge the path of how your experience goes. Make sure to be as involved as possible because that’s the main way to make you years memorable.
Most challenging coursework in college? Definitely group projects. It’s always hard to manage so many different personalities and opinions but at the end of the day you can all come together. Another one would be anything having to do with math, it was never my strong suit but many universities offer so many opportunities for tutoring so definitely take advantage of that.
Accomplishment most proud of? Graduating early with Magna Cum Laude at 21 years old and currently on the way to obtaining my masters degree.
Can you provide any advice for current ISPA students? You don’t have to be the smartest in the room to still reach your goals because as long as you put in the work, you’re set. Also, appreciate the friends you have now. I have made some of the strongest friendships within my years at ISPA and they are still strong today. Many past students can also say the same.
Can you tell us how ISPA prepared you for success in college and in life? While at university, you will meet people from all over the world. Being surrounded by so many people from so many cultures in high school definitely prepared me for college life. It wasn’t shocking to me to meet people from different countries because I already had those experiences at ISPA.
I paid for college with… Scholarship funds obtained by RaiseMe. I was lucky enough to have my parents cover the rest through their hard work.
Fondest memory from High School? There’s so many great memories to look back. Between performing dances at the multicultural show and all the laughs shared at lunch time. I always look back on these memories with a smile on my face. Don’t take these moments for granted.