The Charger Blog
Despite the challenge of learning and working virtually this semester, I dedicated myself to persevering in my courses, at my internship, and as one of the creators of a new student organization at the University.
December 4, 2020
Despite my second year of college being anything but typical, I have learned a lot about perseverance and how this skill will serve me well in my future career in the business field. Due to COVID-19, three of my four classes were virtual this fall. This was a major adjustment for me and one that, candidly, I struggled with.
I pride myself on being a highly motivated and ambitious student, and I am enrolled in a dual degree program in the Pompea College of Business. Still, the COVID-19 restrictions left me feeling drained and burned out. While it is nice to be able to be “in class” anywhere, I long for the normalcy of attending class in person. With that said, I am still very grateful to live and be on campus.
Along with my full course load, I have also started interning at Elena’s Light as a program development intern. While my entire experience at the nonprofit has been virtual, I am still able to contribute heavily to the organization. Through my internship, I create and work on an ESL curriculum and cultivate the connections between tutors and students. In fact, I am an ESL tutor myself. Twice a week, I tutor an Afghani refugee to help her improve her English. On a daily basis, I work for about an hour a day and have a weekly meeting with the other staff members.
Tackling the world virtually has certainly made an impact on my life, and I have been able to reflect on how it has affected me and my lifestyle. Being able to persevere this semester is something I am very proud of and it has allowed me look into the future.
For several months, I have worked with the other executive board members to create a Women in Business Club for the University of New Haven. We facilitated the process necessary to become a registered student organization on campus. I am very fortunate to be a part of the club’s conception, and I am extremely excited for what the future holds for the club.
As I seek a summer internship, begin planning events for our new club, work for Elena’s Light, and finish my courses this semester, I always keep one word in the forefront of my mind: persevere.
Olivia Jimenez ’23 is an international business management major at the University of New Haven.
The Charger Blog
Satellite imagery is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in many fields, and several Chargers recently had the opportunity to learn how to apply it to do everything from tracking the conflict in Ukraine to determining whether images had been tampered with.
The Charger Blog
After she graduates with her bachelor’s degree in international affairs in May, Allison Mahr ’24 will head to the Republic of Georgia with the support of a Boren National Security Fellowship. She’s excited to use the award to build her skills and, ultimately, make an impact in the post-conflict reconstruction of the region.
The Charger Blog
Whether he was gaining hands-on experience on campus at an international company, Brendan Straut '24 has built his laboratory skills and his confidence throughout his time as a Charger. He's excited to begin his master's degree at the University this fall.