Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Stephanie Alvarez. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what led you down your current life path.
I grew up in a small town in Texas. My parents didn’t have the chance to receive an education because of the circumstances they grew up in. My parents are invested in my success, ensuring that I graduate college with a bachelor’s degree and master’s. They are adamant that I get opportunities in life they didn’t have. I’m forever grateful to be able to carve a space for myself in this world.
What or who inspired you to pursue your major/career?
What inspired me to pursue Marketing was the versatile degree and the wonderful opportunities that come with marketing. I am a naturally creative individual. I also like to think critically and analytically. Marketing can be a great career to balance those two aspects of my life. I also like to be part of an industry that prioritizes innovation in branding.
What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?
I’m very proud of receiving an education and the opportunity to be involved on campus at the University of North Texas. I gained experience working at the Student Admissions Office and helping in the Welcome Center. I am also proud of my experience as a UNT Online Marketing Department Marketing Assistant. It was a very eye-opening and wonderful working/educational experience for me.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
Yes, I am grateful to my family and friends for supporting me. I am especially grateful for my father, who invested his time in ensuring I will receive my degree soon. His financial support and encouragement helped me achieve my goals.
Is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?
I am in a student organization called Mueve. We discuss inaugurated ideas and educate Latinx communities about historical issues. I will be assisting with several projects to improve the experience for students of color at the University of North Texas.
Share one professional development goal and one personal goal you have for the upcoming year.
My goal is to finish my classes for this semester. I would like to network and continue finding more marketing and social media experience. I also would like to learn a lot in this internship and gain a lot of experience. This is a great opportunity for me to build my resume and also be part of something that helps other students in need.
Why did you choose to be an intern for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I chose this organization because of its message and dedication to making a difference. I wanted to be part of something that gives people opportunities and resources to improve their education. Education is the most important thing in an individual’s development. It opens more doors, opportunities, and higher awareness of a person’s experience in life. Therefore, being part of this organization is very important and inspiring to be part of.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
The organization speaks to me in many ways. I am passionate about social issues and advocacy for people who are in marginalized communities. I think it’s wonderful that with E.R.E are raising awareness, showcasing, and assisting these communities. It’s wonderful to see the potential in students when they are able to get the assistance they need. This organization is very powerful, and I’m grateful to be part of that.
Share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started volunteering.
I started volunteering at the Holocaust Museum, where I assisted individuals to learn more about human rights and the holocaust in Germany. I enjoy seeing others being educated about historical issues. And we as people shouldn’t let this type of behavior happen again, and we should be aware that this could happen again in our lifetime. I think awareness is the foundation of understanding everything around a person’s life, especially if we want to contribute to changing society.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to produce music, and I enjoy reading social justice issues and a lot of books about sociological issues in society. I think it’s very important to be aware of why these societal structures exist in the first place. By raising awareness and elevating a higher level of intellectual consciousness, people will see that education, class, race, and gender do play a major factor in people’s lives. By raising awareness and assisting others, society can make a positive difference.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
I think Disability Politics and Theory by A.J. Withers. I recently went through a back injury last year, which I’m still recovering from, but I think reading this book gave me a different perspective on what people who are disabled go through in the medical, educational, or financial sectors of life. I understood clearly because I went through my own struggles being disabled and struggling to get by. However, I made it this far and am about to graduate soon. So, this book really gave me an eye-opening perspective. I want to be more aware and contribute more to society in a more positive way in other’s lives.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?
I would advise young people to never give up on their goals, even if it seems very difficult, to study hard and think positively. There will be many failures but so much growth from that. And most importantly, never compare yourself to others. Some may have harder challenges, and others don’t. What is most important is to focus on the present and to be grateful for what you have in life.
What are you most passionate about? Can you share a story?
I am very passionate about social activism, and although I haven’t worked on activism for a bit, I spent several years reading various information and books on politics, class, gender, and race. I find it inspiring to witness and read about how and why certain people are marginalized in communities and how others are resolving those issues.
Is there a person in the world with whom you would love to have a private lunch and why? He/she might just see this! 🙂
One of the people who inspired me in my journey of self-knowledge is Angela Davis. I have read several of her books, and I find her ideas and insights very inspiring. It gives me a different perspective of how current systems are formed, what other individuals go through, and ultimately how we certainly do not live in such a monochrome society because it is very complex with so many nuances.
