At GovState, it's all about the connections
Graduate Profile: Isabella Reyes
For first-generation college student Isabella Reyes, transferring to Governors State University (GovState) felt like choosing a place that saw her as a person, not just another student ID.
The initial connection she felt as a prospective student sealed the deal for Isabella and she not only earned her bachelor's degree at GovState, she also pursed her master's in Communication, Media, and Performance, which she'll walk the Commencement stage for this spring.
Feeling thankful for the many people that supported her along the way, Isabella reflects on the connections that brought her to and through her GovState journey.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to Governors State University?
Isabella: In 2019 after graduating with my associate degree, I knew I wanted to transfer from community college to a four-year university. There were a handful of options I had selected as my top choices, but Governors State University stood out to me. GovState was active in pursuing me as a student and answered any questions I had. The drive to interact with prospective students is what caught my attention about GovState!
During my decision process, I sent emails to academic advisors and transfer specialists from different universities and often I was ignored or couldn't even reach the people I needed to answer my questions. I felt like I was a number and not a person to other universities. As a first-generation student, I wanted to feel like the university I transferred to would care about my personal success and help me throughout my academic career. Juan, the Dual Degree Program (DDP) specialist on campus at my community college, was friendly and explained in detail the entire process of transferring to GovState. He was the first in a line of many that would help me while finishing my bachelor's degree at GovState.
Many wonderful people were more than willing to help me as I grew academically and professionally while at GovState. Specifically, Jessica Specht, director of DDP, she helped A LOT during my undergraduate degree even with issues that weren't related to her program, she made me feel like someone was in my corner. I also need to thank Dartina Dunlap and Career Services for giving me my first internship on campus and allowing me to grow professionally. Lastly, my mentor, Dr. Valerie Cronin-Fisher, for encouraging me during my undergraduate degree and convincing me to stay at GovState for my master's degree, I would not have grown as much as I have without her support. In short, it is the people who work at GovState that make GovState what it is, and I hope that others can experience the care and opportunities I have been given at GovState.
GovState Newsroom: What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Isabella: Such a hard question! Classical music will always remind me of college because it's the only thing I can study to!
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Isabella: The dream is to help others and teach them what I have learned as a communication major. Over my two degrees at GovState, learning all about communication, I find that the concepts I have learned and applied to my personal life have benefitted me greatly in my closest relationships. I would love to be a professor and teach in a classroom or be a counselor and teach people one-on-one about communication and relationships. Either way, as long as I'm happy, that's the real goal.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Isabella: Be genuine and make connections. Opportunities arose for me when I made connections with others. Talk to your professors, peers, people in the hallway or the elevator, you don't know who can help you or who you can meet! Also, do your best, that is all anyone can ask of you.