Carolina Gutiérrez, an ambitious University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications international student, is turning her challenges into achievements and making a difference even while being far from home.
For Gutiérrez, finding out she received a UF International Student Achievement Award was a turning point in her academic career. As an Advertising senior with a minor in Public Relations, the award served as a major checkpoint as to how far she's come since leaving her home country of Bolivia and embarking on becoming an international student in the United States.
The International Student Achievement Award recognizes outstanding contributions from the international student community and celebrates international students' commitment to leadership, academic excellence and campus involvement.
Gutiérrez’s path wasn’t without challenges. As an international student, she faced the difficulty that came with adapting to a new culture and a new environment. “Being away from family, friends, and my home was hard. I had to push myself to build connections and find strength in my solitude.” However, it was these challenges that set the foundation for her personal growth. She built a community for other fellow international students, organizing shared meals and fostering new friendships, which gave her a sense of purpose and belonging.
Gutiérrez’s path to receiving this recognition was a rigorous yet rewarding journey. After being nominated by Huan Chen, Advertising Department chair and associate professor, Gutiérrez submitted an essay describing her qualifications. “Before the award, I didn’t realize everything I was accomplishing. Writing my essay helped put things into perspective and helped me see all the hard work I’ve put into my academics, internships, and involvement in different student organizations” she said.
The experience instilled a new sense of confidence, inspiring Gutiérrez to embrace her ambitious goals and to believe in herself and her potential.
Looking ahead, Gutiérrez is determined to make her mark in the advertising industry. Her plans are to stay in the United States after graduation, apply for her visa, and pursue opportunities at advertising agencies, ideally in New York City.
When asked what advice she would give to fellow international students and students in general, Gutiérrez's Response was inspiring. “Take the leap, even when it feels impossible. Trust the process and yourself. Things might not always go as planned, but they often turn out even better than expected.”
