By Iris Serrano
Photos by Kimberly Coffin (CritMedia, StratComm鈥�18)
Being a first-generation college student means discovering new things and pushing past limits. In their time at the 彩民宝典, Nicolas Tamayo went above and beyond those expectations and didn鈥檛 let fear hold them back.
鈥淚'm absolutely a different person than I was four years ago, and I hope to be able to continue growing as time goes on.鈥�
Nicolas Tamayo (Fren,JourSt鈥�24)
As he prepares to graduate, Tamayo will go on their greatest adventure yet: They were accepted to the highly competitive Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and will be teaching English in Montpellier, France.
鈥淚t can be daunting to try new things, especially if you鈥檙e going in by yourself,鈥� Tamayo said, 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 so much more rewarding and fulfilling to say yes to new opportunities, instead of saying no and missing out on what could have been.鈥�
Tamayo will be graduating as the William W. White Outstanding Senior for the Department of Journalism with degrees in both journalism and French. The White awards are chosen by CMCI faculty and honor students for their academic accomplishments, professional achievements and service to the college.
Service, in particular, defined Tamayo at CMCI: They participated as a resident assistant for summer bridge programs, served as president of CMCI student government and were active in multicultural organizations. As they go forward, they鈥檙e looking to continue that mindset.
鈥淚 want to work with people and help them find success in whatever they choose to set their mind to,鈥� Tamayo said.
Much of that relates to paying forward all the support they received as a Buff.
鈥淚 achieved so much more than I ever thought possible. Every person who鈥檚 been a part of my life and my network over the past few years has helped me to grow,鈥� they said. 鈥淚'm absolutely a different person than I was four years ago, and I hope to be able to continue growing as time goes on.鈥�