Major

Health Policy and Administration

Beyond the Classroom

I am the treasurer of the Puerto Rico Student Association at Penn State and a member of the Penn State gymnastics club. Off campus, I volunteer at Mount Nittany Medical Center and work as a gymnastics coach for young girls.

Why Penn State?

This University offered such a great academic experience and such a great opportunity to learn about a whole world that was unknown to me, but the best thing has turned out to be the people. I have friends from so many cultures, and my professors have really become my mentors.

Biggest Surprise

I fell in love with the winter! I come from a place where it is summer the whole year around, and just the idea of using a coat and scarf was exciting.

Scholarship Story

I grew up in Caguas, Puerto Rico, where the idea of studying at an incredible school like Penn State seemed like a dream. Applying and being accepted here meant a lot to me, but I knew that it was only the first step. Money was a huge obstacle standing between me and what I wanted to achieve. The day that I received the letter telling me that I received the Salizzoni Family Foundation Scholarship changed my life. It made me realize that I could be Latina, I could come from a lower-income family, and I could still have the chance to prove to everyone how much I have to give. I will be forever thankful for that.

Future Plans

I want to work for a health care consulting firm for a few years after I graduate and then earn a master’s degree.