Hello! My name is Yaileen, a dedicated Boston College sophomore majoring in Accounting for Finance and Consulting within the Carroll School of Management. As a first-generation college student, I am immensely passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion, mentoring peers, and encouraging underrepresented students to pursue higher education. As a mentor, I support first-generation and minority students by providing academic guidance, career advice, and personal mentorship. I work to create an inclusive environment by addressing unique challenges and connecting students with valuable resources. By helping freshmen navigate their first year, I aim to build a strong and supportive community within the business school. I hope to be a source and help to you!

Hometown

Chicago, IL

Major(s)

Accounting for Finance and Consulting

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Sophmore Representative in the Mexican Association of Students at Boston College

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was smoother than expected in some ways, as I had participated in in-person college programs since my freshman year of high school at the University of Chicago and didn’t struggle with homesickness. However, I faced unexpected challenges in taking myself seriously as a student. At first, I underestimated the difficulty of balancing my major and university core classes, despite warnings from others. I also struggled with effective studying, time management, and organization, which led to learning some tough lessons early on. In my spring semester, I sought help from a professor of Career Bridge, a course designed for first-generation and POC students, and it was transformative. With their guidance, I accessed tutors, a student mentor, organizational tools, and time management strategies that helped me turn my grades and college experience around. These resources taught me to work smarter, manage my responsibilities, especially as a student worker, that set me up for success.

Tip for future students

I have struggled immensely with going to a prestgous university like Boston College and always felt like I am behind on securing internships, having a great resume, research positions on campus, and so much more. But, my biggest tip is to remind yourself that you are not behind on anything and your timing isn't wrong. Your path is just different and there is no shame in taking longer! You might not be where you want to be but, let go of a timeline! You should have expectations but, understand that things are going to happen for you when the time is right and you'll know it! In addition, to take your time seriously, but also give yourself grace as you adjust. I wish I had known how crucial it is to prioritize organization and time management from the start. Using apps or planners can make a huge difference in staying on top of deadlines and responsibilities. Proactively seek support when you need it and not hesitate to ask for help just because you think you will [eventually] figure it out. I wish I had known how crucial effective study habits and strong time management skills are for success. Don’t underestimate the workload, and focus on building study habits that work for you. It’s okay to learn and grow along the way! I am still working on this myself. Also, please make sure to build connections, It is incredibly important and there is a reason so many say so!! I don't know what my process would have looked like if I didn't seek out my professor, mentors, or campus resources early on—whether it’s for academics, adjusting socially, or finding balance. Taking yourself seriously and leveraging available support WILL greatly enhance your college experience and academic performance.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been 'A World Without Us', an Enduring Questions course for freshmen. The class explored fascinating topics like imagining a world without human civilization or a world overwhelmed by the consequences of human overconsumption, such as global warming. Despite being a large class, the professor made it highly interactive with group discussions and creative projects. What made it even more enjoyable was the professor’s humor and ability to connect with us, often using student lingo to make the classroom environment more relatable and fun. The intriguing content and engaging atmosphere made every session memorable!

Career goals

I am still quite stuck on this topic as I am still exploring potential paths I would find interesting. But, hopefully an answer to come soon!

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is by cooking and experimenting with new recipes, then sharing the dishes with friends or family! If I’m not in the kitchen, I love going out shopping and exploring—whether it’s trying out different restaurants, visiting pop-up events, or enjoying interactive experiences.

High school or secondary school

Rauner College Prep