NYU SPS celebrated Spirit Week a little differently this year due to COVID-19, but was no less fun. Spirit Week celebrates our diverse community, and, although it was held virtually this year, always stirs up pride in our School and the people who make it what it is. The Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS) is very fortunate to enroll many student leaders, including those who were instrumental in making Spirit Week a success.
Carolina Valenzuela (BS in Leadership & Management Studies, ‘21), exemplifies leadership excellence in her roles as Social Media Chair of the SPS Undergraduate Student Council, and President of the SPS Student Association for Applied Studies (SAAS). Additionally, she serves on the NYU Student Government Assembly as Alternate Senator for Community College Transfer and First-Generation Students. Carolina transferred to NYU and will complete her degree this academic year.
In a recent interview, Carolina shared how her decision to transfer from community college to NYU has impacted her leadership degree path, and why she transferred to the NYU SPS Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies.
How has your time at SPS and DAUS shaped you as a leader? Why have you taken up leadership roles?
I became a student leader because, before transferring to NYU, I was involved at my community college, and I longed for a community like that one at NYU. I have taken leadership roles to be able to give back to the SPS community and specifically to be of support for post-traditional students.
What’s it like to be a student at DAUS?
The student community at SPS is very diverse and inclusive. We are from so many cultural and professional backgrounds, and we come together into a melting pot of excellence, not only academically, but also in how we build each other up professionally and personally. It is a pleasure to be a student at DAUS where I can grow inside and outside of the classroom to new heights through networking and the resources offered.
How did you find out about DAUS?
I found out about DAUS as I completed my Associate degree at Bronx Community College through a mentor that nominated me for the CCTOP scholarship, and I was automatically drawn to the School based on the broad offerings of courses and how affordable, seamless, and achievable CCTOP and SPS made it to transfer.
What are your plans or pursuits after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on starting my own non-profit to focus on tackling homelessness and food insecurity in NYC and in higher education. I also plan on pursuing my Masters in Education at NYU.