International Vision: Zelica Avila

Name: Zelica Avila

Major: Finance

Classification: Senior 

Graduation date: Spring 2024

Hometown: Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico 

Extracurricular activities: “I started going to the gym recently and have been practicing piano for several years. When I started going to the gym, I started learning to cook other things to eat healthier. So, I would say that that is another activity, I think.”

What are the differences between your hometown and the United States? “People are different, because cultures are different, although we are on the border. The culture in terms of education is different. The learning method of education is different and also how the people are. When I came here, I adapted very well. Although maybe they speak Spanish on this side of [the border], there are people who only speak English. So, I also have to adapt. If someone doesn’t know Spanish, I have to speak to them in English and all that. But I would say that is the difference that I have noticed.”

If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? “Tamales. I never get tired of tamales. I really like the chicken ones and the rajas with cheese. So, I think maybe I could eat that all the time.”

What is on your bucket list? “Travel. I recently traveled to Jamaica. I had never traveled to any country other than Mexico or the United States. So, I really liked the experience, just being in another culture, meeting other people from another place and how they talk, how they relate, all that. I would like to travel to other countries and learn about other cultures. That’s what I would like to do in the next few years with my family. For example, I would like to go to Europe. I would like to go to Edinburgh, which is in Scotland. I would like to go to Switzerland, to those places, for the landscapes and all that. I would like to go to South Korea, because a friend and I have been planning to see when we go, so I would like to go there, too.”

Who is your role model? “I would say my dad because he came from a family with few resources, maybe not the same opportunities that I have right now. So, he is my role model for that. He is always motivating me to be better, to always give the best version of myself. Never give up, don’t make excuses, it’s all in my mind. I can do it if I put my mind to it.”

Why did you choose finance as your major? “My dad. He didn’t study finance; he studied engineering, but he has always advised me that when I graduate, or even before I graduate, to plan to not be an employee, but rather be my own boss. So, I went for that major. And after that, I would like to study a master’s degree in business administration.”

What advice would you give other international students? “To try to get out of your comfort zone. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. Get out of your comfort zone, get involved in more things, whether it’s at the university or in the community here. Going to clubs, all that and trying to meet more people and get involved in any way.”

–Compiled by Fatima Gamez Lopez