I am a Pepperdine alum with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications and a minor in Multimedia Design. As a first-generation college student, I am motivated to embark on a journey to pursue my dreams and create a better future for myself and my family, thus making my story one of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Furthermore, as a first-generation student, my diverse background and experiences have shaped me into a global thinker who values inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of life. In high school, I was a member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) for three years, which helped me to develop leadership skills and gain real-world experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, and business by giving me the opportunity to attend various marketing and business conferences. By participating in competitive events, role plays, and case studies, I was also able to develop my professional skills while also interacting with industry professionals in the process. Additionally, the classes that I’ve taken at Pepperdine have provided me with the skill sets necessary to be successful in marketing, such as research, critical thinking, public speaking, project management, and design skills. Furthermore, my Multimedia Design minor has greatly supplemented my major by allowing me to experiment with different design programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. My experience with design has enhanced my creative thinking and communication skills by teaching me how to convey ideas and messages in visually compelling ways and creating engaging stories through the use of art. This diverse skill set will make me a more versatile and adaptable professional, especially in the marketing and advertising fields where creativity and innovation are highly valued traits. During the summer of 2023, I was a social media and marketing intern for Diverse Cinemas, and using the skills I’ve acquired throughout my education, I assisted the company in creating weekly social media posts and content that helped to reach specific target audiences, as well as assist the company in conducting research. Throughout my time here at Pepperdine, I have learned a tremendous amount not only about marketing and multimedia design, but also about myself and the values and skill sets that I can bring to the table. As a lifelong learner, I am committed to continuous growth and learning in this ever-evolving marketing landscape, and I look forward to what the future holds for me.