International Student and Intern.. a double life
I was born in Lima, Peru, a vibrant city in South America known for its sunny weather and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. At 15, I told my parents I wanted to explore the world, to change, and to grow. They were confused about what I meant by all that. Could you imagine a 15-year-old saying all that? Was I going through an identity crisis? Was I already thinking about my future at such a young age? Funny enough, I was telling them that I wanted to leave Peru and study abroad. At 15, my mind was clear.
Five years later, in a new and different country, I am a senior at Temple University studying Advertising and International Business. I am involved in a national Latino professional organization and interning at Econsult Solutions, a boutique consultancy that focuses on providing analysis and insights at the intersection of economics, planning, and public policy.
If I could only tell my younger self that she made it this far. Moving here alone, I encountered many challenges adapting to the culture, classes, and language. Although it might sound overwhelming, all of those hardships taught me something, led me to new opportunities, and made me the person I am today, guiding me to this point at Econsult Solutions. Being an international student interning in an American company, within an American cultural context, has been a profound learning experience. It fills me with joy to be part of it, to see how people interact, how language changes in a professional business setting, and how individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to work for a common good. This is exactly what I wanted to experience.
I live a double life. As an international student, I navigate the academic and social expectations of university life while also adapting to the professional tasks of my internship. On Tuesdays, I go to the office to work on my tasks and projects, and attend meetings with my department. The next day, I attend five classes and study in the library.
This duality has taught me resilience and adaptability. Balancing my studies and internship has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned to manage my time effectively, communicate across cultural boundaries, and bring a unique perspective to my work. This experience has not only shaped my professional skills but also enriched my personal growth. I am proud of the person I have become and excited for the future that lies ahead.
Flavia, I just wanted to say how much I admire your storytelling. Your journey at 15 is really inspiring; you had the determination to take on a transformative path, even when it was tough. It’s impressive how you embraced new cultures while balancing school and work. You’ve really turned challenges into opportunities for growth, both in your personal life and your career. Your experiences show us that when we step out of our comfort zones, we can discover amazing things and open up new possibilities. Keep sharing your story; it resonates with so many!
Flavia, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your background and story. It’s truly inspiring to hear about your journey and how you’ve embraced every challenge. Ironically, I was going through a similar identity crisis at age 12—though mine was much more childish, worrying about whether I’d find a job in the future. I admire how you had such clear aspirations at a young age and took the bold step to explore the world and chase them. Hearing your story really opens my eyes to a different perspective—one that encourages me to face my fears and embrace new experiences with more courage. Thank you for sharing and for being such an inspiration!