Estefania Rivera Gonzalez

Major: Finance and Economics , International Studies

Class of: 2017

I grew up in a small town in Mexico and came to the United States when I was ten years old. Like many others, my mom brought me to the U.S. for a better education. When it came time for college, I expected to go back to Mexico due to cost, but I sent my application to Sierra Nevada College just to see if I would be accepted. I received my acceptance letter with a full ride scholarship from IVGID. I am so thankful for this opportunity to study in the States and to stay here in Incline Village to hike, snowboard, and volunteer at Incline High School.

“As long as I can remember, I’ve liked learning about different countries, languages, religions, and cultures.”

In high school, I took AP Human Geography which allowed me to visit a new region of the world during each class. Coming back to reality at the end of class was always difficult! I already speak Spanish and English, and I am learning Chinese to prepare myself for global business. So when it came time to chose a major, I knew that International Studies was right for me.  After taking economics classes, I realized that both areas of study were important for my future and decided to add a major in Finance and Economics.

I will be the first person in my family to graduate college so I have to make it count! My professors and mentors here at SNC have been role models for all of their students because they have first hand experience working in their fields. I have participated in business competitions for the Honors Program and for many clubs here on campus – SNC has truly inspired me.

After graduation I hope to continue on to graduate school to study International Relations. I plan on focusing on business opportunities in Mexico and in China. I see myself traveling the global community. My dream is to go to India, the Caribbean, South East Asia, and Europe to immerse myself in their rich cultures. Eventually I want to just pick a point on the map and travel there the next day!

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