Her Story
About Yoseline
I am a full-time student at Florida State University, where I am pursuing an Interdisciplinary Social Science degree with a primary concentration in Anthropology and a secondary concentration in Sociology. I have been working in my field for about a year now, though it is still barely developing as I balance my studies. My main area of expertise is nonprofit engagement and advocacy, specifically for nonprofit organizations that serve minorities and first-generation students like myself. What led me to this path is that I always strive to have representation specifically in leader-rooted services. Being raised by a single mother who worked in agriculture fields, I learned the importance of representing advocacy for minorities and first-generation students, and I learned early on the importance of resilience and demonstrating that through actions and not just words. Recently, out of 172 applicants, I was selected as one of the top 10 to be a transfer student champion, and I received an award as an official recipient for the Tau Sigma chapter for transfer students. I also serve as vice president of the Carabico chapter at Florida State University. Beyond my academic and advocacy work, I was selected to be a Division I women's wrestler, and I continue to work with the South Dade Girls Wrestling Team, helping high school students understand the importance of being a woman in a wrestling sport that is not very girl-friendly but is competitive and teaches confidence in a different way. Outside of school, I mentor other students who are like me, whether they have a transfer student background, are first generation, or are just trying to acclimate themselves in a new environment. I also run a successful press-on nail business called Yo Yo Nails, where I have always been big on the arts and show my creativity outside of the academic sense, ensuring that my clients, who I consider like my sisters, have the satisfaction of being able to express themselves, even if it is in the tip of their nails.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yoseline
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was in Spanish: 'no te rajes mija,' which basically means in English, do not give up on your dreams. It means to stay rooted into where you're from, but always be prideful of your background and your cultural background. Even with the adversities that you face, remember who you are and why you are doing it. Ever since I was a little kid, that was probably one of the biggest advice that I had regarding the career aspect of what I want to do now.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't give up. Although it sounds very cliche, even before I was transferred here to Florida State, I was selected to be a Division I women's wrestler, and even being a wrestler, it's still something that's very foreign, especially in today's society. But being one of those trailblazers, do not give up on those opportunities that are there at hand. Even if you don't become a national champion, the fact that you still willingly put the effort and were determined to do something, that's what matters the most. Show it with your actions, not with words.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is just ensuring that, although people say things like 'are you sure you're gonna go far with it? Where is it going to take you? It's very unstable,' I understand where they're coming from, but it's always a question of are you going to give in or are you going to give up. It's such a dream that's so far to accomplish, but I know I'm capable of doing it. There are plenty of opportunities in that aspect. People who doubt you always kind of motivate me to show them with my actions, not with words.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and just being kind to others are most important to me. Everyone has gone through the most adversities and a lot of obstacles, but just remembering that being kind and also just being respectful towards everyone, I feel and I know the world would be a better place if everyone was just more accommodating, showing empathy, and just being respectful at the end of the day. Treat others how you want to be treated. And a big factor is being humble, too. Even if people feel like they have everything in the world, even with the accomplishments and the prestigious awards that I have, I'm still human. I still have emotions, and I do have days where I feel great and days where I don't feel great. We should all respect that in each other and foster a community of just understanding and nothing but supported and unconditional love.
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