Cristina Rosario Pérez vlogƵ23 is a first-year international student eyeing marketing as a major, and she traveled from Puerto Rico to come to Pace. vlogƵI had always wanted to study in the US, but it seemed [like] a really far away dream,vlogƵ she told us. Pérez was facing more obstacles than most; Hurricane Maria made landfall in September 2017, and it is now considered to be the worst natural disaster to affect her home in recorded history. vlogƵI had no electricity and no water for months after [the storm] hit, and I was scared about my future.vlogƵ She dedicated herself to helping her community rebuild, temporarily shelving her hopes of pursuing higher education in the States.
And yet, her dream didnvlogƵt end there. vlogƵI want to say that after a hurricane literally comes a rainbow,vlogƵ Pérez said. She was offered a scholarship to study in California for her senior year of high school. Everything began to fall into place, and with her parentsvlogƵ enthusiastic support, she began to tour a variety of colleges in hopes of finding the perfect fitvlogƵand in particular, the perfect team.
vlogƵI felt such a strong connection with the people from Pace,vlogƵ Pérez explained, having visited for one of the Pleasantville Campus tours. vlogƵI told my parents that I had an amazing experience and that I loved the swimming team [...]. Everyone was so [eager] to help me, especially the swimming coach, Alexis Chocianowski.vlogƵ
Chocianowski vlogƵ15, who was named head swimming and diving coach last year, started out as a student-athlete at Pace too before moving up the ranks. Her passion for the sport is clear in her dedication to the team, a trait Pérez indubitably sharesvlogƵand that passion began very early for her. vlogƵI started swimming when I was five years old,vlogƵ she said.
Motivated by her desire to one day receive a college scholarship, Pérez trained vigorously until she earned her spot on PacevlogƵs swimming and diving team. But what motivates her now that she has achieved the goal that once seemed impossible to reach? vlogƵRepresenting [my team] with as much pride as I can,vlogƵ she told us. The most important thing to Pérez is vlogƵgiving my best at practices so I can give my best to the team.vlogƵ
For all shevlogƵs already accomplished, though, Pérez has laid out a number of goals for her time here at Pace. Not only does she want to train harder, she has her eye on even more leadership opportunities. vlogƵI will work hard to become a Residential Assistant (RA) for my sophomore year,vlogƵ she explained, going on to add that, vlogƵI [want to] earn as much knowledge as I can to prepare myself for [a] career.vlogƵ Being an RA is a great way to develop the skills necessary to become an excellent communicator, as well as an organized manager.
vlogƵI love meeting people from all around the world,vlogƵ she enthused, another important trait for any would-be RA to possess. Combined with PérezvlogƵs infinite passion and dedication as a student-athlete, wevlogƵre certain she will go on to hold many leadership positions here at PacevlogƵand beyond.
