Samara
Since I was a child I’ve always loved to read, whether it’s fiction, personal growth, or mystery. I get mesmerized by how a book can make you feel like you are in an entirely different place. I also love to take pictures, and I love how much you can say with a simple image, this is part of the reasons why I choose my degree, I feel passionate about it and I think that is really important.
I graduated from high school in 2022 but had some trouble finding the right degree so I stayed home, nonetheless, I started working, and currently, I’m doing an internship with Monarch Effect Foundation.
I am looking forward to starting university this year, now that I know exactly what I want I’m excited to start learning everything and this new journey.
Working alongside the people of Monarch Effect Foundation has been an amazing opportunity for me, I’ve been able to use and enhance skills related to my degree, and I’ve also developed new skills that I think will be very valuable in my future.
STORY
Blog
May 2025
This month has been a handful, I started summer classes here at ASU. I decided that since I had so much time for summer, I should use part of that time to get started on some classes. I am taking my second and last English class and my second math class, Brief Calculus, which is proving to be a challenge, to this add that my classes started the 19th of this month and will be ending the 27th of the next month. So it’s a pretty short time, these are accelerated courses, so they are heavier.
Other than that most of my friends have left for summer break so it’s basically me and five other friends, which has been kind of lonely but in a good way. And I’m very happy to tell you that my roommate moved out! It did take me over four hours to clean the entire place but now I can use the kitchen and cook for myself which has been a fun experience. I am very excited to keep my studies going through the summer, as I feel that this will help me keep my focus on school and start taking some other courses earlier.
I also started a summer project for the Monarch Effect Foundation. This project is designed to keep social media active, I am seriously hoping that it works out great so that we can keep it going throughout the years.
April 2025
Hello! Well April has been a busy month, the end of the semester was coming to an end and as it picked up speed I found myself juggling school, projects, and personal changes all at once. But through it all, I learned a lot about what it means to stay grounded, ask for help, and celebrate small victories. This month also reminded me of the importance of community. Whether it was a study-group session or just checking in on each other, I felt the power of showing up and being there for the people around me. I learned the importance of creating spaces where we all grow together. I’m deciding to carry that mindset with me from now on, and not forgetting that growth doesn't always look like big achievements, it sometimes looks like failing and trying again.
March 2025
In addition to getting to know Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix better, I now know the campus really well. I've walked through almost all of it, and I’m impressed by how big it is; it’s huge. This month, I also went to a musical: Dear Evan Hansen. My sister Fernanda introduced me to it, and I’ve loved it ever since. In Cabo, we never have events like that, so now that I’m here, I’m really excited to finally have these kinds of opportunities so close. It was an incredible experience. I went with my Mexican friend Emilia and one of her friends, who also shares our love for musicals.
And yes, this month I had some of my first exams, and I’m happy to share that everything went great! Now I’m focused on keeping up the good work and continuing to develop the foundation’s website!
February 2025
This month has just started, and I’ve already met so many people. I was lucky to meet an amazing group of Mexican students. Now, not only do I have my group of international friends, but also a group from my own country, which has made me feel more at home. The first exams of the semester are coming up soon, and I’m a bit nervous, but I know everything will be okay. I’ve started the semester with really good grades and a lot of excitement to keep it that way.
So far, I haven’t explored much of Arizona, but I did go to an incredible art museum in Phoenix and did a very famous hike that took us almost two hours to climb, but my friend and I got down in just twenty minutes. Now, even though a lot of good things have happened, there have also been a few not-so-great ones, starting with my roommate. When I arrived, it was an unpleasant surprise. She’s a bit messy and not very communicative. But I know things will get better soon. I’ll see if there’s a way to switch rooms or just wait until the semester ends to find someone else to live with.…maybe a friend!
January 2025
January was a super busy month full of exciting things. I arrived in Tijuana during the first few days to process my student visa with my dad. About a week later, I arrived in Arizona on my own, and later that day my mom met me at my dorm to start buying the things I was going to need, lamps, sheets, shampoo, detergent, etc. The 13th of this month was my first day. In my first class, which had 300 people, I met Adrach, who’s in his second semester. A few weeks later, we already had a group of five friends—boys and girls. We’re all international students, very different from each other, but good friends and classmates in different classes. It was wild starting to study in such a big place, walking 15 minutes from my dorm to class every day, it’s been a super different and exciting experience.
December 2024
I’m so excited to share that not only was I accepted into ASU, but I was also awarded a scholarship! Now we’re just working on the student visa process. This month, I’ve been focused on getting everything ready to move to Phoenix, Arizona. I’m really excited to finally be so close to starting my college journey. I already have a dorm room assigned, and each day it all feels more real and closer. Now all that’s left is to enjoy a bit more time with my family before I leave, spending Christmas and New Year’s with everyone during such meaningful holidays.
November 2024
This month has been a handful—so many things have happened! Most importantly, I got accepted into ASU and am currently working on securing a scholarship. I've already been granted a housing scholarship, which is exciting. I'm super excited for what comes next! I also celebrated my birthday with my family. I turned 21, which feels both exciting and scary because it means I'm growing up, and it's all happening faster than I thought.
I also worked on a video for a fundraiser we had. You can watch the video on the English version of the website under the "Students" section, or on the YouTube channel called Monarch Effect Foundation. The video is titled "How Should Success Really Be Measured? (From a Student's Perspective)." Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/C1lD9qaoeBQ?si=xb0eNXJro8XQ-yqu
On another note, I haven’t made much progress on my books, but from what I have read, they’re just getting better. Both are quite interesting, though I’d particularly recommend "El cerebro depre" for anyone looking for a compelling and insightful read. It’s proving to be a great book!
Octubre 2024
I’m excited to share that I’ve finished the bilingual website, and although there are still some errors being worked out, the hard part is over. It was a super enriching experience that helped me a lot both personally and professionally. I’m grateful to Lisa for pushing me to take on this project and complete it. In addition to continuing to work on improving the website, I’ve been focusing on my university applications, writing essays, and working on MCI projects.
I’ve really enjoyed working and chatting with the other students from the foundation, and we’re now working on a challenge called 90/90/1 for our personal development. I’ve chosen to learn piano, and I have to admit I’m really enjoying it. Along with this activity from MCI, I’m reading a book called El cerebro depre and although I’m just getting started, I think it’ll be one of my favorite books. Personally, I’m also reading another book called The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry. I’ve always been very interested in books about psychology and psychiatry, and I think both of these books will give me something to talk about in my next blog.
August 2024
I am exited to say that I’m working on my application for ASU - Arizona State University, to peruse my career of strategic publicity and communication. Its an exciting opportunity as the university has made a special invitation to students of the Monarch Effect Foundation.
In the meantime, I keep myself busy with some work, mostly focusing on designing and building on a whole new spanish website for the Foundation which is amazing experience for me and my interests. And of course, there is the content for the Monarch Effect social media which is more behind the scenes work. I feel this will be helpful in my future regarding my future career.
During my personal free time I love to read, keep active by going to the gym and trying out new healthy recipes that I believe will help me on the future when I have to cook for myself.
I’m really exited to finish the website and keep working until it’s time to go to University.