Miriam Rodriguez-Aguilera

Miriam Rodriguez-Aguilera

Miriam Rodriguez-Aguilera is a transfer marketing major from Minnesota

Hometown: Minnesota

Year: Expected graduation: 2022

Major: Marketing and Spanish minor

Transfer from: Drake University

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was growing up, my dream was to be a pediatrician. It's a completely different career from what I am pursuing now, which is marketing. I took another path in my career because in my junior year of high school, I realized how much I liked business. I aspire to open my own businesses and become a strong, independent businesswoman. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is marketing, with a digital marketing certificate and a Spanish minor. I decided on this major because I want to work with advertising and communications. Marketing allows me to use my creative side for website and advertisement creation. It also allows me to learn professional business communication skills.  

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
After transferring to NIU during the middle of the pandemic, I was completely lost. I love how NIU makes me feel like I've been part of the school since the beginning of my academic career. As a student who hasn't been on campus for classes, I definitely feel like I've been going to NIU for a while now. 

How have you connected with other students virtually to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have met the few friends I have through classes and group projects. Everyone is very nice and understands how difficult it must be for someone new to come into campus when everything is virtual. Also, through College of Business student organizations like MSAB and WIBP, I have been able to create new friendships with other members. 

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am currently part of the Marketing Student Advisory Board (MSAB) and Women in Business Professions (WBP). These organizations have helped me learn more about being an NIU student, and they have made me feel welcomed. For someone who doesn't know too many people due to not being on campus in person, I've made strong friendships with members of these organizations. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors has been Jenny Redisi. She's always positive and has great energy, even for our 9:30 a.m. course. She teaches Marketing 350, Principles of Selling. Although I'm not interested in going into selling for the rest of my life, she has taught me a lot about understanding customers and comprehending their needs. This course taught me how to not be shy; through role-playing I learned how to sell to potential customers. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Unfortunately, the only spot I've been on campus is the Holmes Student Center for the bookstore. I haven't had the chance to go to other spots since I spend most of my time in my apartment or in Minnesota for school. 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
Don't be afraid to apply to multiple colleges! Be open about your options and try to take campus tours if you can. Make sure the college you choose has your career field and/or something close to it. As a high schooler, you may not know what you want to do right away, but that's definitely okay for a new college student!

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
I had to learn how to manage my time differently. I have always been a big planner. I use my phone and an actual planner to write down my assignments/tasks. As a college student I have to juggle school and work, so being able to break down my week and plan ahead was something that took a bit of time for me to adjust to. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax, I usually like to cook a nice meal and watch Hulu or Netflix. I'm a big fan of taking time for yourself and stepping away from any stress when needed. By taking warm baths and enjoying some free time, you can relax, which is very important. 

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