MARIA JOSE PINEDA
Born and raised in Venezuela, middle child to a family of 6, I grew up to be a very extroverted individual. All my life I have been interested in meeting different people, getting to know different cultures and exploring the world. That's why when I moved to Miami a new world of opportunity opened up for me!
What initially started as a "I will move to the US in hope for a better future" turned out to be the best decision I have ever taken in my life. The cultural mix that surrounds this city is undeniably incredible and it allowed me to finally discover my true passion, meeting new people and learning about different cultures.
GET TO KNOW ME
we cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware we cannot help but change.
"
- Sheryl Sandberg
I am currently a graduating senior double majoring in Accounting and Data Analytics. My journey through FIU has been some of the best and hardest years of my life. Throughout my two years as a panther (I am a transfer student from Miami Dade College) I have been able to accomplish more than I ever thought possible.
I became President of the largest student organization in the College of Business, ALPFA, and was named student OF THE YEAR (crazy, I know) at the 2020 ALPFA National Convention. I was also part of the Honors College, which allowed me to take the most challenging yet most rewarding class of my undergrad "Thinking, Design and Impossible Problems" taught by Robert Hacker. It was in this class that with a group of three amazing individuals decided to participate in the Hult on Campus Competition where we created a business idea to 3D print bicycle tires that were eco-friendly and biodegradable (we won the competition, click the MOSS3D tab to learn more).
Being a global student allowed me to discover a whole new world of possibilities (literally), it broadened my perspective to things I wasn't aware of, it introduced me to cultures and different people from across the globe that I know will be my friends for the many years to come. But most importantly, it showed me that we are all unique but at the same time so similar and we all live in a globalized world.
It has been such a rewarding and academically challenging experience and I wouldn't change a single thing. I have met the most amazing friends ever and cultivated some beautiful relationships with peers and professors. I know that I will always be extremely proud of being a Panther!!
Scroll through the tabs above to read more in depth about my story and journey as a Panther, an Honors student and a Global student.