Name: Danielle Malabuyoc
Year: Senior
Major: Marketing and Management
Hometown: Walnut, California
As much as we all hate to admit it, finals week is here. Bring on the late night Dunkin runs, the all-nighters in study rooms and the phrase every college student knows all too well: “did I even learn this?” SHU’s Academic Resource Center (ARC) knows the struggle, and tutors like senior student, Danielle Malabuyoc, are there to help us survive this stressful week. Danielle sat down with Her Campus to talk about her experience with Seton Hall, her newly-landed job in the city and the ARC, which is ready to hand out helpful tips for hitting the books.
Her Campus (HC): Being so far from home, what inspired you to come to Seton Hall?
Danielle Malabuyoc (DM): I’ve always wanted to be in New York, and when I visited the city back in 2011, I fell in love. Seton Hall was an impulse decision because I had never visited the campus but I had this gut feeling that this was where I was meant to be. It’s close enough to the city where I can intern and visit often, but far enough where I can really be involved on campus and enjoy suburbia.
HC: What kind of clubs and activities are you involved in on campus?
DM: I’ve been a part of the Filipino League at Seton Hall for four years, and they have been my second family here. We just had our senior farewells and it was such a bittersweet moment because it was a moment where we could just express how grateful we all were for all the love and support we’ve received throughout our college careers.
I was also involved with Alpha Delta Chi for a year which helped me grow in my faith and realize that it goes a long way. It served as my support during my sophomore year and I’m very grateful to have been a part of it.
HC: Can you tell us a little about your internship in New York?
DM: I am the branding/licensing and social media intern for Coburn Communication, a mid-size PR firm in New York. I have been interning there for 9 months and have learned so much about marketing and PR. I have different accounts where I conduct social media analytics and figure out the best way possible to reach our clients’ target audience. It is still a learning process but I’ve found a new passion for social media marketing, so much that I’ve just accepted a position with Coburn as the new Social Media Coordinator.
HC: Can you tell us a little about your time and role at the ARC?
DM: I’ve been working at the ARC for 3 years now. I started as a Peer Adviser, a student mentor on campus. I had office hours 2 or 3 times a week where I would tutor or help the director. The following year, I decided to focus on tutoring and aiding the director as her office assistant. I have helped with SHU Tutopia, our largest tutoring event right before finals, as well as doing different projects such as research and data analyses. I also served as one of the spokespeople for the ARC and have presented on numerous occasions as well as attending open houses to show students our resources to help them succeed in college.
HC: How has the ARC benefitted you personally in your academic career?
DM: Working for the ARC has been one of the best decisions of my college career because I was able to really develop myself as a leader. If ever the director was out of office, I was in charge of the center and made sure that the center was running smoothly, as well as answering any questions students or staff may have. What I learned is that every student learns in a different way and it’s important to realize that so that you can cater your tutoring to fit their needs. Through tutoring, I’ve learned how to better understand my own learning habits and intrinsically motivate myself to succeed because I want to be a role model for other students.
HC: Can students still come in for tutoring/help with studying for finals?
DM: Of course! Tutoring ends May 2nd, and on Reading Day (May 3rd) we will hold SHU Tutopia from 3-6pm in the main lounge of the university center. We will have tutoring, prizes, food, and it’s just a great way to cram in some last minutes tips and tricks right before finals week.
HC: With graduation right around the corner, what are your plans for life after Seton Hall?
DM: I’m moving here permanently and working for my internship full time (as stated above). I’m so excited for this next chapter in my life and cannot wait for what the future holds. It’s going to be a big change but I think with all that I’ve experienced during my time at Seton Hall, I’m ready to start “adulting.”
HC: Do you have any advice for students just coming into Seton Hall?
DM: Life is going have its ups and downs, and every ounce of adversity is going to try to break you down. But I believe it is in those moments that you find the passion to push through no matter what, to pick yourself up from falling down no matter how difficult or painful it might be, to face every type of adversity with your head held high knowing that you have the willpower and drive to succeed despite the people rooting for you to fail, and finally, to be able to look back on every experience and smile. That is what being passionate means – that even in the face of failure you still find a way to succeed. So find what you’re passionate about no matter how long it takes because in the end, everything will fall into place and you’ll be a stronger person because of it.
Congratulations on graduation and cheers to your future, Danielle! Her Campus wishes you the best. For the rest of us, good luck on finals and may the odds be ever in your favor.