Meet Anielka, aside from being one of the friendliest and personable faces at FIU this future leader has made her mark on campus with only two years at this university. You’ll probably see her around jetting off to class or putting in work for one of her numerous organizations, always with a smile on her face. Her contributions to our school make her the perfect campus celebrity. Take the chance to read more about one of FIU’s most valuable panthers.
Name: Anielka M. Cortes
Major: Public Relations/International Relations and a minor in Marketing
Year: Sophomore
What are some of your campus involvements?
- What am I not involved in?! Well, for starters I work as an Academic Mentor for the students of Project Panther LIFE (learning is for everyone), a transitional program offered to students with disabilities. I’ve picked up quite a few leadership roles with some of the organizations I am active in this semester including taking on the role of President for MVP (Most Valuable Panthers), an all-inclusive club created and run by the students of this program; Jr. Events Coordinator for Delta Epsilon Iota, an academic honor society, and Secretary for the Rotaract Club, a service club. I’m also an active member of UNICEF at FIU, American Marketing Association, Roaring Concepts and I’ve also recently added SPC Street Team Member to the list!
How did you get involved with panther life?
- Well, I was making a year working at Macy’s retail store when I was already feeling like I needed a change of environment. My sister actually presented me with the opportunity when she got the word from one of her professors. As I applied for the job I got to learn more about the program and once I was accepted everything just kind of clicked.
What do you like most about working there?
- Honestly? Everything! Aside from the fact that it’s a very flexible and rewarding job to have, I’ve grown to love everyone who plays a role within the program. It’s like a second family. You know you can always count on one another!
How do you make time for all your involvements?
- I never sleep! No, I’m kidding. Honestly, it’s all just scheduling everything out. I have a planner filled with important meeting and deadline dates and times! At the end of the day, you make time for the things that truly matter to you and each one of my involvements matters to me!
What do you aspire to do in the future?
- My practical goal is to initially begin working with a PR firm in order to gain greater experience and knowledge, and then eventually I plan on starting-up my own PR firm. If we’re being adventurous, then I plan on founding and building up a global non-profit that aims to help all causes.
What is something not a lot of people know about you?
- I’ll tell you one thing that’s not a surprise, my love of basketball! Once a Miami Heat fan ALWAYS a Miami Heat fan! I love playing too, although I don’t get the chance to do so often! Of course, there are quite a few things that some people seem to find surprising. One being that I can be pretty artsy and creative! If I hadn’t chosen my current career path, graphic design would have easily been my second choice. I used to paint and sketch, I don’t get to do this much now, but I always try to bring that creativity into any kind of project where I am allowed to do so! I am also a pretty good singer… or so I have been told! Anything else, you’ll have to find out for yourself!