Name: Beatriz Suzette Malagon
Year: Senior
Hometown: Born in Miami Beach, FL; Raised in Hialeah, FL
Major: Criminology & International Affairs
Relationship Status: Taken
Courtesy: Beatriz Malagon
Her Campus (HC): Are you in any organizations?
Beatriz Malagon (BM): Most definitely am! I am currently the Alpha Xi Chapter President of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. We are a Latina based, but not Latina exclusive, sorority. We love to explore diversity and celebrate each other’s differences. I am a part of the FSU Community Ambassador Program, and my assigned local non-profit is Capital City Youth Services. As an ambassador I strive to create real change by acting as both a representative of the student body in the community, as well as a representative for my assigned agency in FSU. I am also the Community Outreach Facilitator for Capital City Youth Services. I am in charge of taking volunteers from FSU to the agency site every Saturday. While at the agency I’m in charge of facilitating the service activity of the day, which usually involves playing sports or videogames with the kids, hanging out with them, or doing craft projects. This year I had the most amazing opportunity to become a Camp Counselor for the FSU Chapter of Camp Kesem! This organization puts up a free week of camp for kids whose lives have been touched by a parent or guardian’s cancer. This semester I was inducted into the 2015 Seminole Torchbearers organization! Those who become nominated tend to be students who have exemplified outstanding leadership and service to student life at Florida State University.
HC: Why did you choose Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.?
BM: I would never trade the laughs, experience and bonds I’ve made for anything in the world. I chose this sorority because it had that “home away from home” vibe. All the sisters were genuine and very different from one another, but the love they shared for each other was beautiful. The organization welcomes women from all kinds of culture and different walks of life. They embrace diversity and celebrate each other’s uniqueness. It was truly wonderful feeling like I belonged and could still be myself.
HC: What has been the highlight of being a sister in Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.?
BM: My SIA highlight has to be traveling to Chicago for Founders weekend back in 2013 and meeting sisters from all over the nation! These are ladies I’ve never met in my life, but something about being a part of the precious and rare organization made it feel like being with family. The love is unconditional, the memories are unforgettable and the strolling never stops!
Courtesy: Beatriz Malagon
HC: What do you do for fun?
BM: I’m a community service enthusiast. Whenever there is a service project I try to be involved in it. I also enjoy indulging in art projects and creating my own comics. The best way for me to express myself is through a pencil and art pad. I absolutely love traveling! I always have a twitch for adventure. I try to not let my finances get in the way of my wanderlust ways.
HC: What is your ideal date?
BM: I’ve had countless dates with my boyfriend. But by far my favorite one has to be the surprise Las Vegas trip! We went to the two-day music festival, Rock in Rio. The main event for us was Bruno Mars, because when we were juniors in high school he was our first concert together. So, seeing Bruno Mars again after 5 years was really cool and thoughtful for my boyfriend to make happen. During the musical event, we got on a Ferris wheel and enjoyed the Vegas scenery. Alexis, my boyfriend, also recorded me zip-lining over the crowd right before Bruno Mars went up to perform! After the spectacular show we went up and down the Las Vegas strip and tried our luck in casinos and spent the entire night stumbling into the most random adventures. The only “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” moment we had was our money staying at the casinos.
HC: How does it feel to be a senior?
BM: It’s such a relief I made it this far! I’ve had to overcome many obstacles to get this far. I started off as being a first generation college student, exploring things on my own. Then financial and family stress became a component. My mom’s health started declining and I had to keep an eye on her, take care of her and take her to doctor visits. My sophomore year my mother moved to Panama, since health insurance is not an issue for her there. I was parent-less for a good chunk of my college career. But then an additional obstacle started to flare up my junior year. I was pre-diagnosed with Endometriosis and recently diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Both of these conditions disable me from completing daily tasks due to the overbearing amount of symptoms and the unbearable bodily pain that keeps me from getting out of bed. I am currently still adjusting and struggling with these factors while staying on top of my academics. It hasn’t been easy, but I am confident that in the end everything will work out. What keeps me motivated are the values my mother raised me with and my willingness to follow my dreams.
HC: What are some of your best qualities?
BM: My friends tend to say that I’m hardworking, determined, resilient and loyal. Personally, I am the kind of person who is willing to help others as much as possible. I align myself really well with the description of what a servant leader is.