Breena at the IEEC Officer Retreat
Name: Breena Miller
Age: 27
Major: Communicative Disorders
Hometown: Sandpoint, Idaho
So you’re the domestic president of the IEEC, tell us more about what exactly that is and what you do?
The International Education Exchange Council (IEEC) is the largest student-run organization on campus at SFSU comprising of over 1500 students–both international and domestic. The purpose of our organization is to bring students together and inspire intercultural connection and friendship. At the same time, we raise money for scholarships, for those who will study abroad the following semester. Ten committees form the backbone of IEEC, creating an assortment of events from bonfires, skydiving, cultural dinners, museums and even weekend excursions to famous landmarks like Tahoe and Yosemite. This semester, we plan to throw at least 90 events and raise enough money for three $1000 scholarships–to be honest, I think we are going to top this!
How did you get involved in the IEEC?
I kind of knew about the organization before I studied abroad, but I never really looked into it. When I came back from studying abroad, I wanted to do everything I could to stay connected to my experience. The closest thing I could do was join IEEC, and it has become one of the best decisions of my life. Last semester, I represented the PR and Marketing committee, and I also worked closely with the IEEC advisor in the Office of International Programs. I invested myself full throttle “behind the scenes”, which was incredibly stressful at times. Because I was an inside source, they just started calling me the IEEC Consultant.
Why did you decide to run for president?
Haha, well, last semester I wanted to do it so badly but since I got a job in the Office of International Programs, my boss (the IEEC advisor) told me that all the work might make me crazy–and it’s a great thing he did! I didn’t run that semester, and I was still more stressed out than I had ever been with my courses and work and graduate applications and everything else that comes your way senior year. This semester, I was on the fence and didn’t actually make a decision until the final seconds. I wanted the position for two reasons: one, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity (and I tend to not let these opportunities pass me by!) and two, I know a lot about the organization and I feel like I can guide everyone within it to achieve their goals and their greatest potential. I think when it comes down to it, it was about believing in myself–believing in myself and having the confidence to take on the challenge, knowing that I will make mistakes and I won’t always be everybody’s friend. I owe a lot to my friends and mentors because they believe in me and remind me of my potential. My boss believed in me too, which really meant a lot to me! The international president is also my “international buddy”, and I thought her and I would make a really great team (and we do!)
How has your experience studying abroad influenced your life?
I studied in Germany for a year, in between my junior and senior year actually. My major, Communicative Disorders, is one of the only majors you can’t study abroad at SFSU and although I wouldn’t be graduating “on time”, I saw studying abroad as (again) a once in a lifetime opportunity. I applied heavily to scholarships and ended up gaining a full ride abroad… I think that must be one of my greatest accomplishments. I haven’t always been a stellar student, in fact, it’s taken me some time to get where I am today. Studying abroad itself has been a huge influence for who I am today. I have so much more confidence in myself to take on risks and challenges that life presents me, not because I think I will dominate or be good at everything, but because I know that with risks and challenges comes opportunity and growth. These are experiences that make you a stronger and well rounded individual.
Breena in Germany
What is the Global Ambassador program?
The Global Ambassador program is an opportunity for study abroad alumni to represent culture and globalization while sharing their experience of studying abroad. Global Ambassadors represent the core values of SFSU–courage and resilience. Students do it for a lot of different reasons, but I did it because study abroad had influenced me so profoundly, that I wanted to let others know that hey, SFSU has this once in a lifetime opportunity and you should take advantage of that! So many people don’t even know that study abroad exists. Our university has one of the best programs in the nation, and everyone should know about it. I’ve become so passionate about the whole thing that I might go off on a tangent if I go on…
How do you plan to pursue your major as a career? Or what career path do you see yourself taking?
Well, right now I’ve put my eggs in many different baskets. I’m studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, but everything outside my studies screams international relations. I’ve applied to masters programs in California, Fulbright in Germany, and also masters programs in Germany. Things change a lot in my life, and I am very open to change, but I have never felt so passionate about going back to Germany. If I have it my way, I will study neurolinguistics in Germany.
Do you work outside of school as well?
I work at the Office of International Programs part time. Everything that I do outside of my classes are international related, it’s become my passion!
What are some of your hobbies?
I love writing while listening to deep, melodic, meditative music… For the last few years I’ve been writing a fantasy novel about parallel universes, dreaming and time travel. I also love dancing to deep house and techno.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a fake tooth!
IEEC Spring 2015 Officers
Thanks so much Breena! Your inspiring attitude and accomplishments make you this week’s Campus Celeb! If you want to know more about the organization Breena is involved in (the IEEC), check out sfsuieec.com!