Amanda Rodarte is this weeks Special Senior Spotlight! Her presence on campus is very real and the work she’s done is incredible. Amanda has so much to tell to fellow Katie’s in an interview I had with her! So read closely.
Q: You only have one more semester left at St. Kate’s, how are you feeling?
Amanda: I am feeling super excited about the future. I think about all the possibilities that exist for me and how I really, truly have no limit and that’s because of my time here at St. Kates’ and because of my amazing mom and aunt. It’s also, dare I say, scary in a way, but it comes with the territory of being on the verge of starting a new phase in your life. At the end of it all, I think about how much I deserve this new phase of my life and how I’ve been strong enough to make it this far. At this point I feel like I can and will do anything that I set my mind to. If I want it, it can be mine and that’s powerful.
Q: Do you think you’ve done everything in your power to have a successful time in your undergrad years? Are there any regrets?
Amanda: I think I’ve done a pretty good job at making sure that I push and motivate myself to want more and do more as a student. I’ve challenged myself to go the extra mile and take opportunities even if they’re new and intimidating, which can be a really hard thing to do. Realizing I had the power to do that was one of the most self-empowering moments I’ve had and it has helped me grow a tremendous amount. One of my regrets is not being involved or as close to the MIPS office as I am now, during my freshman and sophomore year. I think if I had been more aware and involved, I would have started my leadership roles much earlier. I will always, always regret not being a MIPS student-peer mentor. In terms of academics, I think a skill that is really important to learn is to know what you know and what you don’t know and be able to ask for help when you need it. I think that’s a strength. I don’t think I would have survived an undergrad education if I didn’t reach out to teachers, form good relationships with the professors, ask questions, and stay connected with professors and peers. I formed a network around me and it helped me succeed even during times where that was difficult. It’s okay to admit that and talk about it because it’s part of growing and learning.
Q: Throughout your time at St. Kate’s, what have you been able to accomplish?
Amanda: It feels really good to be able to say that I have accomplished so much at St. Kate’s as a psychology student and as a first generation student. I would say my first major accomplishment as a psychology major was doing independent research with two amazing peers and an amazing professor. My research was on intergenerational anxiety and depressive symptoms in families that were involved in child protection services. This research helped me figure out what I want to do which is work with diverse families and LGBT youth as well as doing research by and for the community. I was able to submit and present my research along with my peers and professors at a research conference, ISTSS, comprised of mainly doctorate and postodcotral researchers. Before my research, my leadership started with becoming a co-president for P.R.I.D.E.. My favorite part about PRIDE leadership was being part of the process that bascially brought a very important club back to an active status. One of my favorite moments was being able to draw from my own life experiences in the past and merge it with my newfound queer identity, which birthed Queer Prom. Throughout my college years I had always been a part of the Latinx Student Association club and I was really passionate about it that I became vice president and then president. LSA formed a great community that helped me feel safe, welcome, and part of St. Kate’s. At this point during my leadership career, I learned a lot of things about what it meant to be a leader, how to manage stress, and how to self-care. This was a really fun, challenging, and yes, a very stressful time as a president for two clubs at the same time. It was one of the most rewarding thigns I’ve done and I wouldn’t change those experiences for anything. After taking a break and step away from leadership I decided to join the First Generation Scholars League board and we’ve aleady done amazing things this semester.
Q: Being away from California, has it been easy to accept Minnesota as your home away from home? What would you say has been the hardest thing about being from so far away?
Amanda: Initially, no. The first year and a bit of my second year consisted of me missing home a lot and always wanting to return. Over the years, I’ve grown to really like the Twin Cities and become accustomed to it. It’s llike knowing two places like the back of your hand, which is a good thing. The hardest part has to be dealing with two locations which means dealing with missing people and always being expected to come home and learning to love a place and opening up your possibilities. The two clash which can be hard to deal witih. Also, arguable the second hardest thing about being far away is the food. There’s nothing like L.A’s culture and diversity, and the food is the best. There’s nothing like homemade Mexican food.
Q: What are your plans for next year?
Amanda: My plans are to continue my education. I’m pursing a Ph.D. in psychology and I know it’s going to be challenging but it’s going to be great, it’s where I belong and was made for it. That’s the main plan but the other small plans include being able to do more what I love, like getting back to reading for personal enjoyment, exploring different states, visiting the beach to make up for missed times, and growing as a person.
Q: Do you have any word of advice to fellow Kate’s about what to do during their time at St. Kate’s, how to deal with homesickness, how to seek out for help if in need of it, etc?
Amanda: I mentioned earlier, that a good skill to learn and practice is reaching out for help when you need it. Homesickness isn’t a mental illness, but it can lead or contribute to depression or anxiety. It’s okay to be homesick, but it’s also okay and important to talk to someone and make sure you do things that you love to do to help make it a little better. You can talk to friends, roommates, teachers, anyone at MIPS and myself included. I would say find comfort in the things you love, find comfort in new things, and talk about it. Finally, six tips I’d give for making the best of your undergrad experience is to explore your interests, find your passion or interest, get involved in at least one thing you’re passionate about, challenge yourself, go outside your comfort zone, make connections, learn and practice self-care, but know your limits. It’s okay to take one thing at a time, think about what you need, and do things at your own pace.
Amanda, Her Campus St. Kate’s would like to congratulate you on all the awesome things you’ve done throughout these four years! Thank you for allowing us to share your story on the Special Senior Spotlight!