Melody Ann Ucros-Deliz, an Entrepreneurship major at USFSP, also minoring in Economics and International Business, with an expected graduation date of December 2016 is a sure example to follow. As the president of the Entrepreneurship Club, Ucros joined this organization “as a great way to grow as a person, an exciting challenge to face, a significant opportunity for exposure, and a viable vehicle to inspire others and a memorable experience at the university,” Ucros said.
Aside from being the president of the Entrepreneurship club, Ucros is also active as a Social Media and Event Manager for the Tampa Bay Technology Forum Student Chapter. With this position, Ucros wanted a paid position that would give her the flexibility and opportunity to innovate, space for personal growth and a familiar marketing field to learn about planning in a complex institution. I had an interview with Melody to learn more about her passions, goals and how her success story at the short age of 17 will be a big inspiration to many:
What are your goals once you graduate? What do you want to do with your degree?
I plan on pursuing a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Development, keep developing my two streams of residual income, as well as work on my personal startup. I am only seventeen years old so I have a long way ahead of me. With my Bachelor and Masters Degree, I want to start my own Latin American Consulting Firm to help stimulate economies in developing countries.
Why did you choose to attend USFSP?
One of the main reasons I joined USFSP was because it reminded me of Puerto Rico, especially its beaches and weather. I applied because it was “USF” and they kept sending me emails. I wanted to do medicine at first, so I got admitted into the Biology Program. After spending my senior year in affiliate marketing, traveling, public speaking and mentoring individuals, I realized my true passion was business and figured USFSP had one of the best Entrepreneurship Programs in the State, so I stayed.
How do you think USFSP can improve?
I am really big with growth and leadership development. I think USFSP could do a better job at developing the people that take initiative on campus and sending them to leadership conventions and events around the nation. It would be an incentive to inspire others to assume leadership positions, give the university more exposure and improve the “quality” of our graduates.
What is one thing (not academics) that college has taught you?
“It’s not about what you know, but about who you know” and “Life is too short to think small and waste time”.
Single or taken?
Single but …. lol
Where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years?
A lot of things can change with time. I try to just focus on my day-to-day actions. “What I am doing today to improve my chances of reaching my long-term goals”
If we were to predict though, in 3 years I’ll be 20, with a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship, double minor in International Business and Economics, Masters in Urban and Regional Development. I will have a lot of experience on my resume, but hopefully I’ll never have to use that paper.
In 5 years, I’ll be running my own company, developing ideas, probably traveling a lot, having at least 4 different sources of income, probably dating someone who travels & innovates with me, doing public speaking and simply launching my future so that by 27 (in 10 years) I have my life set.
If you could choose an all-expense paid trip, where would it be?
Probably to Bora Bora, a small island in the Pacific Ocean. It’s beautiful, peaceful, isolated and unique. I’ve gone on 30-day trips to Europe, have built organizations in South America and was raised in the Caribbean; therefore, it would be something new to experience.
Where were you born?
I am Puerto Rican and Colombian, but I was born and raised in the west side of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla.
Number one advice to incoming freshman?
“If you do what they do and say what they say, you will most likely get what they have” so make sure you mirror the actions of successful people. See college as a time to prepare yourself with the mindset, skills, connections and experience to have a life you won’t want to escape from. You can have fun, but don’t get too carried away with fitting in. That will probably result in you fitting into the bunch of unemployed graduates.
And ALWAYS remember “The future is formed one decision at a time.”