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15 UNC CHARLOTTE | J U N I O R YEAR J U N I O R S P O T L I G H T : Maria Mandujano BY KELSEY WILKINS, NEW STUDENT AND FAMILY SERVICES Maria Mandujano is a junior from Goldsboro, NC. She studies finance as a student in the Belk College of Business. When asked why she chose finance as her major, Maria explained how she always wanted to be in business and finance correlated with what she wanted to do in the future. Throughout her experiences on and off campus, Maria discovered her desire to be a financial advisor as a means of assisting people. Maria is involved in a number of different organizations on campus, such as Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional co-ed business fraternity, and Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). Her involvement in both these organizations helped Maria gain confidence in the field of business as well as developed her as an individual. Maria joined ALPFA in fall 2015 and is currently the organization’s Secretary. She is also the Campus Activities Board (CAB)’s Program Coordinator, responsible for the live entertainment portion of CAB. Maria is Gamma Iota Sigma member, the insurance fraternity on campus, where members develop professionally to get internships in the insurance field. Maria has found a home away from home and good groups of friends that are interested in the same things as a result. Maria noticed since coming to UNC Charlotte that she can be shy at first, yet she is now comfortable speaking with people whom she does not know. She gained confidence in her ability to speak up when necessary and lead her peers. Maria and her family have become closer since attending college: “We have a strong bond no matter how far away we are”. Her advice for rising juniors is to “Make sure you have an agenda, good study skills, use your resources, take advantage of the Career Center, talk to your teachers and don’t let pride get in the way of asking for help when you need it.” She also said that she wished she knew about all the available resources, such as the Career Center, prior to beginning her junior year. After reminiscing on her past three years at UNC Charlotte, Maria said her favorite memory was freshman year Convocation. She didn’t realize how many organizations there were on campus and felt welcomed because the all organizations were willing to get to know her and connect with her. “Being a 49er means you have a second home and a second family,” said Maria. “You know your parents will be fine because they know someone will always be there for you on campus whether it is through resources or organizations. Being a 49er means you can depend on your peers and your peers can depend on you.” “Being a 49er means you have a second home and a second family.“


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