For Nathalie Arbelaez, graduate of St. Francis College, goals shaped by community
Nathalie Arbelaez is a graduate of the Class of 2024 from St. Francis College.
What does being part of the Kessler Scholars Collaborative mean to you?
The McGuire Scholars Program [part of the Kessler Scholars Collaborative] has been a lifeline for me throughout my college experience. Aside from the financial assistance it has provided me, the community, mentorship, and support have been incredible. I am also really grateful for Anthony Desiderio, program director at St. Francis College. As a first-gen student, I didn’t have anyone in my life with whom I could have candid conversations about internships and how finances played a role in the trajectory of my career.
What are you looking forward to doing personally or professionally after graduation?
I am taking one to two years to teach abroad; I really want to live in a tropical area that makes it possible to swim in the ocean year-round. Afterward, I look forward to working in climate policy or within the green economy.
What are you passionate about?
I believe climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Climate change and social inequity go hand in hand. Sustainability is something that really fuels my passion for social action and policy changes. Implementing sustainable choices within our communities and our homes often feels daunting because individual action can often feel like it’s not impactful. But truly, what our individual actions do is influence the market and decision-makers; it starts with us.
What advice do you have for other first-generation college students?
It took me a long time to start living for myself, prioritizing my needs, my wants, and my own happiness above that of my family because I felt like I had to “repay” them for all the sacrifices they made to get me to this point. Somewhere along the way, that goal became daunting, and my dreams for myself became more important. I internalized that nobody was going to live this life for me but myself, and I wanted to reflect that in my major, career, and opportunities. Once I started to have confidence in myself, I haven’t looked back, and living your own authentic life gives you a spark of life that cannot be compared.
Read more about the Class of 2024 and the impact of the Kessler Scholars Program, or connect with us at info@KesslerScholars.org.