Recent Selby Scholar college graduate Arianna Gonzalez landed her dream job working at Acoustyle Communications. Her college experience included a big city, new opportunities, and the chance to connect with a mentor through the Selby Scholarship program.
We spoke with Arianna to learn more about her post-secondary education, her new job, and her relationship with public relations expert and mentor Patricia Courtois.
Selby Foundation (SF): What was your favorite part of your college experience?
Arianna (A): My favorite part of my experience at the University of Miami was the city that I got to take advantage of. Going to school in Miami played a major factor into why I wanted to go to UM. I enjoyed getting to explore the city and got to entertain my two biggest guilty pleasures Miami Heat games and concerts.
SF: What recommendations do you have for other Selby Scholars to make the most of their college experience?
A: The most important thing that I would tell other Selby Scholars is to learn from me. I’m extremely grateful for the AICE program and Dual Enrollment at North Port High School. I racked up enough college credits throughout my high school career, that I was considered “sophomore status” when I started classes at the University of Miami. But, between having an abnormal (to say the least) first year of college in the midst of a pandemic and graduating a year early, my days in undergrad FLEW by. I was in such a rush to hustle and make my dreams come true that I didn’t really give my self a chance to stop and smell the roses. It’s very important that you do that because you’ll have your whole life to “adult” and work, but your college days are limited!
SF: How did your relationship with, your Selby mentor, Patricia Courtois, shape your experience or support you in challenges and opportunities?
A: I’m extremely grateful for the Selby Scholarship program because through this initiative, I was able to connect with Patricia. Not only has she made a constant effort since day one to be there for me, when I need guidance and mentorship, or even just a second opinion, she has also been there as someone who can relate to what I’m going through since she has been there herself. If anything, I wish I would’ve been matched with her sooner.
She just recently helped me through a pivotal moment in my career post graduation, and gave me fully transparent advice that she knew I needed to hear. It ultimately led me to making one of my best decisions yet.
SF: Tell us about where you are working now and what the role means to you.
A: In the Spring 2023 semester, I was a publicity intern for Acoustyle Communications. We’re a boutique agency in Latin/o/a/x/e entertainment and represent some of the biggest acts, like Arcángel, Bad Bunny, Karol G and so much more. This role is a dream come true for me. I’ve been following the agency since I was in high school and decided to pursue entertainment public relations. I was fortunate enough to have had 3 internships under my belt before pursuing this one my senior year of college.
What I’m most grateful for is to be able to say that I got my dream job right after college. Now, I get to learn from the best of the best and receive mentorship from some of the people that I have been looking up to for a while. I couldn’t have done it without the resources I received at UM, which I was able to attend thanks to the Selby Scholarship.