Yariel Lopez ’29Community Partner Match: United WayHometown: Worcester, MA
Hello, my name is Yariel Lopez. I am a first-GEN Puerto Rican college student. I’m a rising sophomore and have been active through SGA, HONORS, OMA, TRIO, and the president’s D.C. leadership Trip. I have a passion for advocacy, giving back to the community, and the political/legal field. I decided to join WCLP to gain hands-on experience and the opportunity to grow and learn more as an individual. A motto I hold close is “I’m 0.01% better than I was yesterday.” It is my philosophy that if you are not actively trying to find a solution, then you are part of the problem. Meaning I value those who are doers and have the courage to fight for change. I am a first-year student at Worcester State University(WSU). I am studying towards completing a Business Administration degree with a Spanish Minor. I aspire to graduate with a bachelor’s degree debt-free. My first interaction on campus was a 2-day orientation, which I attended and gained an interest in being an Orientation Leader(I became one). Since starting my fall semester, I quickly became an active student by participating in on-campus events, from volunteering and attending student games and workshops. In my first semester I became part of the Office of Multicultural Affairs(OMA) as and OMA ambassador. In my first year I applied for and completed 2 certification programs, the Student Support Network (SSN) and the Emerge Leadership program. I also ran and was elected to be a commuter senator for our Student Government Association (SGA). Staying busy for me is how I thrive and do my best work. I have been placed on the Deans every semester yet! It’s always important for me to maintain a high GPA, but also to have a balance of being surrounded by motivated and like-minded individuals who want to succeed. A saying I always remember is “iron sharpens iron,” meaning you’re only as good as who you surround yourself with. I participated on a trip/internship through the President’s office, partnered with the Beneida Center to work with like-minded individuals with a passion for advocacy and civic engagement. This trip consisted of lobbying House and Senate representatives (Congress) with our collaborative proposals. In this semester, I’ve applied for the OL and RA positions for the summer and the other for the next school year. I can gladly say I was accepted for both positions and cannot wait to grow my academic and professional career further. I’ve lived my life right if I positively impacted one person’s life for the better and that is enough for me. I want to work to help uplift our community and be able to demonstrate my passion by my actions while working with United Way as a board member.
