A Fun Time Speaking to Students at My Home By the Sea

The third week of January was a very busy week for me. I had the opportunity to travel to Maryland and Virginia for both work and play. I had a lot of fun spending time with family and friends celebrating President Obama’s second inauguration and celebrating my friend’s birthday while in Maryland. I also had a chance to see more friends in family during my brief time in Virginia. Although I love my family and friends and really enjoyed the celebrations of President Obama and my friend's birthday those were not the only reasons for my trip. I stay in contact with my former Spanish professor/ advisor, Dr. McRae so a couple of weeks before my trip I let her know that I was going to be in the Hampton Roads area and asked her if I could share my study abroad and language learning experiences with some of her classes at my alma mater, Hampton University. She loved the idea so we solidified the logistics and I was all set.

I had an amazing time speaking to Dr. McRae’s Spanish classes. It was such a pleasure to speak to my fellow Hamptonians about the study abroad and language learning experiences that I had as a Hampton University student as well as the study abroad experiences that I had post graduation. The students were genuinely interested in the conversation and asked some insightful questions. I could tell that some of the students have a keen interest in studying abroad so I was glad that I could help foster that interest.

As a Marketing and Spanish double major I made sure to stop by the School of Business to see some of my business professors. I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite marketing professors, Dr. Sonja Mitchell. One of the lessons that many of my Hampton University professors including Dr. Mitchell instilled in us was to always be prepared and ready for any opportunity that presents itself. It is not often that I visit my professors and not be asked to do something, share updates, etc. Visiting Dr. Mitchell was no exception. Dr. Mitchell’s Marketing Research class started 15 minutes after I stopped by her office to say hello. While I was giving her my update on what I had recently accomplished and what I am currently doing, Dr. Mitchell asked if I would speak to the students in her next class. There was no way that I could say no so I gladly obliged and what an awesome experience it was!

I truly enjoyed speaking to the current marketing students, many who will be graduating in May. I tailored my topic a bit to include how I use my marketing degree in my chosen career path. I spoke about my blog, “KoMiSa’s World” and incorporated studying abroad and language learning into the conversation. Many of the students had great questions about studying abroad and the various options they could pursue as a student and once they graduate from Hampton University. 

I have spoken to many students in various schools and organizations but there is always something extra special when I speak to students from my “Home By the Sea” Hampton University. I am instantly reminded of the graduates who came back to speak to my classmates and I when we were students. I know how impactful their stories, experiences and interactions were to us. To know that I may have a similar impact on the current students makes every experience that I shared that much more meaningful. Not only have my experiences enriched my life, but they allow me to give back and make a difference in others’ lives as well.

The icing on the cake are the emails that I have been receiving from the students that I spoke to in both the Spanish and Marketing classes. I am honored that the students see the value in my experiences and my advice. I was truly blessed during my matriculation at Hampton University and thankful that I can now be a blessing to the current students.  

A huge thank you to Dr. McRae and Dr. Mitchell for allowing me to speak to your students. 

KoMiSa’s Thoughts: You never know when you will get the opportunity to share your experiences with others so when you get the chance take it. Whether it is speaking to a class like did or speaking to one person, the experiences that you share can often be the inspiration/motivation that the other person needs to continue on their journey through life.

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa