Meet our Fall 2018 Communications and Marketing Intern, Nina Rocha. Nina was born in Panama City, Panama. She moved to Austin in early 2016 to pursue a major in Communication and a minor in Theater Arts at St. Edward’s University which she is expected to complete next December. She is really excited to work for an organization whose mission is to empower Latinas like herself and help them reach their full potential.
Why did you choose your major?
The communication field is incredibly broad and as a result, you are able to explore many facets of the discipline, figure out which ones you are passionate about and then pursue more specific interests in the future. I’m the kind of person who likes to learn a little bit about everything. That quality, along with my enjoyment of writing and other creative endeavors, were the main reasons I chose my major.
What made you want to join Latinitas?
As a Latina who recently moved to the U.S., I can see how Latinas in this country are often undervalued and underrepresented. My first year here, I felt that I had to do more to prove myself to others which caused me a lot of anxiety and self-doubt. I’m now a lot more conscious of my worth and the worth of my ideas. I wanted to join Latinitas because I believe it is important to give young Latinas the tools they to succeed in this world where they face many adversities. I want them to know their worth too.
What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
I’m the Co-President of the Delta Mu Chapter of the Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society at St. Edward’s University.
Who is one of your role models and why?
My grandmother is my biggest role model. She succeeded in the face of great adversity. She was unable to finish high school but managed to attend beauty school out of her own volition and is now the owner of a beauty salon. Her business allowed her to enroll my mother in a bilingual school and buy a house. She inspires me to never give up on what I believe in and to keep a positive attitude. Al mal tiempo, buena cara! (Keep on smiling despite the rainy weather!)
What is your idea of a dream job and how will your involvement with Latinitas get you there?
In my dream job, all my actions are geared towards a greater good. I want to give back to the community and help those who needed it the most through my work. I would love to create digital educational entertainment. I want to deliver knowledge that people can apply and improve their quality of life in an engaging way. Latinitas is completing the same mission through their events. They are connecting young girls to the knowledge and skills they will be able to use throughout adulthood in interactive ways. I would like to use my time at Latinitas to remind myself my work has an impact and explore the best way to expand the reach of a beneficial message.
What is one of your favorite hobbies and how’d you get started with it?
I absolutely love cooking! I started last year with the sole intention of saving some money. At first, I was not very good but I quickly improved. It is incredibly gratifying to try a new dish, use a new spice or cooking method and then taste what you have made. It makes you appreciate the flavors even more. Recently, I created a separate Instagram account to show my dishes because my personal account was saturated with pictures of food.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
I snack way too much! This week I ate a whole container of dates. I guess that since they’re fruit that makes it okay, right?
What are the best and worst uses of the internet?
As a communication major, I’m very aware of how the internet can be a great source of information. Everything we ever wanted to know is only one click away. It is also a tool that gives everyone a voice. We can all use the internet to express our ideas and reach other people. However, it also allows for the spread of misinformation and hateful messages.
You can follow Nina on Instagram @ninarochaw and @ninaeatsvegan.
