Mariela Vazquez

Why did you choose Dalton State? I always felt like I needed to stay somewhere close to home; Dalton State was the perfect fit! It allowed me to stay close to my family and get a quality education with an environment I feel comfortable in. By means of all of the memories and opportunities I have had, I cannot see myself anywhere else.

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? There is so much to say! To me, being a part of the Roadrunner Nation means being able to discover yourself as a person while learning new things. At Dalton State, one has the opportunity to engage and grow not only as a student but a person as well. I can honestly say, Dalton States motivates students to work hard and excel in all of one’s endeavors. I am enormously grateful to be a Roadrunner.

What do you plan to do after graduation? I plan on attending graduate school and obtain a master’s degree in education.

What activities are you involved in on campus? I am currently a S.A.V.E Leader (Students Advocating for Volunteer Efforts). I have always liked to be involved and give community service in any way possible. I have also been recently elected to serve on the Student Government Association as senator of Student Life.

What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? One of the biggest accomplishments I have been able to achieve would be being able to motivate students into taking action in the community by volunteering through S.A.V.E. and representing Dalton State. I truly believe it focuses and motivates on not wasting time on things that do not give a purpose. Being elected into the 2018-2019 SGA cabinet is something I am proud of as well. My biggest accomplishments also include being honored and blessed to be a recipient of the “Emerging Leaders Award” at the eighth annual leadership awards banquet and earning a spot in the Dean’s list.  

Where is your favorite hangout? I would have to say it would be in the lower level of the Pope Student Center; I am constantly there with my friends.

What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? By far my best memory would have to be attending the Alternative Break trip during spring break. We went to two different sites in Florida for a week which included doing service work in a national historic landmark fort, an agricultural field, and nursery. Through this, I was able to meet and work with great people and experience the hardships immigrants go through. Connecting with diverse people and lending a hand was an experience I will cherish forever.

What is the last book you read? “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros.

Favorite comfort food? I am such a food lover, but my ultimate favorite food would have to be French fries. Ranch is optional, but highly recommended.

Favorite line from a movie? “I fear dying in here, while my city burns, and there’s no one there to save it.” –The Dark Night Rises

What is your guilty pleasure? Watching Netflix back-to-back all day.

What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would love to learn how to play the violin. The feelings I get when listening to a violin are just so beautiful and unexplainable!

What cheers you up? Going for a drive at night, and shopping for shoes because I am an ultimate shoe lover.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? Jesus Christ.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Chick-fil-a.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a doctor.

As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly means getting involved by helping others in the community and school while striving to be the best version of oneself.