Be yourself. Seize opportunities at Merrimack College. Embrace a healthy work-life balance.
This was just some of the advice Pioneer Scholars alumni offered during an evening of reflection on the opportunities granted by the scholarship and navigating life at, and beyond, Merrimack.
About 30 people, including current students and Pioneer Scholars, attended the panel discussion and networking event on Thursday, Feb. 5, in the Mack Club.
Panelists were asked about their time at Merrimack, the campus resources they utilized and what shaped their college experiences.
Among the Pioneer Scholars to return for the event was Jandeliz Hernandez ’25, a Merrimack Medal recipient, who currently works as an event coordinator at Deloitte.
When asked to give advice to current Pioneer Scholars, she kept it simple, yet effective.
“Be yourself,” Hernandez said. “Do not feel like you have to dim your light to fit in anywhere. As long as you are yourself, people can see that and see the beauty in authenticity.”
Joining Hernandez on the panel were Chris Rincon ’25, Waleed Khiyaty ’24, M’25 and Liah Rosario ’25, M’27.
Rincon, currently a doctoral candidate in plastics engineering at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, told students the importance of expanding their network.
“As a mechanical engineer, I was told to always present my work like an engineer,” Rincon explained. “It got me in the habit of being comfortable when talking to companies at career fairs.”
Crediting the professional development resources from advisors and the O’Brien Center for Career Development, panelists encouraged students to not be afraid to attend career events, strengthen their networking skills and most importantly, find time to enjoy college.
Rosario emphasized the importance of setting boundaries to achieve a successful work-life balance.
“Have time for yourself before setting work or school in front of you,” she said.
Jazmin D’Urbano, manager of the Pioneer Scholars program, concluded the panel with reassuring advice for all participants.
“[Pioneer Scholars] is an amazing program and you all are amazing,” she said. “Merrimack is a great place, has the resources and people want to see you succeed.”
Following the panel, students had an opportunity to connect and share Merrimack memories with fellow Pioneer Scholars alumni.
