Valarie Jaquez is majoring in Marketing and Economics. She intends to graduate in 2025.
1. What led to your decision to attend college in Wellesley, at a Private institution where business programs are the main focus?
There are many reasons why Babson is the perfect fit for me. The small school
environment allows me to build strong connections with professors who have
real-world experience in careers I can see myself pursuing. I've been studying
business throughout high school, and Babson offers countless opportunities for
leadership positions in organizations and jobs I’m passionate about. However,
the main reason I chose Babson was that it made attending such an incredible
school possible. As a first-generation student, moving nearly 2,000 miles away
from home felt impossible, but if there was any place to make that leap, it was
Babson. Babson provided me with the resources I needed—whether it was help
with career advice, mental health, or academics.
2. Can you describe what kind of support/communities exist for minority students at
Babson College? In what ways can a student of Color find her niche at
Babson? Feel supported?
The first resource that comes to mind for minority students is the Multicultural
and Identity Program (MIP). Every week, MIP hosts community conversation
dinners that cover a wide range of important and sometimes controversial topics,
like being LGBTQ in Black churches or the challenges of being a first-gen
student. These dinners provide a safe space to openly discuss conversations
that are often silenced and to connect with other students facing similar
struggles. Another valuable resource for me has been Semillas Society, a first-
generation organization. Since it started shortly after I arrived at Babson, I’ve had
the chance to help its growth while serving as the Marketing Head and helping
organizing and leading the 2023 First Generation Conference. This community
has made me feel comfortable seeking help in my professional journey and
accessing resources specifically for first-generation students.
3. What advice do you have for Juniors and Seniors in high school who want to attend
Babson College and want their application to stand out?
If you're considering Babson, don’t let doubts hold you back. When I first started
applying to colleges, I limited myself to schools in Texas because I was so afraid
of being on my own. I didn’t think I had the skills or finances to make such a big
move, so I avoided it altogether. Now, I’m forever grateful I didn’t let fear control
my life and took the leap. Babson is something I will never regret. Every worry I
had, Babson helped me overcome—whether it was my financial situation that
Babson helped me with by meeting 100% of students demonstrated needs,
providing access to on-campus therapy for those days where I was so homesick,
or helping me find my community. Babson was the perfect place to take that
leap, and I encourage anyone who’s scared of making a change to just go for it.
If it’s something you feel passionate about, it’s almost always worth it.
4. What are some of Babson College’s most notable programs?
a. Definitely the art communities at Babson draw me in the most since I am a huge
creative person. While at Babson I was able to serve as President of the
CREATE community for two years, in the role I was able to host art events for the
students on our campus and even help plan art showcases where students art
was bided on and the proceeds went to the Alzheimer’s foundation. Another
program I feel is so helpful for lower income students is the Professional Attire
Fund that the Center of Career Development provides that will grant some
students who apply a $200 stipend to buy professional clothes. This is beyond
helpful because when you're in college whether your applying to jobs, presenting
for classes, or hosting important events it is important to dress your best but
sometimes students don’t have the resources to do so but thanks to Babson
everyone is provided the same opportunity despite hardships.
b. The art communities at Babson definitely drew me in the most since I’m a huge
creative person. During my time here, I had the chance to serve as President of
the CREATE community for two years, where I got to host art events for students
and even help plan showcases where student artwork was auctioned, with the
proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Another amazing resource is the
Professional Attire Fund from the Center for Career Development, which gives
students a $200 stipend to buy professional clothes. This resource is super
helpful for when you're applying for jobs, presenting in class, or hosting important
events where you want to look your best—but not everyone has the budget for it.
Thanks to Babson, everyone gets that opportunity, no matter their financial
situation.
5. One word to describe a Babson College student?
Driven.
If a Babson student puts their mind to something, especially something
they are passionate about, nothing will stop them from achieving their dreams.
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