Bella Suarez – a fourth-year student majoring in Political Science – served as an ambassador for FSU’s main campus while abroad in Valencia, Spain during Summer 2022 as part of the Social Science Scholars Program.
Suarez worked with Ignacio Messana, Ph.D., Director of FSU’s Valencia Study Center to develop an initiative to help First Year Abroad students acclimate to life at FSU after studying abroad.
“Being able to foster a relationship with the FSU Valencia students allowed me to shift my career perspective and explore the field of Human Resources,” Suarez said. “Having the opportunity to find a community in another country reignited my passion for social and professional development. Without this experience and the support of Dr. Messana, along with the Social Science Scholars Program, I would not be pursuing my Master’s in Human Resources this fall.”
As part of the initiative, Suarez talked to students about the opportunities and experiences available once they start at FSU’s main campus in Tallahassee. In addition, she discussed imposter syndrome, reverse culture shock and assimilating to main campus life.
“Social Science Scholars has been my most impactful experience at FSU,” Suarez said. “Not only has my cohort and professors consistently pushed me to go above and beyond what I thought I could do, but I also received support from Dean Chapin and the college’s faculty and staff along the way.”
The Social Science Scholars program provides students with the opportunity to explore research and internships around the world. During the participants’ first semester, they enroll in a leadership seminar to prepare them for their future endeavors.
The subsequent semester is used to engage in internships and research using the funding provided by the program. Their final semester is filled with colloquia and conferences in order to share their findings and experiences.
Suarez was very active during her time on FSU’s main campus, serving as a Senator in the Student Government Association’s (SGA) 74th Senate session and as the Executive Board Director of Campaigns for Forward Party.
Her support effort expanded outside of SGA with her role as a Board Member of the FSU Student Foundation Board of Trustees and the Vice President of Membership for FSU’s Order of Omega chapter.
She was also recognized as a Garnet and Gold Key Scholar and served as an Undergraduate Fellow for FSU’s Institute of Politics.
“As a second-generation FSU student, I knew Florida State was where I needed to pursue my aspirations,” Suarez said. “Although my time at FSU has been short, I look forward to walking across the stage and waiving to the generations of Suarez Seminoles who have come before and will come after me.”
Suarez plans to return to Valencia to continue her work with First Year Abroad students, before pursuing a Master of Science in Leadership & Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University this fall.
For more information about FSU’s Political Science program, visit coss.fsu.edu/polisci.