1. Tell us about  yourself. I was born in the Philippines, but I am from Baton Rouge, LA. I went to Louisiana State University for my undergrad where I majored in graphic design and minored in ceramics. Currently, I am in my second semester of grad school here at Missouri State University in the Student Affairs in Higher Education program! I am also the Assistant Hall Director of Hammons House and advise our hall council. My favorite color is blue, my favorite number is 8, and my favorite movie is Little Miss Sunshine.
2. You are getting your masters degree in Student Affairs. Can you please explain what your idea of what student affairs is and what are your future goals? To me, student affairs involves holistic student support. More than seeing a student through the lens of academics (although that is very important), I want to be there to support students in whatever aspect of their lives that they need. College is a time for us to explore and experiment and to grow in ways that we maybe didn’t realize were options. We might mess up, but we also might find a hidden passion!
3. What was the best piece of advice you received when you went to college? What made it good? Do the unexpected thing. Do something that you think may fail. One of my ceramics professors told me this but I’ve found this advice to be applicable to almost anything. Doing the comfortable thing may seem safe, but it’s only by making mistakes that you gain perspective.
4. What advice do you have to offer family members about their student’s college experience? Trust your student. They’ve spent their entire life learning from you, now it’s their time to put those lessons into action. They may mess up, but that’s how they figure out what works for them.
5. What is your best advice for students attending college? Sign up for a class or organization that you would have wanted to be a part of as a child. Rediscover the things that you loved but haven’t gotten to do in years. There’s never time for an old hobby until you purposely make time for it yourself.
6. What lessons have you learned from the pandemic and why are they important? The importance of changing your perspective, physically and mentally. I’ve found that taking time to go for a walk or a bike ride, something to change up my scenery, can help me get passed any mental obstacles I have. When you’re feeling stuck on work, take a break!
7. What is your favorite Netflix binge show and would you recommend it? Why or why not? Most recently I binged The Queens Gambit on Netflix. Anya Taylor-Joy was fantastic and I feel like I need to personally support this new wave of young actors because they’re my age. (I just found this out—Anya Taylor-Joy is exactly 51 weeks older than me!!)

(Harry Riel, Assistant Hall Director; Hall Council Advisor | Hammons House; Student Affairs Graduate Association Cohort 14 Co-Liaison, Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services; Practicum Student for Family Programs & Student Affairs Special Events. )