December 2011 - Student of the Month - Daniela Veliz

Daniela Veliz, a Ph.D. student in Higher Education is the Graduate School's December Student of the Month.  

Graduate School: Where are you from originally?

Veliz: I am originally from Santiago de Chile.

Graduate School: What undergraduate institution(s) did you previously attend?

Veliz: I did my undergraduate in business administration at Universidad Finis Terrae in Santiago de Chile.

Graduate School: Why did you choose to attend UMaine?

Veliz: I came to Maine with my family in 2008. My previous experience working at the Office of International Students at URI (University of Rhode Island), helped me realize the tremendous opportunities of studying something related to higher education. UMaine offered an excellent program in higher education which I enrolled during my first year in Maine.

Graduate School: What degree program are you pursuing?

Veliz: I am in pursuing a Ph.D in Educational Leadership in Higher Education.

Graduate School: What are your plans after graduation?

My plan is to return back to Chile and work in an academic setting at a Chilean University and hopefully make a difference in higher education in my country.

Graduate School: What do you consider your most important accomplishment here so far?

Veliz: Graduating for the master program in Student Development in Higher Education here at UMaine has been one of the most important accomplishments for me so far. I think that as an international student studying in another country and in another language can sometimes be challenging, but at the same time rewarding when you know that you are passionate for what you do. I have also been very fortunate to work in different offices on campus (e.g. counseling center, career center) and in all of them I have learned valuable experiences and gained good friends.

As an international student pursuing a degree and conducting research in another country is definitely a plus for my career, however studying abroad made me appreciate the world from a different perspective which is a life long lesson.

Graduate School: What is the highlight of your academic experience so far?

Veliz: I strongly believe that quality of the program I am pursuing is definitely a highlight, in addition working with highly recognize faculty on my field is one of the best experiences that I could ask for.  Currently, I am working on research for the Rising Tide Project and this experience has been a fascinating experience for me, not only in terms of academic experience but it has also provided me with a new way of looking at things.

Graduate School: What is your favorite place on campus?

Veliz: My favorite place on campus is all the green places you can find near the library especially during summer time.

Graduate School: What awards or other significant recognition (both on and off-campus) have you received since beginning your degree program?

Veliz: I have been awarded the international student scholarship.

Graduate School: What other important information about yourself would you like us to know?

Veliz: I love going camping with my family during summer time. Maine has great parks to visit and we really enjoy going to each of them when possible.