How getting involved on campus improved my academic and professional life at Ivy Tech

Photographed Above: Yamilet Aca-Cuachitl (middle) poses with two of their friends at the Green & White Gala.

The year was 2022. I was in my senior year of high school, about to graduate, but I lacked a sense of direction. My peers had already received their acceptance letters from various colleges and universities. They were on a clear track regarding where they wanted to go, what they wanted to pursue, and what they wanted to accomplish. In a way, I had felt envious of their commitment and determination. College was a viable option for me, but money had always been an issue. Realistically, I could not afford uncertainty. I took a gap year to determine what I wanted to do. I had to decide logistically what major I wanted to pursue and how I could apply that to my future career path.  

In the summer of 2023, I attended one of the express enrollment events meant to assist future students in meeting with advisors and enrolling in classes for the fall semester. I took this opportunity to finalize my decision to pursue business administration as my chosen major at Ivy Tech. I enrolled for the fall semester with high hopes of taking my future seriously. During high school, I had a difficult time making meaningful connections and placing myself in environments meant to level up my success. I knew I did not want to repeat the same mistakes, which meant pushing myself out of my comfort zone. A classmate in my ethics class introduced herself and the Student Organization of Latinos (SOL) to everyone on the first day. She informed everyone of a callout meeting they were hosting that week. I knew this had to be the opportunity I took to put myself out there. 

The following week, I attended the call-out meeting with a friend to meet fellow students interested in the organization. I was introduced not only to SOL, but other organizations like the Camino Mentoring Program and the Indy Women’s Initiative program. In the first eight weeks of the fall semester, I became an active member of those three organizations. I pushed myself in a way that I had not done before. My Camino mentor encouraged me to pursue a higher position in SOL as their marketing officer, knowing that my end goal was to pursue marketing as my career path. 

During SOL’s re-elections for the position, I presented myself to all the members and informed them of my willingness and qualifications to serve as their new marketing officer. I won unanimously. This sudden shift allowed me to start gaining real leadership and networking skills that I continue to use to this day. When it came to the reelections for a new set of officers, I was voted into the vice presidency for the next school year. This opened a completely new set of doors for me. I had become a proper leader of an organization. It placed me in the environments I had been seeking when I started at Ivy Tech. 

Allowing myself to make meaningful connections led to me gaining an internship on campus. By involving myself and placing myself in various rooms, I gained valuable marketing experience that I can utilize even after I graduate. I took a chance on myself, and it led to me knowing where I want to go, what I wanted to pursue, and what I wanted to accomplish.

Student Voices

At Ivy Tech, every student has a unique journey—a story of challenges, growth, and triumph. Student Voices is a series dedicated to showcasing these stories, written by students, for students. Here, you’ll find firsthand accounts of what it’s like to navigate the path to education, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals at Ivy Tech Indianapolis.

Whether it’s returning to school after years away, balancing work and family with classes, or discovering a passion for learning, these stories remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles and successes. Through Student Voices, we celebrate the diversity, resilience, and determination of our Ivy Tech community.

If you have a story to share or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Your voice matters, and it could inspire someone to take their next big step. Please fill out this form to share your story.