Joceline Taboada

Joceline Taboada

Class Status: Senior

Major: Liberal Studies

Campus Programs/Involvement: Math and Science Teacher Initiative(MSTI Program)

Career Goal: To be an elementary school teacher, Vet tech, or certified makeup artist

Hobbies: I love doing makeup, I have a dream that one day I will get famous and be part of the beauty industry! (:

How has MSTI helped you?
I joined MSTI during my sophomore year at DH. If it wasn't for MSTI I feel I would have been lost. They really helped guide me in the right direction and stay focused with school. I am so grateful the MSTI program took me in. I always felt like I had someone to help me with my college experience.

What keeps you motivated and positive throughout life’s hardships?
My friends, family, and boyfriend are the people that motivate me when I am at my lowest point. I have a lot of people who care about me and are very supportive of how I feel at times. They all remind me just how powerful I am, and that I am never alone.

What advice would you like to give to your fellow scholars?
My advice to fellow scholars is that you should not limit yourself or feel as though you are only meant for one career in your life. Throughout my years in college I have changed my mind multiple times, and even now that I am about to graduate, I am still not sure if this is what I want to do. Always have options and back-ups, do what makes you happy! You only live once. Don't waste your life doing something because you think it is the "right thing" to do. Do what makes YOU happy.

What are your plans after graduation?
I am taking a year off or even longer. It all depends on how life goes. I need time for myself to figure out what it is I want to spend the next couple years of my life on. I might become an apprentice at Petco/Petsmart to become a dog groomer. I really want to do something that involves animals, maybe later on I will enroll in a vet tech program. I have no actual set plan, besides focusing on myself and working somewhere full-time until I know what I really want to do. I am pretty content with my life right now. As long as I can pay my bills and have a roof over my head, I feel like there is no rush to starting a long term career.
Lastly, I just wanted to thank everyone at MSTI, especially Noemi and Alexandra for being there for me since day 1! I still remember having my first interview with Alexandra, and now she is helping me with my graduation plans! Crazy how time flies when you have a loving and supportive team <3