Student influencer Laura Vasquez-Ayala explains the value of social media for building connections
One of the Seven Social Standards that The Social Institute believes in is: Finding Your Influencers. This means surrounding yourself with positive role models who support you and encourage you to play to your core. To help students find these positive and credible influences, we began our Student Influencer Program. Each week we select a different student to take over our Instagram and highlight how they act as a positive influence and inspiration in their communities.
This week we are excited to introduce Laura Vasquez-Ayala. Laura is a junior at UNC where she is studying information science with minors in social and economic justice and data science. Currently, Laura is interning with TSI as a data analyst. She is also the vice president and public relations chair for her sorority, Omega Phi Beta. During COVID, Laura was able to Strike A Balance between working from home and staying connected with friends by taking a socially distanced hiking trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Recently, we interviewed Laura to learn more about her and how social media impacts her life. Here’s what she had to say:
What do you value about yourself or others?
Laura: What I value in others is authenticity! I think that being yourself is so important and shows so much self-confidence.
What are your personal goals?
Laura: My personal goals are to graduate college soon with my Bachelor’s degree. Afterward, I hope that I can work in the nonprofit sector or work to build my own business and non-profit organization. As a short-term goal, I want to learn how to roller skate! I’m currently gathering the equipment I need to learn so I can practice during winter break.
How have you felt since returning to in-person school?
Laura: Before I started the school year, I felt both anxious and excited to return to in-person classes after over a year of online schooling. Now that I’ve almost completed my first semester, I think that I’ve gotten back into the routine I had when I first started college! It doesn’t feel exactly the same as before the COVID-19 lockdown happened, but I’ve been happy to be on campus again.
What are the things you try to accomplish each day?
Laura: Right now, I’m trying to journal every day! Journaling is very therapeutic and it keeps track of memories I can look back on in the future. It also helps me stay present, especially as someone who has a tight schedule some weeks.
What or who inspires you most?
Laura: I’m inspired by many people in my life! I don’t have a specific person related to my career who inspires me the most, but I am inspired by the women I’ve met over the past year who’ve been really successful and happy with their current career and personal paths. I also like looking at study vlogs and seeing how different people like to organize their days.
How has social media acted as a positive influence on your life?
Laura: Social media has helped me stay connected with the people I care for in my life. Without it, I wouldn’t have the ability to talk to family outside of the United States! It’s also helped me gain an insight into other cultures as well. I follow a lot of people who are in different countries and I learn more about their daily lives and traditions.
Of our Seven Social standards, which one do you most resonate with and why?
Laura: I resonate the most with Strike a Balance. It can be really hard to disconnect from screens since we communicate and entertain ourselves mostly online. As a college student that frequently works with technology, I have to set time throughout the day to give my eyes a break. Spending time outdoors or with my pet has helped me take small breaks before I continue working.
If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give to her about navigating social media or social relationships?
Laura: Social media plays a huge role in an age where we all connect online! Invest in password managers and back up your information frequently. I’d also say that in social relationships, people grow at different rates, so it’s important to be patient with yourself.
We are so excited to have Laura on our team and as an addition to the Student Influencer Program. She is a great example of what it means to Strike A Balance in your daily life! If you know a student who is accomplishing great things, we want to highlight them! We love sharing impressive students with the world. Contact us here.
About The Social Institute
The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive SEL program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.