Hawk Hands: Arabeny Silva Gonzalez 26'
Student ambassadors embody the values and mission of the university through their community engagement. The Alumni Ambassadors at UNCW are no exception as they are catalysts for campus life and advancement. These students are committed to UNCW’s success and will soar high after graduation. Arabeny Silva Gonzalez is one of these ambassadors and has made a positive impact at UNCW. Read below to learn more about her experience.
ABOUT YOU
- Name: Arabeny Silva Gonzalez
- Class Year: Junior
- Major: Psychology
- College: College of Science and Engineering
- Hometown:Wilmington, NC
YOUR SEAHAWK EXPERIENCE
Why did you choose to attend UNCW?
- I wanted to stay close to my family and there were so many student clubs that I had wanted to join!
What does it mean to you to be a Seahawk?
- Rising, soaring, going above and beyond. Our paths might change while at the university, but we will excel, this not only applies to students, but faculty goes above and beyond as well!
What is your favorite place on campus?
- It’s a tie between our incredible UNCW Library and Centro Hispano; both are good study spots!
What campus student organizations are you part of (outside of Ambassadors)?
- I am involved in many clubs such as Centro Hispano Embajadores (CHE), Hispanic/Latinx Student Union (HLSU), Minority Association for Pre-Health Students (MAPS), and National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). I am also part of Mentors Initiating Community Action Support and Advocacy (MI CASA), a mentoring program between high school and college students of Hispanic/Latinx heritage/background.
What is an accomplishment at UNCW that you are proud of?
- I am proud of overcoming my first semester. I’m a transfer student that came in fall of 2024 and the first semester was the most challenging academically. I enjoyed all of my classes and the professors, however, I studied day and night and had no time to myself. I have since learned from mistakes and this semester, although the courses are even more challenging, I finally have time for myself outside of school!
How do you balance your work/school responsibilities with your personal life?
- I learned balance, a reliable study method, and to use a calendar to plan out my day. I have used Google Calendar since high school, and it’s never failed me. It took me some time to find a study method that works for me but once I did, I saved so much time on unnecessary tasks I used to spend hours on. Having that time reduced allowed me to use that time for meal prepping, exercising, journaling, reading, and so much more, all of which are important to be able to balance everything going on in life. Save time for yourself!
How have you grown during your time at UNCW?
- My first semester I was always tired from pulling all-nighters before exams. I was always stressed, and I felt like I could never catch a break. Now I sleep eight hours a night, don’t pull all-nighters, and get to spend more time with family and friends!
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
- Either in grad school or gaining experience in the mental health field!
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
- My parents have always told me “Termina lo que empezaste no hagas las cosas a medias," which means, finish what you’ve started, don’t do things halfway.
What advice do you have for students looking to be involved on campus?
- It might be intimidating at first, joining a new club or starting something new in general, everything will happen how it’s meant to. You may not have found your people or figured out your interests yet. Enjoy what you have control over and focus on the present. Plan your next steps but don’t dwell on the past or future.
YOUR AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE
Why did you decide to become an Ambassador with the Division of Advancement?
- I am very shy, and I wanted to put myself out there but wasn’t sure how. When the Involvement Carnival took place in fall, I got lots of club information, went home and joined every single one of them. However, Student Ambassadors required an application so I followed them on Instagram to see what it would involve. I saw that they participated in events with students as well as alumni and thought, “well, this is an awesome way of getting involved, you’re getting the best of both worlds,” and that’s when I decided to join!
What is an accomplishment with the Ambassadors that you are most proud of?
- Getting through Homecoming Week, it was my first time experiencing it and it was amazing! Everyone, no matter what event, had a great time and I know it took a lot of planning to take place.
How has being an Ambassador set you up for success after graduation?
- Being an Ambassador has taught me the basics of networking. It’s something beneficial wherever you go and being a Student Ambassador has helped me become more comfortable with reaching out to others first or starting a conversation myself.
What advice would you share with your peers about getting involved with Advancement events and campaigns?
- Do it! It is seriously so fun; the events are always a blast — even when tabling — talking with the other Ambassadors or students is great!
What has being an Ambassador taught you about philanthropy and giving back to UNCW (through time, talent & treasure)?
- As a student seeing alumni be so gracious and so open to talking with current students is so inspiring. Donors and alumni are always open to have a conversation, and it’s amazing to see where UNCW students can and will end up. The alumni I’ve met are from other states and are the head of organizations. It really is amazing to see the community and family built within and around UNCW!