From refugee to president of the Student Activities Board, Maria Ortiz Quinones is a walking reminder of how Pellissippi State Community College is changing lives.
“When I came here as a refugee eight years ago, I was having a hard time with the culture, the language and everything you need to learn in this country,” said Quinones, 26, who left her native Colombia in 2012 and lived in Ecuador for three years before arriving in the United States.
That experience left Quinones “very, very shy,” but she made a friend in her spring 2022 Intro to Theatre class who helped push her out of her shell, Quinones said. Fatima Alhaj Salameh worked for Pellissippi State’s Student Engagement and Leadership office, and she invited Quinones to join her.
“I wanted to stop being shy, to work on my communication and not be scared to talk to other students,” Quinones said. “It was the best decision I’ve made.”
At first Quinones helped Student Engagement and Leadership by helping post fliers on bulletin boards and hang banners for events, but along the way, she learned about the many different clubs, organizations and resources Pellissippi State has available for students.
“Working for Pellissippi State helped me know a lot, and I have been able to share that information with other students,” Quinones said. “For example, I didn’t know you could check out a laptop from the library if you need one.”
Armed with her newly acquired knowledge and a hearty dose of self-confidence, Quinones applied to be president of Pellissippi State’s Student Activities Board for academic year 2023-2024. She was selected after an interview with Student Engagement and Leadership staff and the former SAB president.
Quinones and the other seven members of the Student Activities Board planned a slew of events for fall 2023, opportunities that Quinones hopes will allow her fellow students to make connections with other students who can help them be successful during their time at Pellissippi State.
“We are not just activities; we also are here to help students develop the skills they need for the future,” Quinones said. “We know how hard it can be to be a college student today, and Pellissippi State has so many things to support you, from the Tutoring Center to TRIO.”
Quinones, who plans to graduate in May 2024 with her degree in Psychology, would love to see more students participate in activities around the college’s four campuses, but she knows firsthand what it’s like to need to connect.
“We have so many students stop by the (Student Engagement and Leadership) office, even just for a spoon. That’s fine. We got you! We can answer your questions,” she said. “But also get a snack, get a T-shirt. Follow us on social media to see what we’re doing. If we’re out in the courtyard, stop by and say hi. We’re always looking for new faces because people will be graduating soon.”
Quinones’ enthusiasm for Pellissippi State is contagious. After all, getting involved has made all the difference, and she wants other students to experience the same thing.
“I feel like I found a family here.”
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