Five on Friday

Featuring Beatriz Ydrovo, program specialist for the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies

1. What is your job at Olivet?
I currently work at the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies as a program specialist. Since we are growing, I would like to perform my best. One of my goals is to do the best that I possibly can in my job. I cannot forget that I am an ESL person, and even though sometimes the language barrier is not the problem, the way I express myself is not the same in English.

2. Where are you originally from and how did you end up here?
I came to America seven years ago because Colombia was suffering an economic recession. I was an accountant working for a coffee company; because of the recession, I got laid off and was unemployed for 17 months.

At that time, my older sister was already living in this country. When she came to Colombia to visit, she encouraged me to come here. That was the main reason I came here, looking for a better life for my daughter and for myself.

3. How has the transition gone to a new country?
Even though it was hard the first couple of years to get used to the different customs and traditions (food!), I really appreciated the fact that God guided me to come to this country because I have found a big family that is Olivet Nazarene University.

4. What is it like to take classes at Olivet as a nontraditional student?
I recently took a college writing class at Olivet and it was a big challenge for me because I am an ESL person. Also, the age difference between the freshman college kids and me was very noticeable! However, I did learn and enjoy the classes. I loved my professor.

For now, I would like to be on standby for my education and focus on my job and my daughter's future. However, I would like to start some account courses later on so that I can have some side jobs as a book keeper, for example.

5. What is your highest goal?
My biggest dream is to see my daughter, Daniela, who is my biggest reward in life, become a nurse. That is what she wants to be. Even though I am a single mother, I will support her as much as I can.