After her first campus visit to Olivet, Helina Reyes felt a strong affinity with the University. Before even enrolling, she referred to the University as “my campus, my pool, my community” when talking about the school with friends and family.
When she started her freshman year, she literally dove in to the experience with an open mind to soak up as much as she could learn. She joined the swim and dive team, and as an international business and marketing double-major, she got plugged in to Enactus and the student-run Zenith Marketing Agency in the McGraw School of Business.
“I have loved being challenged in new ways,” she reflects. “If you put yourself out there, Olivet it a great place to push, challenge, and grow. Thankfully you will have people like professors, friends, and other staff members to help you along the way. I have learned the importance of taking risks and ‘failing forward’ to learn new things. I am more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and I welcome challenges.”
A stand-out swimmer on Olivet’s team, Helina has made the national team three years in a row. She has also given invaluable leadership to the team both in and out of the pool.
“I’ve loved seeing teammates break records, get national cuts as and obtain personal best times,” she says. “It’s been an honor to help run our girls’ team Bible study, since faith is a big reason why I joined the team. I’m excited for to see what God has in store for the team.”
This fall, Helina was recognized as one of the “Most Promising Multicultural Student 2022” by the American Advertising Federation. She is one of 50 students in the United States to receive this distinction because of the ways she is already making her mark on the advertising industry by conducting herself as an outstanding student, athlete, intern and member of the community. Helina is from the Dominican Republic and speaks both Spanish and English.
“Receiving this award has proven what I’ve known all along,” says Helina. “A smaller Christian school like Olivet serves a big God who has big plans for Olivet and its students! Don’t let the size or the fact that it’s a Christian school cause you to limit what can come from this place. If this is where God wants you to be then BIG things are going to happen no matter where you are.”
Helina is enrolled in Olivet’s MBA+1 program, and plans to complete her master’s degree next year.
“I hope to work with organizations that help developing countries build health businesses to benefit communities,” she says. “I encourage everyone to pour into Olivet, to encourage and push. This is what has been done for me, and I am forever grateful!”
For more information about the McGraw School of Business, contact the Office of Admissions contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published 12/21/2021
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