Iliana Rosales

Student

“Here on campus, it’s like all the world comes together.”

If there were only one word to describe Iliana Rosales’ outlook on life, it would have to be “international.” A native of Mexico City, Iliana has traveled through Europe and America. When only 18 years old, she served as general secretary for an international youth peace council. She now studies political science with an eye toward international relations. And of course there are her numerous friendships with people from all over the world.

“I love international people,” Iliana says, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I have friends from Japan, France, Holland, Germany, America…The nice thing about this campus is that you find people from everywhere,” she says.

Iliana’s decision to study at an American college was made when she attended an international congress in Mexico City. “It was in English and I couldn’t understand it all. So I came to America to improve my education and my English skills,” she says.

Starting with two ESL classes last fall, Iliana’s ability to communicate in English skyrocketed. An eager and diligent student, she is enthusiastic about her classes and teachers. Her current favorite is Jan Austin’s anthropology class. “It’s more than a class,” Iliana says, explaining that she can find applications for what she learns in other areas of her life.

Iliana, who plans to transfer to UCLA, partly credits her two American sponsors for her smooth and successful transition to a new country. “They are like fathers,” she says. “I’ve been very lucky to meet them. But it’s also a great responsibility and commitment for myself and for them,” she adds.

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