NATCHITOCHES – Maria Juarezo-Rubio arrived at Northwestern State University with dreams of becoming a news reporter and her experiences at NSU broadened her horizons tremendously.
Juarez-Rubio was born Guanajuato, Mexico, where she lived until age nine. She then moved to Hicks and graduated from Hicks High School in 2023. During high school, she participated in the dual enrollment program through Northwestern, earning an Associate of General Studies. Her dual enrollment experience played an important role in her decision to continue her education at Northwestern.
“Although I had not toured the university beforehand, I visited it during Freshman Connection and immediately fell in love with the campus and community,” she said. “I initially chose to major in Communications with the goal of becoming a news reporter. However, I later discovered a stronger interest in marketing and decided to pursue that path instead, while also adding a minor in Business Administration.”
Juarez-Rubio will graduate next week as NSU hosts three commencement ceremonies over two days May 13-14.
She has been actively involved on campus as the Arts & Living Editor for The Current Sauce, the student newspaper, and served as president of the Hispanic Student Journalist Association, contributed to NSU TV as a reporter and is a member of Purple Jackets Honor Society.
“I have been fortunate to receive strong mentorship throughout my journey at NSU. Dr. Nick Taylor, a Communications professor, has made a significant impact on my life. He has supported me since my first day of classes and helped guide me along the way. Because of his encouragement, I became more involved on campus and within the Department of New Media, which greatly impacted my NSU experience.
“Another important mentor in my journey was Matt Craig, the Student Media Coordinator. He is always available to support students, and for me, he has been a constant source of guidance and encouragement every step of the way.”
More recently, Professor Heidy McWhorter Mongeon, assistant professor in the School of Business, made a meaningful impact on Rubio-Juarez’s experience.
“She has helped guide me through my final semester of my senior year, which can be especially stressful as a first-generation student. Her support, encouragement and advice have been incredibly valuable during this important time,” she said.
As a first-generation student, Rubio-Juarez’s three years at NSU have been meaningful for both personal growth and her future.
“One of the most impactful and rewarding parts of my college experience has been joining the Hispanic Student Journalist Association,” she said. “When I first joined as a freshman, I was shy and intimidated. Now, as a senior and president of the organization, I can’t help but look back and feel proud of how much both HSJA and I have grown. The organization has taught me valuable leadership skills and, most importantly, the power of friendship.
“Through HSJA, I have met some of the most talented and inspiring individuals’ people I am proud to call my friends. Without them, my college experience would not have been the same. They truly helped make NSU feel like my home away from home.”
After graduation, Rubio-Juarez plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration and pursue a career in the beauty industry.
“I hope to travel and gain experience working in different markets. In the long term, I aspire to grow into a leadership role within the industry, where I can contribute innovative ideas, represent diverse voices, and make a meaningful impact through marketing.”
Information on Spring Commencement is available at https://www.nsula.edu/commencement/.
Information on NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts is available at https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/school-of-creative-and-performing-arts/new-media-journalism-communication-arts/.
Information on NSU’s School of Business is available at https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/college-of-business-and-technology/school-of-business/.