Maria Lailany “Marla” Rivera is graduating from the Tourism Management-Business Development program. As an international student, Niagara College became Rivera’s home in Canada where she not only gained a diverse education but got to participate and volunteer in several on-campus events and activities and met lifelong friends that shaped her NC story.
We catch up with Rivera to find out what drew her to NC and what she loved most about her time here.
Tell us why you came to NC and how your dream has evolved?
I came to NC as an international student seeking immigration through taking the student pathway. I finished NC realizing that there is much more to tourism than simply organizing tours and working in hotels. I discovered that tourism could involve event coordination and helping make tourism businesses more attractive, which are areas that now really interest me.
Tell us your favourite non-academic NC memory
Niagara College has become my home in Canada, mainly because I spend most of my time on-campus, not only for attending classes, but also for on-campus jobs and leisure time. My most special NC memory was during my first day of training as an Orientation Leader for Fall 2022. I cherish it most because I learned so much about the campus that day and met the people that would later become my closest friends.
What is one thing you experienced at NC that you didn’t expect?
One thing that I didn’t expect is the amount of on-campus student involvement. I didn’t realize that I would have the opportunity to be part of such a great community, make friends, help students, and have so much fun doing it all.
Now that you’re starting your career, what tools did NC give you to set you apart from your peers?
NC gave me lots of volunteer opportunities that help make me stand out as a as a job candidate. Volunteering in several hospitality and tourism-related events gave me the experience to #getinvolved and give back to the community while having meaningful roles to put on my resume.
Who would you like to thank for helping make your NC journey and dream a reality?
I am endlessly grateful to my professor and program coordinator, and to the Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership. They encouraged me to volunteer as a student and get involved on campus and in the community. This support led me to experience a few positions, and now I have landed significant role with a media and events company in Toronto!
What is your dream job? If you’ve already landed it, what is it?
My dream job is to work on my own tour operations company.
