Nicole Brand Robles
Paly, Class of 2020
Madrid University, Class of 2024
Communications and Marketing
Madrid University, Class of 2024
Communications and Marketing
Updated June 2, 2024
I am originally from Colombia. I moved in 3rd grade to Palo Alto. My initial interest was in Criminology and Sociology. I joined Butler University in Indiana after graduation from high school. I then transferred to Saint Louis University in Missouri where I took advantage of a study abroad program with Madrid University in Spain. I initially looked to transfer back to Missouri but loved it here in Madrid so I decided to join Madrid University full-time.
I just graduated with a degree in Communications and Marketing. I recently completed an internship in Madrid, where I was a campaign manager for a Canadian technology company. I am currently looking for a full-time job in Madrid or in the US. My experience and interests span working with diverse cultures in developing creative campaigns and using smart tech social media for startups (fashion and beauty as target categories) and building content for teachers.
Kimberly Schwan (my RTE mentor) helped me by reviewing my college essays. Kimberly also helped me make decisions about my college choices. She went above and beyond by helping me complete my financial aid package with Butler University. We have stayed in touch since then with Kimberly checking in on me throughout my time in college.
My favorite class to date is Intercultural Communications. I find it interesting because you get to understand different cultures not as a “you” problem but through the experiences of different human beings. For example, time management in some cultures is event based while in some cultures it is more forward-thinking driven.
I have three lessons I wanted to share with other RTE Scholars:
I am originally from Colombia. I moved in 3rd grade to Palo Alto. My initial interest was in Criminology and Sociology. I joined Butler University in Indiana after graduation from high school. I then transferred to Saint Louis University in Missouri where I took advantage of a study abroad program with Madrid University in Spain. I initially looked to transfer back to Missouri but loved it here in Madrid so I decided to join Madrid University full-time.
I just graduated with a degree in Communications and Marketing. I recently completed an internship in Madrid, where I was a campaign manager for a Canadian technology company. I am currently looking for a full-time job in Madrid or in the US. My experience and interests span working with diverse cultures in developing creative campaigns and using smart tech social media for startups (fashion and beauty as target categories) and building content for teachers.
Kimberly Schwan (my RTE mentor) helped me by reviewing my college essays. Kimberly also helped me make decisions about my college choices. She went above and beyond by helping me complete my financial aid package with Butler University. We have stayed in touch since then with Kimberly checking in on me throughout my time in college.
My favorite class to date is Intercultural Communications. I find it interesting because you get to understand different cultures not as a “you” problem but through the experiences of different human beings. For example, time management in some cultures is event based while in some cultures it is more forward-thinking driven.
I have three lessons I wanted to share with other RTE Scholars:
- Use all of the resources that RTE sends via email. They are a carefully curated set of resources. RTE did a great job sharing these resource lists broadly with students.
- Believe in yourself! The transition to college can be overwhelming initially but you will find your crowd eventually.
- Living in Palo Alto is like living in a bubble. There is so much more to the world…so many amazing people who will help you find your confidence.