She’s beautiful, sweet, humble, and one of the rocks behind Her Campus FSU. She is the girl who you can always rely on for a helping hand and who works a tremendous amount daily to ensure our magazine is running at its finest. Meet Maria Losada, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus FSU, and this week’s campus celebrity!
Year: Senior
Major: International Affairs and Editing, Writing, & Media
Her Campus (HC): Where are you from?
Maria Losada (ML): I was born in Cali, Colombia. It’s a very lively city located in the western side of Colombia. We’re known to be really warm and friendly people who love their arepas, empanadas, and good salsa music!
HC: Sounds fun! When and how did you get involved with Her Campus?
ML: I received an e-mail through the English Department about a year ago. I attended an interest meeting and really fell in love with what Her Campus represents. I immediately got involved as a staff writer. Then, in the fall semester of 2013, a great opportunity presented itself where I — along with Her Campus member Kalie Marsch — became the new Editors-in-Chief of our chapter.
HC: What is your favorite Her Campus memory?
ML: I would say my favorite memory was when Kalie and I first got the news that we had become one of the top ten chapters in the nation with over 66,000 views! I remember us screaming at the top of our lungs and feeling extremely ecstatic for that great accomplishment. After coming such a long way, that moment is one I’ll always remember.
HC: What else are you involved with at FSU?
ML: I am lucky to be a part of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) on Campus FSU. About one year ago, a group of four students and I met with the idea of establishing an organization on campus that would educate, advocate, and support people with a mental illness, as well as family or friends of those going through the like. We were fortunate to make this dream a reality, and have now seen this organization really take flight – especially this semester! A couple of events and fundraisers we’ve recently held include the Global Café and the Alive! Mental Health Fair on Union Green.
HC: What do you like to do with your free time?
ML: One of my guilty pleasures is photography. I by no means have any sort of training in the art of photography; still, it’s something that I simply enjoy doing. I don’t know if it is because I will be graduating soon or if it’s because I’m not used to seeing oak trees with Spanish moss curtains back home, but lately I’ve definitely been inspired by our campus’ landscape. Apart from that, I would say I love watching TED videos. If you don’t what TED is, you can thank me later! I have the app on my phone so when I’m folding laundry or something like that I pick a video and just listen. Other than that, dancing salsa, baking, and reading are never bad ideas in my book!
HC: What are your plans for after graduation?
ML: I am staying in Tallahassee for the summer, but for the fall I plan to move to New York City where I want to get experience working with an international development agency, while applying for writing internships and making connections. Nothing is set in stone though. I really want to take one year where I’ll be able to work, explore, and get experience in my field before settling down.
HC: Any advice for underclassmen collegiettes?
ML: YES! Two words: study abroad. Please do not let excuses like time or money prevent you from traveling. When it comes to financing your trip, you can apply for the giant pool of scholarships available for students or even fundraise! Whether it’s through Florida State or another program, make sure you make it a priority. I’ve always been a strong advocate about the benefits of traveling, especially at our age. It expands the way we think, or our perspectives, all while learning about other cultures and countries. Last summer I had the chance to plan my independent studies trip in Paris at L’Institut Catholique studying French. It was truly an unforgettable trip.
HC: Is there anything else you’d like to add for our readers?
ML: Another valuable piece of advice is, never make your decisions based on fear. If you want to start an organization on campus, don’t think about it twice. If you want to be a part of the Rugby team at Florida State, start training and go to the try outs. Don’t miss out on opportunities because you were stuck on the things that could go wrong. We are our own worst enemies. Make the best out of your time in college because it truly does go by fast!