Standing proud at 5 feet tall (because I like to see the glass as half-full) with a head full of dreams and a heart full of passion, I am Erica Rego.
I like to describe myself in four words: small girl, big personality. My friends and family know that I have a thing for technology, are wowed by my hand lettering skills, and have gotten used to the fact that I use my hands a little too much when I speak.
Animals aren't really my thing, but I love butterflies. Currently Coldplay, the Chainsmokers, Ariana Grande, Odessa, Lorde, Billy Joel, and Kygo are all at the top of my Spotify playlists. Whenever I'm stressed out I hand letter my favorite quotes -- think of it as a knock-off of calligraphy (see left photo). I love typewriters (even though I don't own a real one), wearing capri pants as regular pants (#shortgirlprobz), and sushi (even though I'm allergic to shellfish #paradox). At the moment New Girl, The Mindy Project, and Jane the Virgin are all in my Hulu watch queue, but I find it important to mention that I own all 10 seasons of Friends on DVD.
I am just like any other almost-21-year old trying to figure my life out. I can say with confidence that my life is going somewhat in the right direction, but that's attributed to the fact that I'm in my third year at the University of Florida studying advertising and I have a VERY supportive family (hi mom and dad).
I've somehow managed to convince enough people that I am trustworthy, have reliable technical skills, and can speak to a wall and have it talk back to me; skills that have led me to earning my on-campus job as a student video technician for UF's Information Technology department and to having the honor of serving UF as a university ambassador through the Florida Cicerones.
It should come as no surprise that I am a big fan of the university I attend, but it hasn't always been that way. Until my sister, who is two years older than me, decided to attend UF upon her acceptance, college always seemed to be this distant, abstract idea to me. I always knew I'd go to college but I had no idea which one or how I'd get there. Then UF came into my world and turn the whole thing up-side-down.
Something I find truly remarkable about my time in college thus far is the fact that it has not changed me as a person; it has enhanced me. I now see the world as something to improve. I am constantly thinking, "how can I make the world a little better today," "what can I do today to leave the world a little better than I found it." College has taught me to be kind because everyone is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about.
I believe one of the greatest things you can do in this world is go after your passions because the world needs more passionate people. When I was in the third grade I was set on becoming an author. Then in the fifth grade I changed my mind and decided I wanted to become a news anchor someday. That all changed again when I was 16 and realized there's so much more to multimedia and communications than just being a pretty face on TV; plus I didn't want to report the bad news, but there's no escaping that nowadays.
So here I am now: obsessed with the power of communication, leadership, and multimedia. I've developed graphic design skills, learned about branding and consumer development, and fallen in love with the idea of creating something pleasing to the eyes, ears, and heart. This is why I'm an advertising major.
When people first look at me, they see a short, Cuban girl from South Florida with a voice that carries sass, a put-together style, and her hands all over the place because she's probably talking about something she's extremely passionate about. I'm okay with that image because that image is me and after almost 21 years, I am more than proud of the person I've become.
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