"see blue." #selfie: Julia Palomino

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 21, 2016) — Want to get to know the people behind some of the biggest student leadership positions on campus? We did, too! That's why we've introduced "see blue." #selfie — a series on UKNow that lets student leaders from across campus tell us a little bit more about themselves and their organizations. Up this week, a 2016 "see blue." U Orientation leader, Julia Palomino.

Palomino, an upcoming sophomore from Washington, is majoring in English and integrated strategic communication with a minor in Spanish. This summer, Palomino has been chosen to help introduce countless of future Wildcats, parents and guests to the University of Kentucky during "see blue." U Orientations! Get to know this UK-lovin' "see blue." U Orientation leader in her "see blue." #selfie!  

UKNow: What is your major and what year are you?

Julia Palomino: I just finished my freshman year, so I'll be a sophomore in the fall. I'm majoring in English and integrated strategic communication and I'm a Spanish minor. I always say I like to read, write and talk to people! I'm on the pre-law track, but I'm interested in public relations too.

UK: Where are you from?

JP: So, my dad is in the Air Force so I have lived a lot of places. I was born in Chicago; we lived in England; Oklahoma; two cities in Texas; Montgomery, Alabama; Nebraska; and most recently Tacoma, Washington. So, Washington is where I say I'm from. My family is actually moving to D.C. this summer. I've lived on the East coast, West coast and everything in between.

UK: What made you decide to come to UK?

JP: I was offered a scholarship, I'm on a Patterson Scholarship so that put UK on my radar! I wanted to live in a state I had never lived in before and I really wanted to pick a place to be mine since we had moved so many times growing up. My state and my school. I really like UK's campus. Our buildings are so historical but fresh! It’s a good feeling. Everyone is friendly and really genuine.

UK: How did you become a "see blue." U Orientation leader and how many leaders are there this summer?

JP: I'm actually a tour guide at the Visitor Center. I was a Wildcat Ambassador my first semester and tour guide my second. When my boss sent an e-mail for orientation leaders, I was deciding what to do for the summer. So, when I heard about the dates of orientation I thought it would be great! I heard from people at the Visitor Center how great the orientation job was! I love being a Visitor Center employee, so I applied, got an interview and got a job! There are 24 of us. 

UK: As a "see blue." U Orientation leader, what is the biggest take-away you want students to have?

JP: Even though UK is a big school, it quickly begins to feel small once you get here. I want them to not be afraid of what they are going to experience, and I want them to be excited! I want them to come back excited for those challenges and new things. They really should try new things, get involved and get out there. I want them to take-away the need to do that without being fearful!

UK: What are you most looking forward to during "see blue." U?

JP: I am really excited to lead UKonnect meetings. We also have an event in downtown Lexington which I'm excited to host! We take the parents and kids downtown and have a walking tour. I'm excited to show students around Lexington.

UK: What has been your best experience at UK thus far?

JP: Overall, I joined a Christian campus group called Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) and it's been great! Being an out-of-state student, it's important to have those one-on-one connections, friends you can trust. Those good experiences make UK even better!

UK: What's your favorite part about Lexington as a community?

JP: I love how everyone here loves UK! Like, LOVES UK! In other states there's a pro sports team, but downtown Lexington when there's basketball game … that's so exciting how many people come and support! I will never forget when we had Big Blue Madness. I was walking past all the tents and people were camping out! That gave me my first take on it. Basketball is really big here!

UK: What would be your dream job?

JP: Whatever I do, I've got to work with people … for people. I see myself most likely working in marketing, public relations, event planning, directing a visitor center, working as a recruiter, working in an admissions office or anything for a college. I want something more communications-based like speech writing or doing public relations for an individual.

UK: When you have 30 minutes of free time on campus, what do you do?

JP: I will probably go sit in the bowl behind the library or in front of White Hall. I love reading!

UK: What is your vision for "see blue." U going forward?

JP: I see it as a way to allow students to get a feel for campus and a place to get a lot of info about what to do in college, such as student leadership and studying abroad. It's all about preparation and being able to experience campus, getting personal experience from students and having reassurance of "I've been to UK's campus and I know what it's like."

UK: What part of being a "see blue." U Orientation leader do you find most enjoyable?

JP: Just working with people! I love answering students' questions! I love being able to reassure them and helping them feel comfortable … and parents too!

UK: What are you involved in other than Visitor Center?

JP: RUF, I'm really involved in that. I'm on the ministry team as well. We focus on outreach to campus and Lexington and we do a lot of tabling on campus. We want an inviting atmosphere!

UK: How are your experiences with "see blue." U going to help you in the future?

JP: I think it will help me a couple different ways. It's really good networking and I get to work on my people skills too. Dealing with people in all kinds of situations, such as after a tiring day, will teach me strong customer service skills. I have already learned so much about UK, Lexington and campus, but learning more about my school will help me be more proud of it and build more passion!

"see blue." #selfies will appear every other Tuesday on UKNow. Know a student leader we should feature? Contact Rebecca Stratton at rebecca.stratton@uky.edu to nominate someone.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecca Stratton, rebecca.stratton@uky.edu, 859-323-2395