"see blue." #selfie: Tiffany Molina

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 26, 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, the 2015-16 president of the International Student Council, Tiffany Molina!

Molina is going to be a senior majoring in business management and equine science. She is from Honduras and was drawn to the University of Kentucky after her mother visited Lexington in 2010 for the FEI World Equestrian Games. Molina envisions the International Student Council as a leader in introducing UK to different cultures of the world. Learn all about  Molina in her "see blue." #selfie!    

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

Tiffany Molina: I am going to be a senior and I'm double majoring in business management and equine science.

UK: Where are you from?

TM: I am from Honduras.

UK: Tell me about your position on the International Student Council (ISC).

TM: For this year, I was president of ISC. ISC is basically the umbrella organization for international student organizations. What we do is join students of different cultures. A big goal is to have international students mingle with local students. I make sure that for the next year, when I'm no longer on the board, we secure funds to help other organizations host events. We host two events during the year to show the diversity of the university.  

UK: What is your vision for ISC?

TM: I want ISC to grow and become something that helps not only the UK community, but Lexington. We worked with the Lexington Mayor's Youth Council this year. It's great that Kentucky's school system is taking a step to introducing Kentucky to different cultures of the world!  

UK: What makes you so passionate about this organization? 

TM: I think I love it because of the different cultures. I love meeting new people and gaining perspectives about how different nationalities see the world. Part of the college experience is meeting new people and expanding your network.

UK: What else are you involved in?

TM: This year I was part of Women Business Leaders in Gatton, the UK American Marketing Association….I'm in a lot of things. It's been crazy! I'm working with the International Student Leadership team and I also am a sitter for Wildcat Service Dogs.

UK: Has there been a teacher or employee that has made a positive impact on your time here at UK?

TM: Yeah! I feel like I've met awesome people willing to help me go the extra mile. I believe people in the College of Ag are super nice and are almost like friendly neighbors! I would say someone else that has helped me this year is my advisor in Gatton, and I so appreciate that!

UK: How often do you go home to Honduras?

TM: I go back quite a lot compared to other international students. I got to go back during Spring Break this year.

UK: What brought you to UK from Honduras?

TM: So, I was applying to different colleges and I didn't want to stay in Honduras. My mom came here for the World Equestrian games and encouraged me to apply at UK. I had never been to Kentucky before so I didn't know what to expect. I went ahead and applied. That's how I ended up coming here!  

UK: What would you say is a major difference between the United States and Honduras?

TM:  Personal space. Latin America in general - we love close contact with anyone. It was very hard meeting someone and getting used to handshaking. That's the biggest difference.

UK: What would you sing at a karaoke night?

TM: Probably that one Ed Sheeran song. The love song. "Thinking Out Loud!"

UK: If you had a warning label, what would it say?

TM: Loud. I feel like you know when I'm somewhere because I'm always laughing and it's super loud. I need to practice my inside voice!

UK: Have you ever had a secret admirer?

TM: I used to have one in the sixth grade! I remember he got me a rose….it was a fake rose. Through high school everyone made fun of him for it.

UK: What's your favorite thing about Lexington?

CF: I think my favorite is how you have city life and then farm life. The beautiful landscapes - that's my favorite thing.

UK: Growing up, what did you want to be?

TM: A doctor.

UK: What is your dream job now?

TM: Right now, my ideal job would be working in equine business. I have an internship with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in marketing right now to give me a perspective. They are an equine hospital.

UK: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

TM: I love ice cream. It's my favorite thing! I would say my favorite flavor is caramel.

UK: If you were stranded on a desert with one person, who would it be?

TM: My boyfriend. He would be the only one able to deal with my madness!

UK: What is your favorite UK sporting event to attend?

TM: Basketball. Freshman year, being in the Eruption Zone was my main goal. By my sophomore year I wanted actual seats.

UK: If you could make anything a national holiday, what would it be?

TM: I think it would be a day honoring the beaches of the world. That's one thing I miss about being home.

UK: Who would you say knows you the best?

TM: I would say my mom because even when we are on the phone and I've had a bad day she knows just by the tone of my voice.

UK: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

TM: I would want to go to Dubai. I think that would be really cool!

UK: Have you ever studied abroad?

TM: I went to Australia last year with the equine program. It was awesome to see the differences. They are big into thoroughbreds. My dream was to hold a koala and I did it! It was really cute!

UK: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

TM: I would want to live somewhere in the south of the United States. Kentucky is still the south, but I want a place less cold.

UK: You are happiest when…

TM: I have peace of mind I am happiest! A lot of times after an exam, even if I didn't do well, I am just happy it is over.

UK: Do you have any advice for an incoming freshman?

TM: I would say to take risks and try new things. Don't get stressed with school stuff.

"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