Class of 2024: How to get the most out of college from someone who’s done it

by Kristen Simpson

F rom El Salvador to Texas and now Milledgeville, Lilian Alfaro's journey led her to graduation from Georgia College & State University this December

The aspiring Double Bobcat is a senior management information systems major and continuous improvement intern at Fouts Brothers in Milledgeville. But she's also secretary for the Dean's Advisory Board, vice president of GC Women in Technology, married and mother to a 10-year-old.

"I came in with this idea of just getting my education, getting the degree, and next thing I know, I'm getting nominated for GEM, the Georgia Education Mentorship program," Alfaro said. "Things that most students do didn't matter to me, but everyone-the staff, the faculty-have been so welcoming to me and made me feel included in their classrooms."

She's done more at Georgia College than she ever expected to, and that's because she embraced three tenets: capability, adaptability and willingness.

"When opportunities knock, take them - and that's what I've done," Alfaro said. "It hasn't always been easy; the journey has been tough and full of challenges. But I've discovered that I'm capable of handling extra responsibilities and pushing myself beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone."

Alfaro entered the workforce at age 15 to help support her mother and four siblings. She worked in insurance and finance for 10 years before seeking higher education.

"That made me realize I don't want to be in the front line of a business," Alfaro said. "I would rather be backstage where the business decisions are happening - where the business processes are being implemented."

So she got her associate's degree of business administration in 2022 from Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. After her spouse's work saw them move across the country to Milledgeville, the best decision for Alfaro was to continue her education at Georgia College.

"Not many women pursue an education in technology, much less Latina women," she said. "I believe in amplifying the message about the value of education and breaking barriers. It doesn't have to be in technology; what matters is taking that first step and going after your goals."

"Get the degree now, before life becomes more challenging, before you have more responsibilities. It's prime time," Alfaro said. "I wish I would have done it then, but I don't regret it, because it's helped me learn what it is I want with my life."

She's looking for jobs and hoping to secure a position as she pursues her master's in management information systems next spring. While she's at it, she hopes to inspire her daughter.