As a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrants, University of Texas at Dallas marketing senior Gilian Rojas identifies with her work at Heart House.

An educational services nonprofit, Heart House provides free after-school and in-school programs for refugee, immigrant and under-resourced children in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood of Dallas.

"The work is just so important, especially the social-emotional learning we provide," said Rojas, who was recognized with her classmates from the Naveen Jindal School of Management on Dec. 16 during fall commencement ceremonies. "It's about helping children regulate their emotions through social-emotional learning, and they have a home with us while they're not at home.

"There are so many children who have these emotions that overwhelm their little bodies because their feelings are so big. I feel like I was one of those children."

Rojas' parents immigrated from Costa Rica, and she was raised by a supportive, single mom. Attending college, though, proved to be challenging and sometimes stressful.

"No one in my family knew how to apply to college," Rojas said. "I had to figure out how to apply for financial aid myself, which is a really huge undertaking for a 17-year-old."

After graduating from high school, Rojas attended Dallas College online amid COVID-19 restrictions. There, she was president of the art club and active in student government.

At the time, Rojas planned to major in political science.

"I got a job at a yoga studio as a receptionist," she said. "One day the owner was making a social media video, and I gave her some suggestions. She said, 'What's your major again? You need to go into marketing.' And I thought, 'Maybe I should.'

That suggestion led Rojas to explore opportunities at UT Dallas. She discovered the marketing program and decided to become a Comet.

"My favorite thing about UT Dallas is definitely the diversity," she said. "It's a melting pot, and there's all these different cultural clubs, and it's amazing. In class, every time they would do the roll call off the roster, they would pronounce my name perfectly. It's little things like that that really just make me feel at home."

Rojas joined UTD's Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority and held a variety of roles, including chaplain, fundraising chair, vice president of marketing and vice president of the chapter.

In her classes, Rojas enjoyed the experiential learning offered by the instructors.

"There are so many children who have these emotions that overwhelm their little bodies because their feelings are so big. I feel like I was one of those children."

Gilian Rojas

"As a marketing major, we had to do mock interviews and resume writing. In my professional sales class, we had to interview seven people that we found on LinkedIn in the industry that we wanted to go into. I was having fun, so I interviewed around 25," she said. "After that sales class, I feel like I could sell anything to anyone now."

Dr. Julie Haworth, associate professor of instruction in marketing, noted Rojas' talents and willingness to help others.

"I recall her helping me teach how to use a marketing application in class this semester," Haworth said. "I know her family is so proud of her, and so is our department."

After starting as an intern at Heart House, Rojas is now a marketing and development associate at the nonprofit.

Shannon Hendricks, director of Heart House, said that Rojas is an instrumental part of its mission.

"Her ability to connect with our constituents and tell our story in meaningful ways has been instrumental in amplifying our mission. Gilian's dedication, innovative spirit and genuine care make her an invaluable part of our team," she said.