Study Abroad Alumni Stories: Jacquelyn Lopez

Meet Jacquelyn Lopez! She serves on the Board of Joy Worldwide Inc. as the Director of Partnerships. She completed her undergrad at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where she studied Marketing & International Business. She studied abroad in Dublin at the University College of Dublin (UCD). After graduation, she worked in advertising for six years then pivoted into partner marketing for fintechs/BNPLs. She currently works at Upgrade in San Francisco as a Partner Marketing Manager.

What life skills did you gain from studying abroad?

“Studying abroad pushed me to adopt an open mind to different perspectives and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I quickly realized, especially studying abroad at such a large university, that if I wasn't proactive about going after the things I wanted to experience, then the whole opportunity would pass me by. I learned the building blocks to independence in Dublin.” 

What advice would you give to your past self before studying abroad?

“Hard things don't stay hard forever. And there's plenty of fun to be had in the most unexpected places!”

Why do you think it is important for African American students to study abroad? 

“Everyone talks about how necessary it is to broaden your horizons when they talk about studying abroad - and yes, of course - but the real learning curve is figuring out a new daily routine in a completely new place. You know no one, everything is unfamiliar but you need to find your constants. The constants are the people and the places where you feel safe and welcome. This experience is a practice in how you can live anywhere and thrive. I came back home with an excitement to build a life and community wherever I chose after graduation, which was something that previously brought me dread and anxiety. It's so vital we find and foster community wherever we land in this world.”