Rut Maria Merida
Name
Rut Maria Merida
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Major
Economics
Minor
Comparative American Studies
Hometown
About Me
Looking back on my four years, I realized my happiest moments at Oberlin were filled with dance, advocacy work, and my community. As a first generation Latina, it was not only important for me to take advantage of my education, but also find community and seek opportunities to give back to those I care deeply about. Underserved communities and those who have made sacrifices for my success are the ones I am always trying to reach back for and give back to.
As a person who loves problem solving and numbers, I became an economics major and eventually a business scholar, a program where I experienced personal and professional growth. Aside from academics, it’s been a pleasure and honor serving as co-chair of La Alianza Latinx and Movimiento for three years. In these spaces, I was able to give back and stay true to my values by co-creating a living-learning house for Latinx identifying individuals, supporting and mentoring younger students, and organizing events in collaboration with other cultural organizations.
After Oberlin, I will be working as a financial analyst at AON with the dream of later creating my own non-profit that supports underserved communities of color in Chicago.
As a person who loves problem solving and numbers, I became an economics major and eventually a business scholar, a program where I experienced personal and professional growth. Aside from academics, it’s been a pleasure and honor serving as co-chair of La Alianza Latinx and Movimiento for three years. In these spaces, I was able to give back and stay true to my values by co-creating a living-learning house for Latinx identifying individuals, supporting and mentoring younger students, and organizing events in collaboration with other cultural organizations.
After Oberlin, I will be working as a financial analyst at AON with the dream of later creating my own non-profit that supports underserved communities of color in Chicago.
Campus Jobs
Resident Assistant
SOAR Leader
PAL
Student Employment Office
Favorite Place
Wilder 208 was my favorite place at Oberlin because I met some of the most important people in my life there and because of all the memories made and unforgettable times spent there. It was the space I laughed and smiled in the most.
Favorite Class
My favorite class was Oberlin Dance Company with Talise Campbell because it allowed me to rediscover my love for dance and create and showcase my own work. I was a part of a production that not only had deep meaning to me but broadcasted powerful and emotional messages about the history of African dance in Oberlin with an integration of culture, empowerment, struggle, and triumph.
Clubs & Organizations
And What!?
La Alianza Latinx
Movimiento
Posse Scholar
Kinetique
El Centro Volunteer Initiative
Notable Quote
"El haragán trabaja dos veces."
- Mi madre, toda mi vida
- Mi madre, toda mi vida
Graduation Date
05/25/2020
Future Plans
Upon graduation, I’ll be joining the Finance Leadership Program as a Financial Analyst at Aon in Chicago.
Files
Citation
“Rut Maria Merida,” OC2020, accessed April 19, 2024, https://oc2020.oberlincollegelibrary.org/items/show/397.