Blanca Pena (left) talks at a table with another student.

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

Don't compare this criminal justice major — or yourself — to anyone else!

Criminal justice major Blanca Pena (left) has founded two student organizations for women and the Latinx community. (Josh Hawkins, UNLV Photo Services) 

Meet Blanca, a criminal justice major who has founded two student organizations for women and the Latinx community. Her advice to future Rebels? Try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and find people that inspire you.

Best part about being in Las Vegas for college?

As a Vegas local, picking a school in the city helped me stay close to my family and allowed me to stay connected to my roots. There are quite a handful of opportunities for us. Las Vegas is constantly growing and developing. Being a part of that not only helps me explore more options, but it connects me to people who may have opportunities for me.

Advice to fellow Rebels?

Everyone’s experience is different, so I would highly avoid comparing yourself to others. What matters is that you’re trying your best and you’re doing things that genuinely make you happy. At first, I struggled with imposter syndrome and feeling like my efforts were never enough and I’m here to tell you that they are! Don’t allow others’ successes to bring you down, because you’re doing great, and I’m proud of you. Try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and find people that inspire you as I did. I promise: you’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. If you choose UNLV, know that you’re in for a ride. Enjoy it!  

Get to Know Blanca!

 

Blanca Pena at the top of a mountain overlooking a valley

Avengers character? Black Widow

 

Local hiking spot? Mary Jane Falls at Mount Charleston 

Wisdom for your 10-year old self? Be nicer to yourself and don't let anybody take advantage of you  

Almost major? Biology... Gross!

Does pineapple belong on pizza? NO

Number one reason a future student should consider UNLV?

The community. UNLV is filled with all types of faculty, staff, and students who are open-minded and are genuinely interested in making the world a better place. I can guarantee that anybody who comes to this university will be able to find their niche and find something that inspires them. The Las Vegas and UNLV community is constantly expanding so there’s always room for diversity, and I think that’s what makes this the number one reason.

What student organizations, activities, or resources have you been involved with outside the classroom?

Outside of the classroom, I’ve gotten involved in a number of things at UNLV. I got to start two Registered Student Organizations on campus, the first one being UNLV iGNiTE which pushes young women to run for public office and the second one being UNLV SOL (Student Organization of Latinxs), which aims to create a community for those that are a part of the Latinx community or for those who just wish to learn more about it. I’ve also been heavily involved in our school’s mock trial competition team and CSUN student government, where I served as an intern, senator, committee chair, and now Senate president.
 
Lastly, this summer, I also had the pleasure of participating in the William S. Boyd School of Law Justice Michael L. Douglas Prelaw Fellowship Program which is an amazing program and resource for those looking to attend law school post-undergrad. 

 

Topics:

admissions, students

Campus Units:

Department of Criminal Justice,  Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

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