Lissette Adame

Lissette Adame is a senior at Knox, majoring in business with a minor in Spanish translation and interpretation. Using the Power of Experience Grant, as well as a federally awarded, merit-based Gilman Scholarship, Adame recently took an immersive study abroad course in Peru as part of Professor and Director of Latin American Studies Julio Noriega’s Spanish 230E class. Adame is also passionate about creativity and entrepreneurship, running her own business, a small at-home Gel-X nail business. She spent part of her time in Peru interviewing women entrepreneurs about their experiences running small businesses.

What about this Peru trip appealed to you?

I was originally going to study abroad in Japan. I had the Gilman Scholarship, but I didn’t know what to do with it until Laura Bush, TRIO academic coordinator, and Tim Foster, director of the Stellyes Center for Global Studies, told me I could use it for the Peru trip Julio (Noriega) was organizing. I also had the Power of Experience Grant, so I could use my out-of-pocket money for anything I wanted to bring back home. It was my first time traveling.We were able to do a lot of networking, and I liked that we went as a class instead of me by myself. 

You already have a small business and a small business plan. How much did this experience of networking with women in business help you?

When I interviewed two famous businesswomen there, they both said their businesses started out as hobbies they were passionate about. One of them was a lawyer, previously. She came to Peru from Venezuela because of the political crisis there, but she wanted to pursue her love of makeup and hairstyling. She couldn’t afford a salon, so she went to her clients’ homes. It was nice to have their advice and reassurance to follow what you really love and are passionate about.

What goes into applying for and obtaining the Gilman Scholarship?

Laura Bush from TRIO recommended the scholarship (a merit-based scholarship for American undergraduates with high financial need to study abroad sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affair) to me when I was looking into studying abroad in Japan. She said it was really competitive, but it’s better to try than not. There were some requirements: You had to be a U.S. citizen and Pell Grant eligible, and they usually prioritize people who have never studied abroad. But it was more than just wanting to go, you had to have a plan of what you wanted to learn and get out of it. I had a lot of people look at my paper, and that motivated me.

What is the most lasting memory for you?

I think putting myself out there, because Julio really encouraged us to interview different people. Initially, I was anxious, not knowing anyone there. The trip helped me learn how to interview people and how to network. I also learned how to travel, what to bring, and what not to bring. On my next travel experience, I’ll know what to do.

Did taking the Spanish translation and interpretation courses play a factor in possibly working with students?

I didn’t even know about that program when I came here, but a classmate mentioned that you can get a certificate. It was interesting to me because I wanted to improve my Spanish and help families overcome language barriers. I grew up translating documents for my mom and grandparents, but I was just a child. Taking the classes to learn medical and legal terms has opened a new perspective for me, and I am also learning a new skill.

Graduation is right around the corner. What is next for you?

Right now, I am taking an online course through the Bastian Family Center for Career Success. It helps students, especially seniors, with their job searches, resume polishing, and internship opportunities. That’s really helping me this term. I’m looking at an internship or a position in the human resources field.