Camila Ospina Diez, B.S. Hospitality Management: Entertainment Management (4+1), 2024

Camila Ospina Diez has a passion for music but was unsure of her college pathway. After a few major changes, she found a degree program that spoke to her interests. As a hybrid undergraduate student concentrating in entertainment management, the Miami native plans to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. What made the difference was the Carnival Gold Scholarship she received. In the following, Diez shares some thoughts on her academic journey.

What is your major and when do you graduate?

I am currently an undergraduate FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management student. My concentration area is entertainment management. I am also going to pursue my master's degree in mega events. My estimated graduation date is June, 2024.

What is your background?

I was born in Medellín, Colombia. I moved to Miami when I was nine years old. One of my passions is music, which is why I am currently pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Additionally, I am currently an artist and repertoire intern for Sony Music Entertainment catalog division, Legacy Recordings.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself very happy, healthy, extremely successful, and loving what I do. I have always dreamed big; I have many professional and personal aspirations I plan to pursue and make a reality. One of them is having my own artist and music-related events management company.

What led you to this field and why did you choose FIU?

My passion for music, people, diversity and inclusion led me to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism with my concentration being entertainment management. When the time came to apply for colleges, I did not have any specific one in mind, but I was always intrigued by FIU. I graduated from Alonzo and Tracy Mourning High School right next to the BBC campus and I went to FIU a few times to get Starbucks. I fell in love with the campus and the environment. FIU was the only university I applied to and thankfully I was accepted because I had no plan B.

Have you completed any online courses?

Yes, I love doing a hybrid learning style. I usually go to campus one or two times a week and the rest of my classes are online. I find it easier that way to manage my time and work-life balance.

How did you hear about the scholarship?

I had no idea about my scholarship (Carnival Gold Scholarship). I remember being at work and receiving a call from someone at the Chaplin School telling me I was being considered for it and that if I were interested, I could apply for it. If I were awarded the scholarship, I would only have to change majors, which was no issue.

How has this scholarship helped you?

The Carnival Gold Scholarship has helped me in many ways. Apart from the financial relief, it has also guided me to the major I was meant to pursue. I always wanted to enter entertainment management. I first enrolled as a music major, then I changed to business management, and after receiving the scholarship, I switched to Hospitality and Tourism Management so I could pursue the entertainment management major.

What do you think the impact will be on your future?

I love FIU. My experience has been wonderful. The career development and academic advising team have always helped me do well in my courses but also have always been there for me, making me feel comfortable, asking questions and seeking assistance if necessary. Additionally, my scholarship has helped me to not worry about how I will pay for college, and it has connected me to many people that I now consider my friends. Also, my experience has encouraged me to help others the way I was helped through my scholarship after graduation. With my career, I aspire to help more people obtain the higher education they desire to have.