Andreina is a wonderful person who is always available fo her students and for our team. She truly cares, we call her our All-Star Advisor because she is passionate about helping others and does everything with love. We love it when she comes to the office, especially when she brings cake! Andreina is also a fantastic baker.
This is the fifth interview of a series we did to all our staff members, we want you to really get to know us, understand who we are, where we come from and why are we so passionate about college athletics and helping young students and athletes secure their future.
USP: Tell us about your background. Where are you from? Where did you grow up?
Andreina: I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Caracas- Venezuela.
USP: Where did you go to college?
Andreina: I’ve always had a passion for cooking and mostly baking, so after a few career changes, I decided to go to culinary school at Academia de Artes Culinarias de Caracas where I received a Sous Chef Degree. My passion for baking grew even more after my fist degree which led me to get my masters in Bakery and Pastry.
USP: Who have been your strongest influences in life?
Andreina: I couldn't tell you a specific person, I think all my family has influenced my life in some way. I thank them for the good and the not so good, that has helped me to be who I am and most importantly who I want to be, we never stop growing and learning and wanting to be more. That way we’ll be a good influence on someone’s life.
USP: What led you to this career? How did you end up at USP?
Andreina: Tennis has always been a part of my life. My siblings and I spent most of our days in a tennis court since we were little, and when I was 15, I started working as a line umpire, chair umpire, and referee in tournaments in Venezuela. When my husband and I moved to Miami about 10 years ago, I re-connected with the sport. About 5 years ago, I got the opportunity to apply for a job opening at USP, had a meeting with Thomas, and embarked on what has become one of the most rewarding and fulfilling adventures of my professional life!
USP: What is your proudest experience since working with USP?
Andreina: Watching my client’s graduate college, I’ve been with USP for a while now that I’m starting to see them graduating and it’s very hard to explain, because you work with these clients for quite some time that you start to feel like part of their family, it makes me so proud.
USP: What is the main mistake you see in the recruiting process?
Andreina: Definitely not planning ahead, going with the flow is something that doesn’t work in this process. Don’t wait until it’s the last minute.
USP: Can you tell us about one (or two) Client story you will never forget.
Andreina: Of course, my first client I would never forget, it was very exciting because watching someone accomplish something this important and you having to do with that is very rewarding.
Another client I will never forget, I worked with one player from Venezuela, she got an amazing opportunity, I was so happy for her and her family. During one of our Winter Showcases (She was already placed, she didn’t need to come) I saw her parents and they said that they wanted to thank me for everything and then she appeared of out nowhere like SURPRISE!!! She just said thank you so much for everything. I was so happy and proud to be a part of her accomplishment.
USP: What is your most important advice for a student and for the parent?
Andreina: Enjoy the process, do the work, this is one in a lifetime experience. You’ll never forget this path and everything you did to accomplish it. We’re here for you, we’ll help you all the way, but my main advice is to ENJOY IT!!!.
When asked for a short bio for the USP website, this is how Andreina described herself:
Being a Mom of 2 and an active tennis coach is what drives my passion for students to succeed, achieve their sport’s goals, and pursue their desired careers. At USP I’ve been able to help our clients with a deep understanding of what their needs are, honest counseling, and passionate dedication.
Thank you, Andreina!