Owning My Story: From Uncertainty to Confidence at AIC

by Hector Garcia Quiros, AIC Public Relations and Social Media Administration Intern

Reflection on The College Tour Experience

The first time I heard about The College Tour at American International College (AIC), it was from a flyer hanging on one of the campus columns. I remember thinking, This looks interesting. I’m going to record a video and share a little of my story.

That same day, I walked into the green screen room in AIC’s Communications and Digital Media department. I set up a tripod, sat down, and recorded a two-minute application video. The truth is, I didn’t script anything. I didn’t rehearse. I just spoke from the bottom of my heart. And somehow, I was selected.

Then it hit me; this wasn’t just a classroom project. My story would be featured on The College Tour on Amazon Prime. That realization made it ten times more nerve-wracking. When I filmed my segment during my first year at AIC, I didn’t realize I was capturing more than a college experience; I was capturing the beginning of who I was becoming.

Everything felt new. New environment. New expectations. New independence. I was still learning how to navigate college, how to introduce myself, and how to believe I truly belonged. Being asked to represent AIC felt big, bigger than I was ready for. But I said yes. Being on camera forced me to reflect:

Why did I choose AIC? What did I want from this experience? Who was I becoming?

These questions had always lived in my mind, but saying them out loud made them real. It was the first time I publicly claimed my goals instead of quietly hoping for them. I remember the nerves before filming, the pressure in my chest, and the awareness that strangers would one day hear my story. But once the camera started rolling, something shifted. I wasn’t just answering questions. I was owning my journey.

What stayed with me most were the in-between moments, the off-camera conversations, the encouragement, and the realization that my story mattered. That experience gave me confidence before I fully believed I deserved it. Now, three years later, I look back at that version of myself with gratitude. I was hopeful. I was uncertain. I was brave enough to speak before I felt ready, and that decision changed how I move through the world.

College isn’t where you “find” yourself. It’s where you build yourself, choice by choice.

Growth, Leadership, and Experiential Learning at AIC

My perspective on college has evolved significantly since my first year. What once felt like learning to survive a semester has become intentionally building a foundation for my future. Through challenging coursework, internships, and leadership opportunities, I’ve grown academically, personally, and professionally. I’ve become more comfortable with vulnerability and self-expression. I’ve taken on roles that required creativity, communication, and strategic thinking.

Balancing academics, internships, and campus involvement hasn’t been easy, but it has taught me discipline, resilience, and time management. I learned to create systems, prioritize with intention, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Along the way, I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had: storytelling, relationship-building, and strategic communication. These skills now shape both my academic journey and my career development.

The AIC Community and Mentorship

The mentorship and support at American International College have been instrumental in my growth.

Frank Borelli, my mentor and assistant dean, helped shift my mindset from simply completing college to intentionally building a future. He encouraged me to advocate for myself and approach challenges with confidence.

Carmaris Denson and Terrence O’Neill, directors of the ACE Program and my academic advisors, supported me beyond course requirements. They invested in my development, listened during moments of uncertainty, and reminded me of my potential when I doubted it.

Through internships in the college’s marketing department, I gained hands-on experience in communication and media under the mentorship of Denise Vozella, Public Relations and Communications Manager, and Leon Nguyen, Social Media Coordinator. They challenged me to think strategically, trusted me with meaningful responsibilities, and helped me understand professional standards in real-world environments.

Because of these mentors and experiential learning opportunities, AIC became more than a campus; it became a community that actively shaped my success.

Clarifying My Career Path

Courses in communication, media, and storytelling helped me recognize how narratives shape perception and how creativity can be used with purpose. I discovered that my strengths lie at the intersection of communication, strategy, and relationship-building.

Internships reinforced that direction. Applying classroom knowledge in professional settings taught me to collaborate effectively, meet expectations, manage deadlines, and take ownership of my work.

These experiences have already led to professional connections and career opportunities. What once felt distant now feels tangible as I prepare to graduate in May.

Looking Ahead

My goals have evolved from understanding what college is like to understanding how I want to contribute beyond campus. As graduation approaches, I feel equipped with more than a degree. I carry clarity, confidence, leadership experience, and a strong foundation built through mentorship and opportunity at AIC.

To students watching The College Tour today: say yes, especially when it feels intimidating. You never know which opportunity will shape you most. My journey didn’t begin with perfection. It began with noticing a flyer, walking into a green screen room, and speaking honestly without a script.

It began with courage before confidence, and that willingness to show up continues to guide me forward.