Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

When freshman Jaquelin Romero of Holland, Mich., arrived at Central Michigan University, she brought more than a suitcase. She brought determination to break out of her shell and build a better college experience than the one she had in high school.

“I spent my freshman and sophomore year [of high school] completely by myself,” said Romero. “So I definitely came in trying to be as extroverted as possible, because that’s not typically who I am.”

Before even setting foot on campus, she joined the Business Residential College to jumpstart her social circle – and it worked.

“I now have three amazing friends who live on my floor and are all business majors,” she said. “I don’t think I would have the college experience that I’ve had so far without them.”

But Romero didn’t stop there. Wanting to expand her circle beyond her major, she took a chance on spring recruitment for Greek life – and quickly found a home in Tri Sigma.

“I only had one COB [continuous open bidding] date,” she said. “But I just really liked all of the girls that I met. Like 20 minutes after I left their open house, they called me and I accepted my bid. So far, I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Romero also will be part of the third Queller Leadership Scholars Program cohort, will serve as an IMPACT mentor for incoming students next fall, and is spending her summer with a faith-based service group in Oregon.

“Jaquelin has been one of the most motivated students in the Business Residential College,” said Lori Driessnack, associate director of student engagement and professional development and director of the BRC. “She’s not afraid to step outside her comfort zone, and she approaches new experiences with purpose and self-awareness. Her confidence comes from knowing she has a strong support network – and she’s already made a lasting impression on our campus.”

Romero is majoring in general management with a minor in entrepreneurship. Her goal is to one day open her own bakery.

“I’ve always loved baking and selling things,” she said. “I love to market and have people see my name on my product and fall in love with the flavor and be happy. I want to own a bakery. And one day, when it’s stable enough for me not to be there every day, I want to go into youth ministry.”

Her drive is matched by a grounded perspective on what it means to thrive in college.

“The college experience is what you make it,” she said. “If you want to go out and party every night, it’s available. But if you don’t, you don’t have to. I think it’s definitely about who you surround yourself with and what you want out of it.”

Romero also emphasized the importance of staying on top of academics.

“It’s OK to take a personal day, but try not to miss your hard classes,” she said. “If I miss my accounting class one time, I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. Missing one class period is a lot. It’s so different from high school.”

Looking ahead, she plans to gain experience, save money and eventually launch her dream business. But when she looks back, it’s not the big milestones that will matter most.

“All the random funny moments – that’s what will stay with me,” she said. “I remember the first heavy snowfall, a bunch of us went and made seven-foot-tall snowmen. It’s those impulsive, fun things that matter.”