February Spotlight Winner, Sheila Flores Aponte

Sheila Flores Aponte

What is your official job title at Ohio State? My official job title at Ohio State is Graduate and Professional Admissions Counselor. 

What department/college/unit do you work in? I work in the College of Veterinary Medicine. 

How long have you worked at OSU? I have worked at the College of Veterinary Medicine for one year and a half.  

In your own words, describe your job here at Ohio State.  This position involves identifying and recruiting prospective students passionate about people, animals, science, and learning, as well as providing encouragement, guidance, advice, and assistance with the enrollment process before and after being accepted into the program. Additionally, my responsibilities include participating in the admissions process, interviews, answering questions about financial aid, organizing campus tours, and providing informational sessions. Moreover, represent the University at recruiting events, fairs, and conferences, as well as other outreach and recruitment initiatives, maintain and arrange student networks, and connect students with the resources they need to be successful at the University. 

What do you love most about Ohio State?   My favorite things about Ohio State are the interactions with students and showing them every day that we have their backs. Furthermore, I am fortunate to work with a phenomenal, fun, energetic, diverse, supportive, hardworking, and engaged admissions team that values one another's contributions, strengths, and skill sets to pursue a common outcome. 

What is your favorite memory as a staff member at Ohio State?  My favorite memory as a staff member was being honored last year and representing the university in Puerto Rico through the SACNAS chapter, which has developed a powerful peer network that has increased the visibility of minority scientists locally and nationally. I am a Puerto Rican woman and an independent, resilient, powerful, and driven leader who strives to achieve my best at every task and job I perform at The Ohio State University and to represent those who have no voice and made them heard and visible. My experiences and values have enabled me to succeed, and I will carry on that legacy at The Ohio State University as I prepare the way for our future generation of leaders.

Being able to represent my profession, and share my country's culture, traditions, and all the remarkable things my country is known for with other University colleagues and prospective future students, will forever remain in my mind as a memorable experience, and I could not have wished for a better one.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?  In my leisure time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants, teaching Salsa lessons, attending festivals and art expositions, listening to podcasts, giving back to the community, and spending time with family and friends.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?  I know ASL - American Sign Language. 

What is your favorite quote, TV show, movie, or book?  My quote is “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching” - C. S. Lewis

 

Nominator’s Remarks:

When I think about Sheila, she embodies the shared values of the Ohio State University. Her strive for excellence, her care and compassion, her respect for everyone and her inherent integrity shines in everything she does. She fosters a sense of belonging for all students. Her colleagues recognize her inclusive nature and seek her out. She supports not only our office but the entire college and is willing to do whatever she needs to do to ensure that the job is done and is done well.  Sheila is the epitome of care and compassion. Originally from Puerto Rico, Sheila has created a sort of home away from home for our incoming students from Puerto Rico. She translates our policies for their families and government entities when necessary, she provides a place of comfort and comradery for these students who sometimes feel homesick and she goes out of her way to ensure that these students have what they need to be successful in our program.”