Graduate Staff Spotlight | Vanessa Solis
"My family and my music bring me so much joy, and that has reflected on my work at Hood College. I truly appreciate being able to assist applicants and support them throughout the process to get into school."
Vanessa Solis, Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
Meet Vanessa Solis, graduate admission professional by day, violin virtuoso by night. Learn more about a typical day in the life of Vanessa, from her daily tasks at the Graduate School to her life outside the office.
Can you describe a typical day in the Graduate School for you?
I am the liaison of the STEM programs, so most of my applicants are overseas, which is why I am constantly on WhatsApp, as it has become the fastest way to communicate with them. We all have different roles in the admission department, and I am very thrilled to be the diversity, equity and inclusion liaison, where I focus on creating an inclusive environment for our applicants, regardless of their background, gender or country of citizenship.
What activities after work hours keep you busy?
I am a violin performer and a mom of a two-year-old, so after the office, I juggle between my toddler and several part-time orchestras where I perform. I try to spend as much time as I can with my family, and we love to go for walks with our dog Theo when the weather allows. As I have to learn and memorize music for my performances, I try to practice the violin when my son goes to sleep, so I can soothe him with music while I am learning what I have to play.
How do your work and after-work activities complement each other?
My family and my music bring me so much joy, and that has reflected on my work at Hood College. I truly appreciate being able to assist applicants and support them throughout the process to get into school.
What is your favorite part of working in the Graduate School?
The tightknit community at Hood College, as well as the feeling of belonging I get from working with my working team.
What would you tell someone thinking about a graduate degree, but who may be doubting their ability to balance it all?
Invest in yourself! We all have to juggle with a zillion things in life, but it is so important to focus on ourselves to be able to support others. It is never too late to start a graduate degree.
What has been your most memorable experience since working for the Graduate School?
I was hired on May 4, 2020, and I didn’t meet my team in person until after eight months of working in the Graduate School. Everyone was so patient with me while I was training, and I felt supported at all times.
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