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Luis A. Ordonez – February 2019

Texas A&M Department of Economics Amazing Student

February, 2019

luisName: Luis A. Ordonez

Hometown: Prosper, TX

High School: Prosper HS

Degree objective: B.S in Economics; M.S in Economics, Concentration in Financial Economics

Expected graduation: May 2020

University highlights, awards, scholarships: Distinguished Student Award, College of Liberal Arts Dean’s List

Clubs/Organizations I am (was) a part of: Throughout my time at A&M, I have been involved in various organizations that have helped me hone in on a wide range of interests: – International Business Association (Sep. 2016 – Present) – Phi Beta Lambda (Sep. 2016 – Jan. 2019) – Texas A&M Economics Society (Sep. 2016 – Present) – Relay For Life (Sep. 2016 – Dec. 2016) – UNICEF at Texas A&M (Sep. 2016 – Dec. 2018) – German Club (Sep. 2017 – Present) – Association of Latino Professionals for America (Sep. 2018 – Present) – Global Business Brigades (Sep. 2018 – Jan. 2019)

Current employment: Over the past 3.5 years, I have consistently worked as a Sales Associate for a furniture distribution company. I am responsible for generating business in the Southeast Texas Region. Additionally, l had the opportunity to work as a Finance Intern in Chicago during the summer of 2017 and as an Accounting Intern for a healthcare holding company in College Station during the fall semester of the same year.

Family ties to Texas A&M: I am the first of many future Aggies.

I chose to attend Texas A&M because…  Initially, the thought of having the many amenities offered here drove my decision. Having entered college as a biology student with hopes of attending medical school, l was also drawn to the biology program and opportunities associated v.rith it.

My favorite things to do on campus are…  I really enjoy finding random spots to sit down, read and have a snack. I recommend the patio behind the Allen building facing the pond and Academic Plaza.

When I have free time, I like… Randomly, I spend a lot of my free time researching different places I’d like to visit and making over-thetop itineraries for those locations; I’m notorious for making extremely detailed and planned-out itineraries for any trip I take. In addition, I really enjoy reading books about economics.

The craziest thing I’ve done is…  Definitely traveling to 13 different European countries while studying abroad. I traveled to a new place almost every weekend while living in Berlin, which meant I was constantly living out of a suitcase and was PAGE 2 frequently trying to overcome cultural barriers. This was also the most memorable experience of my life so far!

My favorite place to study is… My favorite place to study, by far, is the patio behind the Allen building facing the pond. It’s definitely a less intimidating environment than the 5th floor of Evans, which is my most productive place to study

My favorite memory of studying abroad… I went to Paris twice in the 5 months I was abroad. Both times, I went and sat in front of the Eiffel Tower with a baguette and La Vie En Rose playing in the background while sitting next to some of my favorite people in the world. These two moments are definitely my favorite memories from studying abroad.

My favorite ECON professor is…  This is a difficult question because I really appreciate all of my economics professors. That being said, Dr. Naufal really stands out as a spectacular storyteller, a passionate lecturer, and as a supportive professor who I will always feel particularly lucky about having.

My favorite part of being an Economics student is…  I really enjoy the sense of community. I’ve met a lot of really great and intelligent people in the Economics department. My fellow students always impress me!

If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…  Samantha Power! Her research on genocide and work as U.S Ambassador to the U.N is really descriptive of her integrity and courage and it would be an honor to get to meet her.

If I knew I could not fail, I would…  My goal is to eventually serve as U.S Ambassador to the U.N. I’d like to use this role to counter the development of extractive institutions in developing countries which inhibits significant economic mobility for most people in those countries.

If money was not a consideration, I would love to…  Start a consulting firm for small business ventures in developing countries.

What is your passion and how are you committed to pursuing it?  I am passionate about combining my interest in different cultures with an affinity for economics. By immersing myself in situations outside of my comfort zone, such as studying abroad or learning a new language, I am learning about that interlay. Committing myself to consistently finding new and pertinent opportunities will hopefully equip me for a career which aligns with my passion.

After graduation, I plan to…  After graduation, I plan to find a career in corporate finance or consulting which will combine my scholastic and personal interests. I envision this will lead me to a multinational firm which will push me to utilize foreign language skills and the analytical problem-solving mindset I developed while at A&M.

The one Texas A&M experience I will always remember is…  I will always remember taking part in the International Business Association’s Buddy program. This program pairs international exchange students coming through Mays with students involved in the organization. Having done this for 4 semesters, I developed life-long friendships with people from all around the globe. This was definitely the most memorable experience I have had.