Student Success Story - Nicole Gil
Name: Nicole Gil
Major: BS in retail and consumer science
Graduation: May 2025
Hometown: Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
SSRI Unit and Position: Community Coordinator for Immigrant Student Resources (ISR) at Thrive Center
Post-graduation plans: Work, potentially go to Baylor University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
Nicole is a proud first-generation college student. While many students might pause to celebrate their graduation, Nicole is already planning her next steps: applying for a second Bachelor’s in Business Analytics at Baylor University and securing a job.
Amid her academic and professional aspirations, Nicole found purpose and community through her work with the Thrive Center. As the Community Coordinator for Immigrant Student Resources (ISR), Nicole became a vital part of the university’s past efforts to support immigrant, DACA, and undocumented students. The experience didn’t just add to her resume, it shaped her personally and professionally: “I always thought I wasn’t creative, but planning events and leading initiatives at ISR showed me that creativity looks different for everyone…”
SSRI Impact – On the Unit and Nicole
Nicole’s time with SSRI and the Thrive Center, specifically through ISR, became a defining part of her college journey. She initiated cross-unit partnerships and helped strengthen connections between ISR and other Thrive branches, such as Peer Mentoring and Financial Wellness.
Her proactive leadership didn’t go unnoticed. Nicole created advisory boards, hosted coffee chats, and became a trusted leader whom other students looked up to. She didn't wait to be asked, she just stepped up. Through this, she built key professional skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork. Her growth was obvious: “Before, I was self-conscious because of my accent. But working at ISR helped me push past that. Now I jump into things headfirst, I know I can handle it.”
Nicole also brought fresh energy to Thrive and SSRI's mission of student success. She helped students who came in unsure and intimidated feel confident and supported, ultimately helping them become mentors themselves. She shared, “seeing someone you helped walk in with a smile and bring a friend with them, that’s what it’s all about. It’s student success passed on to others.”
Sense of Belonging
For Nicole, the Thrive Center and ISR specifically became more than a workplace; they became home. As someone who moved often growing up, Nicole wasn’t used to the idea of “stability.” But at ThriveI, she found consistency in the relationships she built and the safe, welcoming environment she helped create. She shared, “You’ll never find me in the same place twice, but ISR is the exception. I always find myself coming back, even on my lunch breaks.”
Nicole and her team work intentionally to make sure every student, regardless of their background, feels seen, welcomed, and safe. Whether someone comes in for a required scholarship meeting or just out of curiosity, they were met with warmth and support. Nicole reflected on it: “It can be intimidating walking into a huge university space, especially when you don’t know anyone. But we make sure that the first step feels less scary. You’re not just entering a program, you’re entering a community.”
Nicole is proof of what’s possible with strong support, determination, and community. Despite juggling classes, multiple jobs, and even learning Python in her spare time, she’s maintained a 4.0 GPA. The biggest challenge? Funding her education. The biggest success? Finding the resources and support, especially through the Thrive Center, helped her stay on track and thrive.