Upon learning that she had won the award, Venus was met with shock and gratitude. 

“Originally, they had posed it to me like I was coming in for a second round interview, so I was pretty shocked when they said, ‘You’ve actually won!’” Venus said. “They got me good! It really was a surreal moment."

In her role, Venus works closely with Quinnipiac's student advisory boards, providing a critical student voice to initiatives that shape the university experience.

“We get groups of students together to talk about changes coming to the school and possible issues they are facing," she said. "It’s a great way to get authentic student feedback on the experience. With the first-years, there is also a big focus on the transition into Quinnipiac and helping them find their footing.”

Venus was first introduced to the position through her involvement with the advisory board as a first-year student.

Her work has had real impacts on student life. From helping place microwaves in residence hall common areas to handing out warm cookies on Admitted Students Day, Venus emphasizes that the little things matter.

“While it may not seem like a huge thing, I hope it at least made one student’s day better,” said Venus. 

The internship has also served as a platform for her personal and professional growth.

“It has taught me a lot about diplomacy and compromise,” she said. “When faced with an issue, it is rare that there is a solution that appeases everyone. Learning how to come to solutions that may not be ‘perfect’ but work the best for everyone is a valuable skill that I am thankful to have learned.”

Venus credits the Quinnipiac community for supporting her journey and representing student employees across campus, something she considers to be an important aspect of Quinnipiac.

“Student employees are the heart and soul of Quinnipiac,” Venus said. “To be able to represent such a diverse group of students is amazing.”

Looking ahead, Venus sees the experience shaping her career path toward nursing management.

“My time with this internship has taught me a lot about conflict resolution, which is now pushing me towards doing nursing management,” she said. “I like figuring out intricacies, and nursing management is very intricate to say the least.”

For students considering campus employment or internships, Venus offers simple but powerful advice — “Do it!”

As she prepares for her final year at Quinnipiac, Venus remains committed to making a lasting impact.