FIYou: Scarlett Aldana ’08

Name: Scarlett M. Aldana ’08

Hometown: Miami, Fla.

Job Title/Department: Panther Community Coordinator, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I work for the Office of Student Affairs. I oversee one of the learning communities and several student organizations for the College of Medicine. It is my responsibility to provide daily oversight in the creation, design, planning, implementation, integration and evaluation of all educational and social activities for one of four Panther student-learning communities. Among the activities that we produce are our Winter Ball, a talent/awards show, Lunch and Learn and Potlucks….

Number of years at FIU: 2

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The daily interaction with the medical students and the diversity among the faculty and staff make me look forward to coming into work.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

We are passionate and dedicated to meeting the needs of our medical students. We strive for excellence and continuously look for opportunities for improvement. We all share the mission and vision of the College of Medicine.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

I like the new and remodeled Barnes & Noble at FIU Bookstore & Café and Panther Stop. It is convenient and accessible to all.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

I would like people to know about our Health Care Network, which is a group practice of College of Medicine clinical faculty. It designed to provide FIU faculty and staff with convenient, cost-effective primary and preventive care.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

We have excellent programs for the students. Our business school is nationally recognized as one of the best in the nation. Our College of Medicine is the first to have students out in the field during their first year and is the only school in the nation to have a NeighborhoodHELP program.

Family snapshot:

I am not married but engaged. My family consists of my parents, a sister and a brother. We migrated from Guatemala in 1990.

Word that best describes you: Determined.

First paying job: I was a sales cashier at a Honda dealer.

Favorite TV show: The Office and House.

What is playing on your iPod?

Black Eyed Peas.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Completing my bachelor’s degree. I am the first in my family for the past three generations to do so. And I’ve been accepted into the FIU Healthcare MBA program and look forward to graduating in 2011.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I am heavily involved at my church. I oversee the bookstore and am a sub-leader for the youth. I also enjoy singing, event planning and eating sushi.