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Scholars Academy: Marina Madrigal

The College of Business Administration Scholars Academy will welcome 20 more students this fall. Meet a member of the 2017 cohort.

Marina Madrigal

Marina Madrigal is a 2017 graduate of Bellevue East High School.

The UNO College of Business Administration Scholars Academy is a close-knit community of ambitious, high-achieving business students who want to challenge themselves while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

During this four-year program, Scholars are mentored by Omaha-area business professionals, take special business courses taught by award-winning faculty, and gain real-world experience through community engagement and international travel. They also receive generous scholarships.

Scholars are selected the spring of their senior year in high school after a rigorous and competitive application process.

Meet new member Marina Madrigal of Omaha, Nebraska.

Why did you choose UNO?

I chose UNO because it feels the most like home. I always wanted to move away from home prior to my senior year, but as soon as I visited the UNO campus, I knew that I valued the comfort of home over everything else.

I also fell in love with on-campus housing and the facilities provided at an affordable cost. The CBA Scholars Academy is also a major reason that I chose UNO. It's one of the best and most inclusive programs that I've seen for what I want to do, and I know that will it make a big impact on my future.

Why did you choose business as a major?

No other field really felt right to me before I discovered business. I had the hardest time figuring out what I wanted to do after high school, and when I took my first business class it felt like it was meant to be. I liked the idea that business is a universal language and that it keeps everyone connected.

My accounting teacher has also had a very big impact on my decision. He helped me understand the opportunities that I have after high school and encouraged me to pick a future that I feel is best for me.

Studying business in a different country will be an experience I will remember forever.

 Marina Madrigal

What business concentration are you planning to pursue? Why?

I am planning on pursuing accounting because I wasn't sure about what I wanted to do until I took my first accounting class. I have always been really good with numbers, so accounting concepts genuinely interest me.

It helps that the work doesn't ever feel like a chore, and I actually enjoy doing it. It is a profession that I am excited to be pursuing because I know it's the right career choice for me.

What aspect of the Scholars Academy are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to the mentorship opportunities. To me the biggest part of getting where you need to go is connecting with people who can help you get there. Having business mentors who will understand me and push me to where I need to go will definitely be the most helpful to me in the long run.

I am also excited for the study abroad opportunity because I have always enjoyed traveling. Studying business in a different country will be an experience I will remember forever.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy creative writing and reading books. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching movies, and playing percussion instruments in band.

The biggest thing I do in my free time is watch Netflix. I am a self-proclaimed TV show aficionado, and if you name a TV show I have either watched it or it is on my to-watch list.

What is one thing we would be surprised to know about you?

I am a big nerd for Harry Potter and the Broadway show "Hamilton." I grew up on Harry Potter, so I've watched all of the movies and have read all the books multiple times. I have also been to the theme park and attended a Harry Potter-themed summer camp when I was younger. As far as Hamilton, I know all of the songs by heart and even went as far as to name my dog Hamilton or "Hammy" for short.