NYU alumna on finding her purpose and shaping a future in the United States

Photo courtesy: Angela Bauza

When Angela Bauza arrived in New York City, she couldn’t help but admire the diversity that surrounded her. This day marked a pivotal moment in her next chapter as an international student, eager to explore all the bustling metropolis had to offer.

“Moving here opened my world and mind to so many different cultures and parts of the world that I didn’t even know,” Bauza said.

Raised in Quezon City, Philippines, Bauza graduated with a degree in Communications from De La Salle University and quickly landed her first marketing job at Ogilvy, a renowned advertising and public relations agency. Within three years, she had progressed from Media Monitoring Assistant to Account Manager, spearheading projects for global brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno, and L’Oreal.

Bauza attributes her strong work ethic to the values instilled in her by her parents. Having witnessed their joint efforts in establishing a family business from scratch, she developed a deep appreciation for the value of perseverance.

“As a kid, I’ve always remembered my parents working so hard. Through their business, they were able to provide a life for me and my siblings and support our dreams,” Bauza said. “That inspired me to work hard with every opportunity I come across.”

Amidst the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Bauza struggled to maintain a healthy work-life balance. But with the encouragement of her family, she saw it as an opportunity to follow her lifelong goal of pursuing a master’s degree abroad.

Her dream became a reality after receiving an acceptance letter from New York University (NYU). Excited to grow her skills, Bauza began her studies in Integrated Marketing in 2021 valuable insights from professors whose guidance helped shape her academic journey and prepare her for her next professional endeavor.

“Sometimes, even now, I have to remind myself that I’m living in what was once just a dream of mine. I always try to stay present and live in the moment,” Bauza said.

Exploring career avenues in the United States has its challenges. As someone with a work visa, Bauza faces additional hurdles in securing employment. She must navigate complex visa requirements, application fees, and legal processes, all while searching for an employer who is willing to sponsor her visa.

“It’s a struggle, but this experience really helped me build resilience. There were so many moments where I could have given up and felt very discouraged, but I took those as opportunities to work a little bit harder. I believe I will eventually land an opportunity I deserve,” Bauza said.

In times of difficulty and homesickness, Bauza always found support from her NYU classmates and colleagues at Love, Bonito, a purpose-driven women’s clothing brand for and by Asian women. Through her work, Bauza was able to connect with her cultural roots and find a sense of belonging among women who shared similar experiences and values.

“So many people have gone through the same thing that I am. But I realized that if they can do it, I’m hopeful I can, too,” Bauza said. “This is one of the reasons why I want to remain in New York. I see how hard-working people are here, no matter their job. Their passion inspires me every day to continue finding the strength to push through despite the challenges.”

With a passion for volunteering, Bauza joined Heart of Dinner, a non-profit organization that addresses food insecurity and isolation experienced by Asian American seniors in New York City. The volunteer experience has strengthened her bonds with her local community and motivated her to pursue a career that is both fulfilling and meaningful.

“Sometimes, I’m unsure if the work I’m doing has an impact on someone or the community. But it’s through Heart of Dinner that I realized that we can all make a difference no matter how big or small; it can mean so much to another person, and that’s what matters. So whenever I volunteer, I remember to always give it my best,” Bauza said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her future in New York, Bauza approaches each day with optimism and determination.

“I always remind myself to be grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had, and I know that this all wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for my family back home,” Bauza said. “I’ll continue to work hard to be able to give back to all the support they’ve given me throughout the years.”