When Nayeli Pozuelos’ parents left Guatemala for Fort Wayne, Ind., they didn’t know the language or culture, only that they wanted to create better opportunities for their children. That leap of faith is what drives Nayeli every day as a first-generation college graduate building her own legacy.

“Education is so valuable in my home country, that’s what my parents wanted for me and my siblings,” Nayeli said. “They uprooted their entire lives, leaving behind the culture and country they knew, to come to Indiana and provide those opportunities for their children.”

In high school, Nayeli took AP classes, dual credits, joined several clubs, and took advantage of every opportunity that was presented to her.

Her parents did not complete elementary school, so the expectation to thrive in academics and go to college stood in stark contrast to their own experiences. However, out of pure gratitude, she developed her own drive to excel and push herself out of her own comfort zone.

“I want to earn a college degree, make my family proud, and build a legacy for future generations,” Nayeli said. “Being the first in my family to graduate college is something I’m very proud of and I hope to set an example for my younger siblings and cousins.”

When Nayeli first arrived on campus her major was undecided as she took all her core classes and got involved on campus. She fully immersed herself as she let her parents’ actions speak as advice and encouragement to step outside of her comfort zone.

Unfortunately, her ambitions were cut short second semester when the COVID-19 global pandemic sent her home.

At first, she felt isolated and uncertain, but in that stillness she rediscovered the creative passions that would later shape her career.

“We are all just trying to figure out life,” Nayeli said. “The pandemic was a hard stop and reset that let me go back into my passions and things I love.”

The pandemic allowed her to revisit her creativity and explore her love for photography, graphic design, writing and poetry. She found comfort in these hobbies and brought them back to her education at Ball State to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in strategic communications.

After taking two years of online classes and constantly trying to stay connected with friends and professors virtually, Nayeli made her way back to campus for her senior year. She fully immersed herself in every opportunity thrown her way, from a marketing internship with the Ball State Athletics Department to being an ambassador for the Miller College of Business.

Nayeli graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in marketing with a minor in strategic communications. In the stress of a post-pandemic job hunt, she came across a job opportunity that excited her: the Haslam Sports Group Diversity and Opportunity Fellowship. After completing an extensive application and three rounds of interviews, she got the position.

From leading a Latino engagement strategy for the Browns to contributing to the team’s international expansion in Nigeria, Nayeli quickly proved she could turn research and creativity into action.

“I own that now!” Nayeli said with the largest smile on her face.

All of her work and dedication as a fellow solidified her role within the Browns to the point where they created a new position for her and hired her full-time.

Nayeli is now working through her third season with the Cleveland Browns as the Cultural and International Marketing Coordinator, navigating the organized chaos of the sports realm. From surprise visits at local schools to working internally with various teams and international communications, Nayeli is taking in every moment of this experience but never forgets where she came from.

“Take advantage of the moment. Really immerse yourself in the college experience, immerse yourself within Ball State,” Nayeli said. “Get to know people, join clubs, and try to do as much as possible to get out of your comfort zone.”

Nayeli is one of many student driven success stories founded on the lasting power of Ball State’s education and opportunities.