Get to Know Me!

Some friends and family used to describe me as a stubborn woman who wants to do everything. But that’s not completely true. Or at least, not anymore.

I’m Karolina Rivera, a 20-year-old student at the University of Tampa. I was born and raised in Panama and recently moved to Tampa for college. I’ve been an athlete since I was little, and soccer has been my sport for the past 10 years. It shaped who I am by teaching me resilience, discipline, and hard work, but also the value of teamwork and leadership.

For a long time, my life revolved around soccer. My successes and failures were tied to championships, goals, and my role as a team captain. My family was always there—games, tournaments, everything. But in late 2023, after the loss of a loved one, everything changed. I played less, focused on applying to colleges, and learned how to grieve. In 2024, I began working with a small marketing agency and discovered a new passion: creativity. I started editing videos and designing graphics; I discovered a passion for visual storytelling.

Today, I’m very different from who I was in high school. I’m a sophomore who works as a video editor and as a social media intern for my university. My goal for this class is to keep growing creatively by learning the Adobe Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop, and building a strong portfolio. My hobbies are reading, running, going to the gym, spending time with friends, and looking for new opportunities. 

I still want to learn and do everything, but I'm not stubborn anymore. I’ve learned to trust God’s timing, be kinder to myself, and take one day at a time.