Finding the Right Students: Diego and Emma’s Stories
When bringing new students to a college, we must know who we’re trying to reach. Not every student is the same; different people need different things from a school. That’s why I created two student personas to help us figure out who we’re talking to and how to talk to them in a way that makes sense for their lives.
Let me introduce you to Diego and Emma. They’re examples of students a university should consider when recruiting.
Meet Diego Alvarez – First-Generation Student
Diego is 18 years old and comes from Orange Cove, California. His parents moved here from Mexico, and he’s the first person in his family to go to college. That’s a huge deal! Diego is majoring in the arts but is also super into business and wants to start his own company one day. He works part-time and greatly helps his family, balancing many things simultaneously.
Who Diego Is:
First-generation Latino students, around 18 years old, from low- to middle-income families, are interested in the arts and entrepreneurship and want to find a welcoming and supportive college.
If we’re trying to reach students like Diego, we must show him first-gen student programs, scholarships, mentorships, and clubs that help him meet people like him. He wants to know that there’s a place for him on campus.
Meet Emma Brooks – Transfer Student
Emma is 21 and from Moore, Oklahoma. She attended Oklahoma City Community College and earned her associate’s degree in biology. Now, she’s ready to transfer to a four-year school to finish her degree. In her free time, she works as a medical assistant and volunteers at a free clinic. Emma’s big dream is to become a physical therapist and open her practice someday. She’s serious about her future and wants a school to help her achieve it.
Who Emma Is:
Emma is a female transfer student, age 21, from Oklahoma City Community College with an associate’s degree in biology. She’s working part-time in healthcare and looking for a school that makes it easy to transfer credits and prepare for graduate school.
For students like Emma, we need to discuss how easy it is to transfer, what help is available for transfer students, and programs that help her gain experience in the health field.
Why This Matters
Knowing who we’re talking to helps us say the right things. Diego and Emma need different kinds of support, and our messages should show them how we can help. Whether it’s making them feel welcome, offering financial aid, or helping them plan their future careers, it all starts with understanding who they are.
