About Dr. Elizabeth Baquero

Started from the bottom now we’re here

– in NYC.

I grew up in South Florida and went to public school. I was an average student and school was never very important to me. I cared more about social activities and sports. I was part of the high school marching band as one of the baton twirlers. I had band practice two nights a week, football games on Friday nights, and band competitions on the weekend. I was also a leader in the club that organized all the events throughout the school. This had me planning spirit week, homecoming, and prom every year. I was also part of the National Honor Society and the soccer team. Outside of school, I twirled baton with a competition team and taught baton to girls a few nights a week.

I only applied to three schools for undergrad: FSU, UCF, and FGCU. I only got into one school – FGCU. During my first year at FGCU, I continued as I had before, where school was the last priority. I found myself failing several classes and on the verge of losing my scholarship.

In the next years, I got my grades back on track, became passionate about healthy eating and physical activity, and changed my major from hospitality to communication. I chose to concentrate in public relations and complete a minor in education. I became a leader in my sorority and in other campus clubs.

Nearing graduation, I wanted to learn more about working with global and diverse communities, which led me to Florida International University (FIU). When I settled on the FIU Global Strategic Communications master’s program, I spoke with a counselor at FGCU to help me build my application. I only applied to FIU’s master program.

As soon as I graduated from FGCU, I started studying for the GRE, which was required for the FIU master’s program. I studied books, took practice tests, hired a math tutor, and still had to take the GRE test three separate times trying to increase my score.

When I received the acceptance into FIU’s master’s program, I was ecstatic. But there was a caveat; it was a conditional acceptance. Because my GRE score was under the acceptance limit, but the rest of my application was acceptable, FIU allowed me to begin the program with the requirement that I receive a near perfect GPA in the first semester.

I completed the first semester with straight A’s, and I was allowed to continue the program. During my second year, I became a graduate teaching assistant (TA). This allowed me to work under two faculty members and be reimbursed for part of my tuition.

I wanted to learn more about health, and I again found myself nearing graduation and not being sure what to do next. I considered pursuing a doctoral program and after doing some research online and speaking with several people who had doctoral degrees, I settled on two programs I was interested in. One program was a PhD in Communication in University of Miami. The other program was an EdD in Health Education at Columbia University.

I visited both schools, attended classes, spoke with professors and students in the programs, and could see myself at both places. On one of the trips to Columbia in New York City (NYC), there was a blizzard and the entire city, including the school, was shut down. I had to go back again to make sure I had the chance to speak with the professors in person. I felt strongly that it was important to meet the professors and show them I was dedicated to pursuing my doctorate at their program. I strategically and passionately applied to both schools and left the rest up to fate.

When I received my acceptance letter into Columbia University for the doctoral program, I screamed!

I completed the first semester with straight A’s, and I was allowed to continue the program. During my second year, I became a graduate teaching assistant (TA). This allowed me to work under two faculty members and be reimbursed for part of my tuition.

I wanted to learn more about health, and I again found myself nearing graduation and not being sure what to do next. I considered pursuing a doctoral program and after doing some research online and speaking with several people who had doctoral degrees, I settled on two programs I was interested in. One program was a PhD in Communication in University of Miami. The other program was an EdD in Health Education at Columbia University.

I visited both schools, attended classes, spoke with professors and students in the programs, and could see myself at both places. On one of the trips to Columbia in New York City (NYC), there was a blizzard and the entire city, including the school, was shut down. I had to go back again to make sure I had the chance to speak with the professors in person. I felt strongly that it was important to meet the professors and show them I was dedicated to pursuing my doctorate at their program. I strategically and passionately applied to both schools and left the rest up to fate.

When I received my acceptance letter into Columbia University for the doctoral program, I screamed!

After fiercely searching for a job on campus, I was able to work as a position as a doctoral research fellow. It paid me a salary and covered my tuition. My first job out of school was an entry level position at Weill Cornell Medicine. In 4 years, I was able to rise from an assistant to a coordinator to a manager. I now interview and hire staff, onboard, and oversee colleagues, and manage multi-million-dollar national projects.

Final note: I was never a gifted student, I never went to private school, and I didn’t prioritize school until my 20s. I changed my academic and professional trajectory because I could. I wanted to pursue and achieve more, so I did. I changed my priorities, I researched, I worked extra jobs, and I succeeded. My academic story is unique to me, but the strategies I used can be replicated. There are opportunities that are out there for you to achieve more degrees, but you must put in the work to make them happen. My programs and coaching can help you build and lean into your confidence, develop strategies, and achieve your personal goals. I offer skills and support training and will hold you accountable while you accelerate your life into achieving your best academic and professional future.

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