Cristina Duran, a 2021 University of the Ozarks business administration graduate and Walton Scholar alumna, called her time at the University "perfect training" for her work as a global case coordinator for Foster LLP.

Duran is back in her home country of El Salvador working for Foster LLC, a Houston, Texas-based global immigration law firm dedicated to helping employers and individuals obtain nonimmigrant and immigrant work visas and permanent resident options worldwide.

Most of Duran's clients are from Europe where she assists companies and businesses with onboarding new employees.

Duran, who returned to visit the University in September for the first time since her graduation, said her four years on the diverse Ozarks campus prepared her for working with people from all over the world.

"When I first arrived at Ozarks, it really opened my eyes seeing the various perspectives and cultures of the students from different countries," Duran said. "That diversity definitely helped me to become more culturally aware and helped me learn how to relate and communicate with people who were different than me and who had different backgrounds than I had. It gave me the confidence and perspective that continues to help me today as I work with people from all over the world."

Duran also praised the University's LENS program that encouraged her to try different courses and areas of study. She ended up earning four minors-art, psychology, international business and marketing-to go with her business administration major.

"LENS gave me the courage to try a lot of different areas and it really got me interested in areas such as art and psychology that I probably would not have considered otherwise," she said. "LENS especially helped me discover how much I loved art. I continue to work on my art today and it remains a big part of my life."

Duran, who has gone on to earn a master's degree in project management, said receiving the Walton Scholarship has been "one of the biggest blessings in my life."

"It not only helped me get a great education, receiving the scholarship has helped me realize that I have a responsibility to help my country and to help others in any way I can," Duran said. "I feel like I need to give back and I try to do that by volunteering where I can and by being involved in the Rotary Club here that works on community projects."

Topics: Alumni Stories