Hector Mujica ’11 is very familiar with leaving his comfort zone.

In fact, as Google’s Social Responsibility Strategist & Policy Lead for U.S. Hispanic Community Outreach, Mujica thinks it is vital for one’s success and self-growth.

Had he stayed within comfortable confines, Mujica might have not done public policy work for a Congresswoman, worked at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, interned at Google nor studied abroad during FIU’s alternative breaks. These opportunities, in combination with his experience at FIU, adequately prepared him for not only where he is today, but where he plans to be.

Specifically, Mujica notes the impact of studying in Thailand with the Global Leadership and Service Project hosted by Dr. Bob Hogner, the College of Business and the Honors College. It was there that he spent a week doing service at the Foundation for Slum Child Care and experienced firsthand the reality of the developing world and the many children living impoverished lives.

“I always quote this program and this experience as having propelled my trajectory towards social impact work, which is what I now do for Google,” shared Mujica. “It really is one of my favorite memories and also one of the experiences that has shaped my outlook on the world, directly impacting the work I do today.”

During his educational career, Mujica developed vital leadership skills as a member of Student Government and grew an appreciation for other fields of study while in the Honors College. Mujica also recalls the impact of Professor Dr. Stephen Fain’s course, Confronting America.

Throughout the course, he was encouraged to question his values and political views, dig deep into the roots of the United States and was ultimately inspired to one day pursue public service.

“Dr. Fain was inspiring in his love for America, his love for FIU, and his ability to objectively view the world and the current state of affairs. He really pushed us to challenge the status quo, and in doing so, to learn introspectively about ourselves, our biases and our viewpoints,” he explained.

For Mujica, staying connected and engaged with his alma mater is key. FIU has a wide variety of students, faculty and staff members that provide the opportunity to create strong and valuable networks – a piece of advice he wants all students to fully grasp.

Staying engaged also pushes the University forward. “This not only increase the value of a degree as an alumni, but also helps the individuals that are to follow in our footsteps as FIU students to have access to a wider set of resources and exposure, thereby increasing their opportunities to succeed,” he noted.

Ultimately, he feels graduates owe it to themselves to do so.