While growing up in Mexico, Kimberly Higuera dreamed of attending college in the United States and worked hard to make those dreams a reality. After earning her degree at NAU while balancing extracurricular leadership roles and a part-time job, Higuera wanted to give back to the community that had supported her—so she found a staff position in NAU’s Contact Center. Now, she’s off to Argentina with support from the prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program. Learn more about why she fell in love with Flagstaff, what’s pulling her toward Argentina and what’s on her bucket list.
What brought you to NAU?
I first heard of NAU from a family friend who is an NAU alum. At first, college was not an option for me as it was an expense my legal guardian could not afford; however, that family friend advocated for higher education and decided to bring me to Flagstaff and signed us up for a tour at NAU. I instantly fell in love with the environment and the view as I grew up in a humid part of Mexico. I also liked the people and the sense of community that the city evokes.
Why did you decide to stay at NAU after graduation?
I like the shared vision NAU has with their employees and students regarding access to higher education. I also enjoy serving the community as part of my job at the Student Service Contact Center and the families of prospective and current students in both English and Spanish, as I get to see the impact we have on students who are deciding on their careers.
Why did you decide to teach English in Argentina?
I decided to teach English in Argentina because I enjoy learning about different countries, cultures and customs, and by teaching English I get to serve the global community by sharing knowledge and experience. I also have a personal connection to Argentina and its history as I had many Argentinian friends growing up who would talk to me about their cuisine and culture, as well as their beliefs and passions.
How has your experience as a student and employee at NAU prepared you for this new adventure?
I have gained many transferable skills here. I learned to manage my time and energy as a full-time student, working 25 to 30 hours per week while attending to my duties as the president of the NAU Global Brigades club. I also learned to delegate responsibilities while leading, as I was promoted to student manager, then student specialist. I interact with professional staff as well as the student population, and I hired and trained student workers at the Contact Center, which allowed me to develop professional customer service skills as well as emotional competence that comes from interacting with many students from different backgrounds and ideologies.
As a student at NAU, through the Center for International Education partnered with Global Brigades, I visited Honduras in 2023, and we assisted the rural community of El Apintal de Linaca with a holistic model of public health, environmental sustainability and business entrepreneurship. I was able to serve the community while establishing bonds with Honduran people, as well as the diverse group of students from NAU. My personal and academic experiences shaped my cultural competence and I strive to serve the global community.
Tell us about a significant childhood memory and how it has impacted your life today.
I like to think most of my childhood has impacted in some way the person I have become. A vivid memory I have is growing up fantasizing about coming to the U.S and attending school here. I was about 10 years old, watching “Legally Blonde,” when I asked to borrow my mom’s phone and began researching U.S. universities. I use this memory to ground myself, to remind myself where I came from and how hard it was to be here in the U.S. for my family and me: My dad was deported back to Mexico, and my mom passed away when I was 14. My mom was a teacher in Mexico, and she taught me that education is one of the most important things in life as it is an investment of time, effort and dedication. I always remember her telling me to continue studying.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I have always been extroverted and passionate about advocating for others. My family used to say I would be a good lawyer and I believed it, because I have always wanted to help others in some way. Growing up hearing about my dad’s deportation and his efforts to achieve the American dream fueled my interest in social justice, and I wanted to be able to help families in need that were going through similar situations.
What have you been most proud of recently?
Recently, I have been proud of my fellow student workers as we continue to grow and adapt to new technologies and software at NAU. I am preparing to step down in my roles, and I am excited to see what our new team will bring to the Contact Center.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
My favorite way to spend a day off is relaxing at home and cooking Mexican food while having friends over. I enjoy cooking for others and sharing my culture with friends.
What are three things on your bucket list?
The three top things on my bucket list are: buying a house for my dad, having a job that allows me to travel and visiting historic and religious sites around the world.
Find out more the Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Book a Discovery Zoom Session Soon for the October ’24 application cycle (’25-’26 grants).
Jill Kimball | NAU Communications
(928) 523-2282 | jill.kimball@nau.edu