Perla

Perla Hernández Del Orbe, a Southwestern College sophomore, is a part-time student ambassador. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Del Orbe chose SC after receiving an offer for a basketball scholarship. 

Del Orbe spoke on how easy the process was as an international student. She remarked on how challenging the experience has been, but also how Southwestern College has grown her and her perspective. 

“I’ve created my community here, I know I see stuff differently than people who have grown up in the US,” she said. “It’s a really good college and a community, I’ve liked it here in my time.”

Del Orbe is very involved on campus, and looks forward to returning to her activities next semester after recovering from a cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.
Majoring in business, Del Orbe seeks opportunities on campus that will grow her and prepare her for a professional life after college. 

She currently is involved with the admissions office and works in the student success center. Del Orbe is also a resident assistant in Cole Hall and a student government association senator for business. She is also a student-athlete, competing on the Southwestern women’s basketball team.

One of her favorite memories at Southwestern came last year in a basketball game against Friends. 

“I hit two threes back-to-back and they asked for a timeout. It was so hype, everybody in the stands was happy, I was hyped up and that was a really good memory,” Del Orbe said. 

Del Orbe’s love for Southwestern is strong, a feeling she loves to convey to prospective students touring the campus. 

“I love to portray how much I love SC to newcomers, so they can come here too and see that perspective,” Del Orbe said.

“There’s a lot of students that don’t like Southwestern, but I want to portray the good. We have a good program, a lot of resources for students. It’s a blessing to meet new people and share my experience in college.”