Chemical engineering senior Maria Zamora lands job with International Paper Co.
Maria Zamora’s path to success has been all about the moves she’s made during her life.
The University of Mississippi senior, who will receive a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with an emphasis in manufacturing in May, was born in El Salvador, but her family moved to the Hinds County city of Clinton when she was about 3. That first major move placed Zamora on the road to Ole Miss.
Zamora’s family quickly adapted to living in Mississippi and began following the Rebels.
“With a family of Ole Miss fans and the beautiful campus, the decision between State and Ole Miss was a no-brainer,” she said. “My love for engineering and my acceptance into the Haley Barbour Center of Manufacturing Excellence program cemented the deal.”
However, moving to Oxford proved to be a challenge for Zamora.
“The day I moved to Ole Miss, it was my first time on a long-distance drive by myself in my new car,” Zamora said. “I almost had a wreck driving in and my nerves were awful.
“My sister and brother-in-law helped me move all of my stuff in. Afterward, we rewarded ourselves with dinner at Ajax Diner.”
Zamora, who had been a student in the biomedical research program at Clinton High School, wanted to pursue information technology as an entering freshman. Because the biomedical engineering emphasis had not been established at that time, Zamora moved into chemical engineering as a major instead.
“The program is small, which just increased its appeal,” she said. “I was able to get to know my professors very well and had plenty of opportunities to discuss and understand the material.”
Zamora has had to support herself throughout her college experience. Handling her expenses meant she had to work two jobs her first semester and three jobs simultaneously by her junior year.
“Trying to find a balance between a social life, academics and work-life has been difficult and taken its toll on me mentally and physically,” she said.
Zamora credits John O’Haver, professor of chemical engineering, with helping her move into a better mental state.
“His class helped me understand that it’s OK to not understand immediately and it’s OK to ask for help,” Zamora said. “I have had breakdowns because of the combination of course load, working and other life situations.
“Dr. O’Haver helped me understand that getting help is important and doesn’t mean that you are any lesser. We are all in each other’s lives to support and encourage one another.”
Zamora said the person who has most influenced and inspired her has been her older sister, Val.
“We grew up in a household that struggled financially and lived paycheck to paycheck, but she built herself out of that lifestyle, starting from working part-time jobs, to being one of the most trusted people in her office,” Zamora said. “She constantly looks for opportunities and ways to improve.
“She also makes sure to take time to help others by volunteering with Hispanic youth that are in a situation similar to what we were in and works to improve situations for her local Hispanic community.”
Zamora’s sister also helped her prepare for life by helping with her first car purchase and insurance and teaching her to handle finances.
Zamora’s next move will be to Memphis, where she has already accepted a position as an information technology specialist at International Paper Co. She interned at the company last summer and knew it was where she next wanted to be.
“I always wanted to work for a company like IP because they are active in the community, environmentally-conscious and care for their employees,” Zamora said.
By Edwin Smith/University Marketing & Communications
