Aurora Perez-Peralta Transfers to NC State
After earning her Associate in Arts from Cape Fear Community College in May of 2025, Aurora Perez-Peralta transferred to NC State University, where she’s continued to grow as a leader, explore her interests, and work toward a career in finance. We caught up with Aurora to hear more about what she’s been up to since graduating from CFCC and how her time here helped her get where she is today.
What activities, opportunities, or accomplishments are you most proud of since transferring?
Since transferring to NC State, I’ve been proud of how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally.
I continued my passion for folklórico dancing and eventually became the External Events Coordinator. I also worked my way into the role of Corporate Relations Chair for the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), one of the largest affinity organizations on campus. Through this position, I’ve helped build corporate relationships, secure EY as a sponsor, and maintain our partnership with Lenovo.
Along the way, I also found a sense of community and sisterhood through Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., where I serve as chapter treasurer.
Outside of campus, I’ve made significant strides in my career. I secured a Summer 2026 internship with Truist Financial Corporation as a Financial Services Enterprise Intern and have since accepted a Summer 2027 internship with Bank of America’s Finance Management Analyst Program (FMAP). These experiences have given me opportunities to learn, challenge myself, and explore the career I hope to build.
When I look back at everything I’ve accomplished, I’m reminded that success takes persistence, hard work, and sometimes a little luck. With my schedule as busy as it is now, I often remind myself how fortunate I am to have these opportunities. Just a year ago, I was hoping to land any opportunity that would help me take the next step forward. Now, I’m grateful to be in a position where I can continue building on those experiences.
I know I still have a lot to learn, which is why I’ve decided to extend my time at NC State by an additional year to complete a minor in Data Science. I want to continue exploring new interests, developing new skills, and challenging myself beyond what I already know.
How did your time at CFCC help prepare you for this next step?
During my time at CFCC, I focused on building a strong foundation for my future. Throughout that journey, I often reminded myself of one simple phrase: “All you need is one yes.”
That mindset helped me stay motivated, even when I faced rejection from internships and other opportunities. Instead of allowing those setbacks to discourage me, I learned to keep putting myself out there and trust that the work I was doing would eventually lead somewhere.
CFCC also taught me the importance of taking initiative and making the most of the opportunities available to me. I became president of the Philosophy Club and founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Hispanic culture through folklórico dancing. These experiences helped me grow as a leader, take on new responsibilities, and understand the importance of giving back to my community.
Beyond the experiences I gained on campus, receiving a $20,000 scholarship from Spectrum and a $1,000 scholarship from Self-Help Credit Union helped make my transition to NC State possible. These scholarships significantly reduced the financial burden of pursuing my bachelor’s degree and allowed me to continue working toward my goals.
Looking back, my time at CFCC taught me that I don’t have to have everything figured out to keep moving forward. What matters is being willing to put in the work, learn from setbacks, and take chances on myself. I carried that mindset with me when I transferred to NC State, and it continues to push me to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach.
Considering transferring after CFCC? Explore your options and learn more about the transfer process at cfcc.edu/transfer.
