Elyan Paz

Why I chose Admissions and Financial Aid
I didn’t fully understand the impact of this profession until my first enrolled students walked across the stage at graduation. It is a tremendous honor to help each new generation of students on their path to higher education and to be a part of this transformative journey for them. I’m inspired by the values and commitment of our applicants and current Macalester students. My father’s journey from Honduras to the United States for higher education and the life-changing experience it offered him also motivates me every day. 

Community Involvement
I have served on the boards of the Minnesota Association for College Admissions Counseling and the Minnesota Association for Counselors of Color. Most recently, I participated in the CollegeBound Elementary Workgroup, which supports St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s initiative for elementary-aged children in St. Paul to develop a college-bound identity and experience the physical college campus as a place where they belong. 

Favorite time of the year at Mac
One of my favorite events is the fall Engagement Fair. The African Drum Ensemble is playing, and a bagpiper may be heard in the distance; definitely lots of laughter and hundreds of Mac students encouraging new and returning students to join activities and student organizations. Our location in a vibrant city provides abundant and focused opportunities for our students to get involved in things that matter to them. Fall adds crisp air, the bluest skies, and a cacophony of color in the trees…calling us to stop to celebrate nature.

Love about the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities offer thriving variety.  There is an excellent music and theater scene across many genres, a vibrant fine art and design community, and plenty of things to do outside–even in January! Our neighborhood is acclaimed for the range of great restaurants and coffee shops nearby on Grand Avenue, Victorian homes on Summit Avenue, the enormous variety of locally-owned shops, green spaces, huge trees, and friendly neighbors (including Mac staff and faculty!).

Name pronunciation for (Ee-lee-ahn)