Tucson, Arizona-based Gabriella (Gabi) Vovk is pursuing a degree in psychology at the University of Arizona. Gabriella Vovk is the recipient of two scholarships, one awarded by a local Alumni Association and the other from UNICO, a service-focused Italian-American organization.
Dedicated to meaningful community involvement, Gabriella Vovk has pursued diverse employment opportunities serving others. As a community assistant with a local university Housing and Dining service, she managed front desk operations across multiple residence halls while supporting students and maintaining efficient daily processes. As a volunteer with Camp Encourage, she contributed her time to support children on the autism spectrum and helped foster a welcoming, inclusive camp experience. She has also served as a lifeguard at Paul Henson YMCA and Prairie Village Pool and was a server at a senior living facility.
Gabi Vovk’s service has been recognized by Girl Scouts of America and Camp Encourage. She achieved the Seal of Biliteracy for speaking multiple languages and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, a Spanish honor society.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day reflects that of many university students. I wake up, get dressed, grab some form of a coffee beverage, and head to class and/or to my job. One of my jobs is working at my parents’ pool maintenance business, where I assist other technicians in cleaning residential and commercial pools. I enjoy that because I’m outside, getting fresh air, and exercising. In the evenings, I make some dinner—try to cook at home—play some videogames, and study. I go out with friends sometimes and enjoy shopping, doing crafts, and eating out.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’m very creative, hard-working, and a people person—I bring ideas to life because I am creative and because I tend to see things in a different or “nontraditional” light than most.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I love all the trends in architecture and design. I also enjoy any computer trend and learning about the future and impact of AI.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Making a list helps me be productive. I notice that my most productive days are when I have an actual paper list in hand and can mark off what’s been completed.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have more confidence in myself and try to keep the light shining bright through the more trying teen years (as a female).
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I have been known to give everyone—like every single person—the benefit of the doubt and sometimes that has stung me back.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend that everyone gets enough sleep. There are numerous studies that show the importance of getting enough sleep, from childhood well into adulthood.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel unfocused, I know it’s time to get out of my apartment and go for a long walk. It really helps me a lot!
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I am not a business owner, but my parents are. I think something they do is believe in their employees and treat them with respect, dignity, and professionalism. This seems to make the employees want to give their best to the customers.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I missed the opportunity to receive my STEM certification. It was my fault and my oversight. I was very upset with myself because a lot of time and effort was put into it. I still get upset when I think about this “miss.” But life has its share of let-downs, and although I could have prevented this, it didn’t pan out that way. I just had to keep going on and learned a stiff lesson for future deadlines, etc.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I love Spotify and YouTube! I use them for relaxation, learning, education purposes—there’s a whole world out there and these software agents are tremendous!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Headphones. I use them a lot and can really appreciate high quality, noise-canceling headphones.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite podcast is called “Smosh Mouth,” and I honestly just like it because it’s really funny. My favorite book is “Memory Police” because it’s a dystopian novel, and I really like one of the central characters, the editor.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A movie I love is “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” I love this movie because it’s campy and makes me think. It’s not for everyone, but it’s for me.
Key learnings
- Life has its ups and downs—roll with the punches.
- Be yourself—find ways to keep your confidence.
- Stay busy, stay focused, but also make time for what you enjoy.