Finding home at Clemson

As a first-generation college student, it was important to Derek Dias to find a university that had a strong support system.

Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dias knew about Clemson, and when it came down to selecting where he wanted to pursue his college degree, that’s where he chose to go. Between the relationships he’s formed with friends, people at the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business and connections he’s made with alumni, Dias is leaving Clemson with lasting memories and the support system he was searching for.

When Dias first visited Clemson, he felt an immediate connection to the University’s welcoming atmosphere and close community. Initially, Dias enrolled as an engineering major but realized after two semesters that his passion lay in business, specifically in finance. Once he began exploring other major options, he discovered how much he enjoyed treasury finance. He made the switch to pre-business at the start of his third semester and later declared a major in financial management.

Even though he is very involved on campus now, Dias says he was a completely different student when he first arrived on campus. “When I came in as a freshman, it was in the middle of the pandemic. I think everyone found it to be a new and challenging time, but especially because I was the first in my family to go to college, it was even more difficult to navigate that first semester. Eventually, I found the confidence to branch out, join clubs and begin advocating for myself.”

One of the student organizations Dias joined was the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), under the guidance of José Sagarnaga-Castillo, whom Dias says has been a great support to him during his time at Clemson. “[Sagarnaga-Castillo] was my faculty advisor for ALPFA. He’s amazing. Each time I’ve worked with him, I’m always so appreciative of the passion he brings to Clemson. As a Latino leader, I think the impact he has had at the college is awesome.”

His time at Clemson has been filled with special, unique memories, one of which was when he was chosen as a student of the game in his junior year. “Getting invited to be featured as the student of the game last year for our game against Chapel Hill was an awesome experience. My mom was able to come, and I know she was super proud to see that moment. Meeting President Clements was great too. It was definitely something I won’t forget.”

Another opportunity that shaped Dias’ Clemson Experience was traveling to South Korea with the Dean’s Global Leadership Program (DGLP). “I could talk about South Korea for days, but it was a beautiful two weeks. We spent about a week and a half in Seoul and the remainder in Busan, the beach city. We took part in cultural exchanges, joined university forums, and even had a quick crash course in Korean. Exploring sights like the sixth tallest building in the world and trying amazing food made it an unforgettable trip.”

As Dias prepares to graduate this December, he’s excited to begin his finance career at Ally Financial back in Charlotte, where he interned this past summer. Although he’s looking forward to graduating, Dias says he will miss Clemson and the people he’s met.

“The term Clemson family resonates a lot with me, and I think it also resonates a lot with students. All the professors and advisors I’ve had, including Dean York and other people in the College, have made my time here special. They have all helped me get to the place I’m in today.”