Gisselle Rojas De La Luz Completes Experiential Learning Project at SUNY Oneonta

Gisselle Rojas De La Luz, of Yonkers, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Shakedown Street Internship" at SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"I interned at Shakedown Street, where I supported social media content, organized product displays and helped host an event. This experience gave me hands-on insight into small business operations and customer engagement," said Rojas De La Luz, who is studying Fashion and Textiles.

"This project is a visual summary of my work at Shakedown Street. It features some images from videos I did and a picture with Vicki and the other interns from the event we hosted. This highlights my involvement in content creation, event planning and engaging the community both online and in person.

"During my internship at Shakedown Street, I helped manage the shop's social media presence by creating and posting content. I also assisted with product display, making sure the store looked organized, visually appealing and aligned with the brand's style. In addition, I helped plan and host a celebration/fundraiser, supporting customer engagement and creating a positive experience for visitors.

"Through these tasks, I learned how to create consistent and effective social media content that matches a business's identity and goals. I developed a stronger eye for visual merchandising and how product placement can influence customer interest. Hosting an event also taught me how to communicate with customers, multitask under pressure and help build a welcoming atmosphere for the community. I also learned how to communicate effectively with other businesses."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Gisselle-Rojas-De-La-Luz-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project-at-SUNY-Oneonta/199680