Providence student leader sings CCRI's praises

Last in a three-part series of profiles on student government leaders

Miriam Baptista's time clock must register more than 24 hours in a day.

Consider this: her daily routine consists of attending classes full time at the Liston Campus; coordinating events for students as Liston Campus leader; rehearsing with her church choir; performing in plays for sick children at Hasbro Children’s Hospital; and finally, putting in several hours of work at a clothing store at the Warwick Mall.

Baptista, 20, is the student government president at the Liston campus, and she embraces a philosophy of life that belies her age.

“God has given me gifts that I want to share with others,” she said. “Our time here is very short and I want to get as much out of life as I can before it’s time to leave.”

Her strong faith and confidence is a carryover from her strong family network that includes Brazilian-born grandparents who are church missionaries. They originally founded a church in Fall River and now work to establish churches in California that serve Spanish, Portuguese and American congregations.

Baptista also enjoys a close relationship with her parents and brother and sister, all of whom are drawn together by their love of music. Photos of earlier generations of her relatives in Brazil show them playing different instruments in an orchestra.

Baptista’s love of music began at an early age, and she began singing in church at the age of six. Since then, she has captured numerous awards for her singing abilities, including scholarships from The Music School in Providence and the Summer Performing Arts Program at Rhode Island College. She has also won several talent programs at Roger Williams Middle School and has performed at graduation ceremonies at West Warwick High School.

Baptista began her duties as student government president in January and immediately went about meeting with students to see what they wanted from student government services.
“The biggest challenge is to offer more activities for students, particularly community service and musical events,” Baptista said.

In response to the challenge, Baptista and her cabinet are planning several activities including Open Mike to be held April 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Liston Campus.

“We are inviting students and others in the community to demonstrate their talent in front of an audience,” Baptista said. Proceeds from the $5 admission will be used to support neighborhood charities.

Other members of student government at the Liston campus include: Rocio Cabrera, vice president of Public Relations; Ismail Castro, vice president of Finance; and Giselle Sanchez, vice president of Activities.

Baptista is in her second year of studies at CCRI, and carries a grade point average of 3.6. She is one of the college’s most fervent supporters.

“I was not always a good student, but CCRI has given me the opportunity to show just how much potential I have. I’ve experienced so much love and personal growth at the campus, and my experience has been truly unique and rewarding.”

After graduating from CCRI in 2006, Baptista plans to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue studies in music and business. In the meantime, she will continue her energetic schedule as she shares her enthusiasm, personality and talent with everyone she touches.