At the tail end of Panther Alumni Week, students at Florida International University met with Belkys Nerey, a longtime anchor for WSVN 7News who returned to campus Thursday to inspire the next generation of journalists.
Nerey visited the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media in North Miami, where she spoke with students, shared career advice, and watched FIU’s Noticiero broadcast (Caplin News’ Spanish news show). Reflecting on her time as a student, Nerey said the school has changed dramatically since she attended.
“It’s like a whole compound,” she said. “It’s grown so much.”
Students filled the studio for a Q&A session, asking questions and hearing firsthand about Nerey’s journey in journalism. She encouraged them to build confidence and not fear failure.
“You just have to have the confidence not to be afraid,” Nerey told students.
Several attendees said her visit offered reassurance and perspective. Brenda Miranda, a student in her senior year, said Nerey gave them “a great perception about how it is to be a reporter and how it is to go out into the field.”
Adrian Diaz-Alejo, also in his senior year, said Nerey’s message about starting small and staying disciplined resonated with many newcomers navigating the early stages of their careers.
The visit was organized by Manny Garcia, the executive director of the Caplin School of Journalism & Media and a former classmate of Nerey’s. Garcia invited her back with the goal of motivating students through her story.
“For me, it was a point of pride to have my classmate back here,” Garcia said.
While much has changed at the school since Nerey’s days as a student, she said her passion for storytelling remains the same.
“I’m happy to see so many great students wanting to enter this amazing field,” said Nerey. “It’s afforded me a bigger life than I could have ever imagined.”
