Modern Muse Diaries Blogs written by Ashlinn Aguayo
Using Influence for Impact
I once believed social media influence was defined by follower counts and viral success, but as a college student studying Political Science with minors in English and Digital Marketing at Gonzaga University, I learned that real impact comes from intention. I began creating content with a small platform, using it at first to share a glimpse into my college life as a first-generation Hispanic student.
After nearly a year of content creation and building a community of over 5,000 on TikTok, I decided I wanted to tie in my passion for advocacy and law into content creation. In sparking a partnership with XOMAD, a marketing agency that specializes in creator-led impact campaigns, I was able to help spread voting awareness to my audience- making information seemingly more accessible for my audience. I decided to create a “Your Vote Matters,” series that explained voting rights, civic participation, and provided voting registration resources. Through this kind of influence, I sharpened skills like clear communication, storytelling, and responsible information sharing- proving to myself (and a few skeptics) that social media can be a powerful space for advocacy, learning, and real professional growth.
Fast forward a year later, I have a community of over 10,000 people and I landed a dream partnership with TurboTax and Credit Karma, officially stepping into the financial side of social media. As a TuboTax ambassador, I share accessible financial education, and every project reflects the same core mission of mine: helping others and uplifting my community.
As a college student, I occupy a unique space where I am learning these systems in real time alongside my audience. That natural relatability allows me to break down complex topics like law, voting, and personal finance into content that feels approachable rather than intimidating. These efforts mirror the kind of advocate and lawyer I hope to become. Advocacy is not only about speaking up, but about meeting people where they are, providing accurate resources, and empowering them to make informed decisions.
Social media, for me, is not separate from my academic or professional goals; it is an extension of them. It has taught me to always consider the real-world impact of the information I share, a skill that directly translates to the legal field. As an undergraduate student approaching graduation, I view my platform not as a highlight reel, but as an expression of my values and proof that advocacy can begin long before a title, degree, or follower count.
Ashlinn Aguayo 