After completing my undergraduate degree here focused on communications and political sicence here at UMass Amherst, I knew that I wanted to stay and pursue a masters degree in Higher Education. I knew at the end of my junior year that I wanted to pursue a degree in Higher Education because of the experience I had working various on campus jobs and the amazing student life. Another reason that made me stay and enjoy my undergraduate experience, was the friends I made along the way. Any time that we are free we enjoy going out to downtown Amherst, Northampton and around our surrounding community. Overall, UMass Amherst small college town has so much to do and explore with people to meet that go beyond our campus.

Hometown

Fairfax, VA

Major(s)

Higher Education (M.Ed) and Undergrad at UMass Amherst (Bachelors of Arts in Communications and Political Science)

Clubs, organizations & involvement

UMass Gardening Club, UMass Amherst Undegraduate Law Review, SBS RISE, Residential Hall Association (President '25-'26, Vice President '24-'25).

Describe your college experience

The decision I made to transfer to UMass Amherst, was one of the best decisions I have made. Originally, I had committed to a small arts college in Savannah, GA and I quickly realized halfway through the semester that it was not for me which lead me to apply to countless schools one of them being UMass Amherst. I applied through the communications program and upon my arrival I quickly noticed how much I enjoyed my major and the people within it as well. However, I quickly noticed that making friendships outside of class is what truly mattered unlike high school where you make friends through classes. I made it my goal to join clubs, apply for jobs and to put myself out there and by the beginning of my junior year I was beginning to feel more and more at home. These same friends I count on right now even as I am entering my masters because many of us have decided to pursue our masters here. Nonetheless, advisors and teachers are really here to help you, whatever concerns you may have, if you need a test moved or if you have to miss class they'll understand just communicate with them. For example, I decided to graduate in 3 years rather than in 4, and my advisors in both programs supported my decision and guided me through the process of completing my degree on time. However, socially I spend most weekends with my friends in Downtown Amherst, Northampton, enjoying the nature around us, going to hockey games or by spending time in our apartments or dorms. Overall, UMass Amherst is all about balancing the academic with the social which you get a hang of later into your freshman year.

Tip for future students

The most important piece of advice that I can share with prospective students is put yourself out there no matter how uncomfortable or unknown the experience may seem. The key to feeling at home, to make friends and to make meaningful connections includes you maybe going to that hang out with your friends, or going to that club meeting at an incredibly inconvenient time, or simply by keeping your door open welcome week. It's understandable to feel a little anxious at first but the first couple weeks and first couple semesters of college can truly make a difference and making sure that you make the effort to get outside on campus or around town will truly allow you to see UMass Amherst as your second home.

Favorite class

My favorite class when I was an undergrad here, was probably environmental policy with Professor. Stoddard. Besides Prof. Stoddard being one of my favorite teachers here at UMass that led me to take class with him for two years in a row, the class was genuinely interesting. The class covered the political issues that concern the U.S. such as CO2 emissions, water pollutants, deforestation and how each presidential administration has handled the environmental crises. However, he also teaches a little bit of science within the class and makes it funny too, although it is a serious topic he makes it lighthearted and easily memorable, overall making it one of my favorite classes within UMass besides his American Politics through Film Class and Constitutional Policy class.

Career goals

After completing my Masters in Higher Education, here at UMass, I hope to pursue a Phd in Communications somwhere here in the New England area. The reason for which I want to get a Phd, is because my ultimate goal is to become a lecturer at a college or university. Because, I too want to have the lasting impact that my professors left on me during my time as an undergrad. The versatility that college lecturers embody for students, which includes being an advisor, role model and teacher truly excites me and I hope to continue inspiring students to pursue meaningful careers.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night when I was in my undergrad was to hang out with my friends and then plan what we were going to do for the rest of the night. Let's say it's a Thursday night and I have nothing to do, my friends and I will probably go to downtown Amherst, for dinner, going out or even to just sit and talk in the park. If not we will usually see whats going on during the week, which could include going to a hockey game, football game, going to one of the dinning halls, going on a walk or even just going to the rec. Sometimes, the best way to spend a night with your friends is also just watching a movie and getting snacks, it really depends on what you want to do and how far you want to go.

High school or secondary school

9th-10th: St. Paul VI Catholic High School (Loudon, V.A., U.S.) 11th-12th: The American School Foundation (Mexico City, Mexico)

Previous college

As I mentioned previously I went for my first semester of Freshman year to Savannah College or Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. Although I thought that I wanted to pursue a fine arts degree in a non-traditional college I quickly realized that was not for me. I quickly began applying and stumbled across UMass Amherst, the academics, social life, and college town location really drew me in. Which of course led me to apply, and within two weeks of submitting my application I was accepted, from here I followed the schedule of tasks I had to such as request housing, attend orientation events and then ultimately move in. The experience was seamless and it was quite easy to transfer my college and AP credits to UMass making it really easy to yes.