When it came time to pick the right college, I felt very torn.  I wanted more than most universities could offer – a great business education with a lot of opportunities to work in broadcast.  Luckily, Hofstra offered me the best of both worlds. I have the opportunity to pursue a double major in management and legal studies while also getting the hands-on experience working in broadcasting.  During my four years at Hofstra, I have found the perfect blend between curricular and extra-curricular.

I got involved with Hofstra’s radio station, WRHU, from the get-go.  By my sophomore year I was not only producing the New York Islanders radio broadcast, but also covering the team as a beat reporter.  I spent my days at morning skate interviewing players and would then head back to campus for classes.  I am extremely proud of the caliber of WRHU – and so too is the NHL.  WRHU has been the flagship station for the New York Islanders since 2010, the only college radio station in the country to have such an agreement with a professional sports franchise. 

I also served as WRHU’s News Director for a year.  There I was able to blend my passion for legal studies and local politics with broadcast.  While covering the NYC mayoral race, I had the opportunity to be at the DiBlasio headquarters the night he was elected.  I was one of the youngest people in the room that evening, but thanks to Hofstra’s amazing broadcast program, I was confident in what I was doing.

But I am so much more involved on campus than just with WRHU.  For the past two years I have served as an RA – first in Amsterdam House, and now in Honors College housing.  My RAs were always great in building a community, and they helped me adjust to college life so easily.  That is what inspired me to give back and provide that opportunity for other students.

I have also participated in Hostra’s annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation charity event where I raised money to fight childhood cancer, and in return shaved my head.  Now for many this may seem like a small feat, but for someone who had spent his high school years growing his hair long – a point of pride and quite a large part of my identity – it was a big deal.

As a recipient of financial aid, I am so grateful to Hofstra for investing in me.  Without that aid, I would not have been able to pursue a college degree.  Hofstra has given me the opportunity to apply myself in the classroom, the campus community, and the world at large.  And all while being in NYC’s backyard.

Nothing in life is just handed to you.  But Hofstra has taught me that if you are willing to work hard and to pursue a dream, you can achieve anything.  Please make your gift to Hofstra University for the Day of Giving and continue to provide life-changing opportunities for students like me!