Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?

I grew up on Long Island before moving to Florida, and I really missed the atmosphere here. I wanted to be close to New York City, and when I toured Hofstra, I fell in love with the campus. It was beautiful and welcoming. I was also drawn to the wide variety of course offerings, which allowed me to explore different subjects I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did.

Who have been your mentors, and how have they helped you?

Two people really stand out. One is my American Sign Language professor, Raquel Muniz. She not only taught me a new language but introduced me to Deaf culture and opened up the world of disability advocacy for me. The second is Armani Harper from Hofstra’s Division of Marketing and Communications, where I’ve worked since freshman year. He’s shown me what supportive leadership looks like and has helped me develop professional skills I’ll take into any future job. I’m very grateful to both of them.

Talk about the interesting work, research, or internships you have completed.

Most of my research has focused on disability studies, which is a field I’m passionate about. That work inspired me to take a summer position at a camp for children with special needs, where I gained hands-on experience that solidified my career goals. Working as a Federal Work-Study student aide in Hofstra’s Division of Marketing and Communications helped me learn a lot about my own strengths and how to function in a professional setting.

What was your proudest moment at Hofstra?

One of my proudest moments was pushing through a very challenging semester. I was having a tough time mentally. I visited advisors and tapped into campus resources – something I wouldn’t have done in the past. That experience taught me that it’s OK to ask for help and gave me confidence in my ability to overcome challenges.

What will you miss most about Hofstra?

Definitely, the structure. My entire life has been centered on this campus – living here, working here, going to classes. Having that consistent schedule and community has meant a lot to me. While I’m excited for what’s next, I know that kind of stability will be hard to leave behind.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m joining the NYC Teaching Fellows program, where I’ll begin teaching special education in September while earning my master’s degree at Pace University. I’ll be training over the summer and then relocating to the city. I’m excited to dive into this next chapter; it aligns perfectly with my passion for working with students with disabilities.

What advice do you have for first-year students who have interests similar to yours?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people – professors, peers, anyone who shares your interests. Some of my most valuable experiences came from simply asking a professor to collaborate on a project or to explain something I was curious about. More often than not, people are happy to talk and help. Those conversations can lead to incredible opportunities.

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