Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?

Hofstra was always on my radar because my dad went here and always spoke very highly of it. I live close by and was familiar with the campus. During my senior year of high school, I applied and was accepted. After visiting and learning more about the programs, it felt like the right fit.

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

Dr. Rosanna Perotti has been my biggest mentor. I first met her during my sophomore year when I took Political Parties and the Voter. That class introduced me to Hofstra Votes, where I began volunteering to register students and encourage them to vote.

Since then, I took another class with Dr. Perotti, and I worked with her as a fellow in the Center for Civic Engagement, where she was the interim director. She’s always been there to offer advice, help me understand political developments, and guide me through my academic and civic engagement journey.

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

Through the Center for Civic Engagement, I worked on several impactful initiatives, including Hofstra Votes. One of the projects I’m most proud of is working with Laika Jerome [Class of 2024] to organize an Earth Day event in 2024 about cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We explored the environmental, political, and human rights issues. 

Last year, I was a panelist for a discussion on “Expanding the Vote,” presented as part of Civil Rights Day. I talked about my work with Hofstra Votes, expanding civic engagement, and empowering youth to exercise their right to vote. 

I also participated in the Political Science Department’s trip to Washington, D.C., where we observed real-time government processes and toured the House and Senate chambers. These experiences really brought to life the things I was learning in class.

What was your proudest moment at Hofstra?

Being part of Dr. Perotti’s team to help Hofstra become an early voting location for the presidential primary and general elections was one of my proudest accomplishments. Through our ongoing work with the Nassau County Board of Elections and our voter registration efforts on campus, we demonstrated that students were eager to participate in the electoral process. Securing an early voting designation for the campus made it so much easier for students to cast their ballots. I even voted on campus myself.

What will you miss most about Hofstra?

I’ll miss the people the most – the friends I’ve made, the professors who’ve supported me, and the community I found through the Center for Civic Engagement. 

Being a commuter, I wasn’t sure at first how connected I’d feel. By getting involved, I now have strong relationships that I’ll carry with me beyond graduation. I’ve also made friends through Hofstra Nari, a club for South Asian women; the Commuter Student Association; and the Crochet & Knitting Club. I love the activities I do for social justice and advocating, but there are many activities that I joined just for fun.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend law school and am currently exploring different areas of law. I’ve considered environmental law, criminal law, and civil rights law. I’m especially interested in immigration law given the current political climate. I want to find a way to use my skills to help people and make a difference in their lives.

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

Don’t wait to get involved. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure, but everyone is figuring things out. If something interests you, reach out. Even if you’re nervous, take the leap – introduce yourself, join that club, volunteer at that event. You don’t need to have it all figured out; just showing up is a powerful first step.

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