For better and worse, the pandemic fundamentally redefined my college experience. While some faced the disappointment of virtual commencements and socially distanced freshmen orientations, I was caught somewhere right in the middle. The first two years of college-life that I had come to know, just as I was really starting to find my groove, disassembled in a heartbeat. Replaced by something entirely different, somewhat dysfunctional, and wholeheartedly disconnected. Without time to find steady ground, I had to establish new priorities, and come to terms with letting go of what I knew to successfully navigate the unknown. 

My story doesn’t begin and end with the pandemic, but I’ve acknowledged that it is, and forever will be, a core part of it. It’s an experience that made me who I am today — resilient. In 2020, fumbling to find an internship, I found myself truly facing the limitations of circumstance. I needed to rely on myself to make connections and find opportunities equivalent to those present in a world not halted by a global health crisis. I now look back realizing how much stronger I am because of it.

As a first-generation college student, I understand that it takes a village- the power of community got me here. By going out of my way to align myself with alumni programs, campus advisors, thought-leaders and entrepreneurs, I secured internships and found mentors that made my journey truly unique. If there is one thing I took away from my time at Seton Hall, it is just how profound the impact of networking can be. Going the extra mile to reach out to another human, no expectations or ulterior motives, just the simple desire to connect. In many ways, the pandemic ironically brought me closer to people and opportunities I may never have otherwise crossed paths with.

I’m lucky enough to say that the foundation of my professional experience was built with woman owned startups and small businesses. Many of my mentors happen to be entrepreneurs and business owners as well. I have a deep understanding of what goes into operating a growing business, including the day-to-day demands and fluctuations. I am well versed in working intimately with a team across various departments and am accustomed to extremely dynamic and faster paced environments. Working remotely as a result of the pandemic has strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, work efficiently, and seamlessly connect with clients and colleagues from a distance. Where I once thought that landing the much sought-after position at a fortune 500 company was the only way to succeed, I found myself being mentored by highly intelligent, capable, and inspiring women as I worked alongside them to support in the brick-by-brick expansion and evolution of their small companies. I was exposed to the breadth of what a small, scrappy, and dedicated team of individuals can accomplish in a short amount of time. I learned that I flourish in collaborative, personable, and supportive environments.

Today I find myself a magna cum laude alumna of Seton Hall University’s class of 2022, going on four years of professional experience across Digital Marketing, Brand Coordination, and Public Relations.

As I continue to build my career, I look into the future - hungry, optimistic, and excited for what comes next. Now is the time for me to really dig my heels in. To find new, challenging opportunities that push the limits of my potential and make the sacrifices of my family and investment of my mentors worthwhile.

In whatever I do, I intend to make and impact. Wherever I go, I will aim to build connections. As my story progresses, I promise myself that I’ll always pursue the things in life that truly touch my heart.