My name is Hitasha Nagdeo. I am graduating in December 2023 with my MS in Social Media and Mobile Marketing degree.

I consider myself a global person. I was born in India and spent the initial years of my life there. Then, at the age of 5, I moved to the Middle East, specifically Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and completed middle school there, before returning to India.

Now I’m in my third country, the United States—my newfound home and the place I aspire to call home for the rest of my life.

I appreciate Pace, not just for its academic profile, but also for the comprehensive support that it provides which is especially important for me as an international student.

I fell in love with New York before I fell in love with Pace. Having said that, Pace has its own merits to fall in love with. I appreciate Pace, not just for its academic profile, but also for the comprehensive support that it provides, which is especially important for me as an international student. I was also really drawn to my program because, unlike at other schools, it’s a STEM-designated program, which is an important distinction for international students like me who can get a longer visa duration if we’re enrolled in a STEM program.

Transitioning to a new country was challenging, even for someone who had experienced it before. Fortunately, Pace offered unwavering support whenever I needed it. From professors guiding me through academic uncertainties to friends facing similar challenges, the support system was robust. Not to mention the wealth of resources available on campus. The International Students and Scholar’s department has been a pillar of support since before my arrival in the US, and Career Services has played a vital role in helping me secure an on-campus position and preparing me for life after graduation.

I really love being able to talk to international students and give back all the support I was given.

Currently, I have two student assistant roles. One is as a graduate assistant in the Lubin School of Business for the director of my program and Associate Dean of the undergraduate program, Randi Priluck, PhD, where I help keep her materials updated with current market trends and assist students. The other student assistantship is with Campus Planning and Facilities, which I’ve been doing since the summer of 2022. I do whatever they need me to do, offering any administrative support I can provide.

I also volunteer off-campus with Kaplan Pathways India, a company that Pace partners with. I’ve actually been a student speaker for them as well and spoke about my experience to other international students. I was so glad to be able to speak with them and clear up their doubts, I even had some one-on-one sessions with students. (Apparently most of them enrolled!) Now, I’m working on creating content for Kaplan, everything from covering Pace career fairs, recommending how to pack when moving to the US, and creating Christmas themed content. I really love being able to talk to international students and give back all the support I was given.

As I get closer to graduation, I'm getting ready and manifesting good things.

I’ll be honest, it’s really difficult working two jobs, volunteering, staying involved in clubs, and keeping up with my schoolwork. Sometimes it can take a toll, but the fact is, especially as an international student, I've put in a lot of effort and money also to be here. I'm at a stage where I want to make sure everything that I do is in order and meeting the quality of that is required.

That brings us to now. Commencement is coming and I’ve been working with Career Services to find a job. As I get closer to graduation, I'm getting ready and manifesting good things. I try to remember that all this work is building to what I want to do. Pace has had such a positive impact on me, and I want to just pass that on.

Youngsoo Shin, PhD, joined the Seidenberg School faculty this fall. As a new professor in the information technology department, Dr. Shin is applying his unique background to teaching students the value of a multidisciplinary approach to technology.

We asked Youngsoo a few questions so the Pace community can get to know him a little better.

What is your background in terms of research, interests, academic pursuits?

I have a diverse background, having a B.A. in psychology, a B.S. in interaction design, and a M.S. in cognitive science and engineering from Yonsei University, South Korea, and a Ph.D. in human behavior and design from Cornell University. My professional journey extends across various domains, including user experience (UX) and data science, with experience garnered from well-known companies such as AMOREPACIFIC, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motors, LG Electronics, and McKinsey & Company. I've taught at Yonsei University, Kookmin University, and FASTCAMPUS, a prominent provider of on/offline practical education services in South Korea.

I developed my expertise in the areas of cognitive science, human-computer interaction (HCI), and data science. My research centers around three interconnected themes: (1) research in design contexts for investigating the mechanism of human experience with computing systems; (2) practice-based research for developing a framework for hyper-personalized UX design with data-driven approaches; and (3) research aimed at creating human-centered artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance human experience and wellbeing (i.e., addressing sustainable energy issues, fostering users’ prosocial behaviors, and supporting human health and digital wellbeing). My overarching research objective is to address pressing challenges in people’s daily lives by investigating the compelling questions surrounding human interactions with computing systems and AI technologies.

What brought you to Pace University?

Part of what excited me about Pace University is the opportunity to contribute to Seidenberg’s cross-disciplinary opportunities for improving human experience in technologically mediated contexts. I believe that Seidenberg is the perfect place for me to explore my multi-faceted view of human experience and AI with the outstanding faculty. As a catalyst to explore creative and innovative problem-solving approaches, I also believe that I can teach, study, and apply innovative HCI and data science research to solve critical challenges in science, technology, engineering, and society.

How are you finding working at Seidenberg so far? What classes are you teaching and how are they going?

As a new assistant professor at Seidenberg, I'm finding the experience to be both challenging and rewarding. The department and university have been welcoming, and I'm excited to be part of the academic community here. This semester, I'm teaching two graduate-level courses:

Information Systems Principles (IS-617): In this course, we explore the fundamental principles of information systems from a end-user perspective. Students learn to analyze and design information systems with a strong focus on enhancing the user experience.

Programming User Interfaces (IS-629): This course is dedicated to programming user interfaces for software applications with a deep commitment to human-centered design. We go beyond traditional programming by emphasizing the significance of UX

Overall, the semester is off to a positive start, and I'm looking forward to helping my students develop their skills and knowledge in these important areas of computer science and information systems.

Who should take your classes, what should their interest areas be?

My primary teaching goal is to help students be a jack-of-all trades and master of some in a rapidly changing world. During my multidisciplinary journey at the intersection between cognitive science, data science, and UX design, I have witnessed that the versatility of perspectives and approaches has become more important than the focus of the domain- or field-oriented mindset. I invite students who want to learn the value of how to think as a generalist, instead of merely what to think as a specialist, in the field of HCI/UX.

Is there anything you’re planning to do in the coming months or years?

I plan to re-envision the future of HCI/UX and data science to create more highly human-centered AI technologies. At Seidenberg, I would like to test the generalizability and feasibility of my approach to human experience and AI by exploring new implementation areas and consolidating emerging approaches. Given that a wide range of AI technologies can be developed and tested to support users’ daily behavioral decision-making experiences, I expect that developing and testing additional design solutions will allow me to advance findings from previous studies iteratively. Specifically, I will identify new types of psychological and behavioral UX constructs and user profiling methods by focusing on the possibility of varying data collection sources and types in various AI technology usage contexts. Also, I will contribute to research about privacy-enhancing technologies, and transparency and fairness in digital privacy, as my previous research can be utilized as a foundation to better understand how to discuss this specific ethical and data-related issue raised by the development, deployment, and use of AI technologies.

Any final words?

To strengthen bridges across a range of fields regarding human experience and interactive systems requires a continuously wider and deeper learning process with a strong belief in growth.

There are no clear sets of rules or definite directions for investigating human experience with computing systems. Thus, the journey of becoming a transdisciplinary problem solver across relevant fields leads us off the well-worn path.

However, I hope to connect the dots of my previous professional and academic experiences to inspire Pace University students to bring innovations in the world. Thank you.

The incredible spirit of the Pace Community has triumphed on this year's Giving Tuesday. Your overwhelming generosity is paving the way for students to thrive on their Pace Path, ensuring they have the essential resources for success.

Pace University has not only met but soared past our ambitious goal of 2,310 gifts, reaching an impressive 2,430 donors from 41 states and 6 countries. Thanks to your unwavering support, we've raised a staggering $823,901, and the momentum is still building! If you haven't joined in yet, there's still an opportunity to make a difference—contribute today and be part of this extraordinary journey empowering our students.

Looking to make an impact on student success? On April 17–18, 2024 the Setter community will come together for the Pace University 1906 Challenge to support Pace students.

There are few people more qualified than Julia Cardillo ’22 to offer an insider perspective on the journey of Pace’s Esports program.

Julia’s involvement with collegiate Esports began in 2019, back when Esports was a student-run club. In 2021, Pace Esports was formalized into an official program, and Pace’s 15th varsity sport. Now, as the Assistant Director of the program, Julia’s helping guide the program into its bright future.

Considering her unique experience with the program from its roots as a club to her involvement in supporting it as a varsity sport, Julia shares her insights on how Esports at Pace has transformed while maintaining a dedicated commitment to community and inclusivity.

First things first, tell us a bit about your background.

I graduated from Pace in 2022, and I studied computer science and economics. I joined the Esports program back when it was a club in 2019 and was the Vice President of the club’s executive board until my senior year. Now, I’m the assistant director for the Esports program.

We’ve grown so much—not just from last year, our first full year as a program—but since we became a sport.

What role do you play in the program now?

I wear a lot of different hats. Our Director Jesse Bodony (who was just named Esports Director of the Year!) and I tend to tag-team the week-to-week, which is constantly changing. At a baseline, we’re handling leagues and making sure matches run smoothly, and those run Monday through Friday from 7:00 p.m. on, sometimes until midnight. I also do a lot of social media marketing across all of our different channels, spotlighting players and celebrating wins, and other community management.

A big portion of the job is interfacing with and helping handle all our students, from the student helpers, team captains, players, e-boards across two clubs, and so on. We have a lot of different events in addition to our leagues, and I do much of the interfacing on those.

We want to win, at the same time, gaming is for everyone.

You’ve been with the Esports program since it was a club and have seen it become an official sport. How has the program evolved?

It’s honestly wild. We’ve grown so much—not just from last year, our first full year as a program—but since we became a sport. When we first established the Esports team, we had 40 students across 8 teams. During the 2022–2023 academic year, that grew to over 90 students across 18 competitive teams, and now we’re at 130 students and 24 teams! There are over 900 students currently in both our casual and competitive gamer community, we have facilities on both the Westchester and New York City campuses. We’ve had a lot of wins and have been Conference Champions four times to date.

One thing actually that I'm especially proud of is the number of women and nonbinary students that have joined the program. A student from Columbia actually ran the numbers and the percentage of female and nonbinary players has increased from 19% last year to 28% now. We have two all-women and nonbinary teams called our Lavender teams, with even more women and nonbinary students who are on other teams and part of our community.

When we last spoke in 2022, you mentioned that there was a strong community element to Pace Esports and that not everyone in the program was a competitive gamer. Has that changed?

Competitively, we've grown in many different ways since we last spoke. But as we continue to evolve, we still promote the idea that while, yes, we want to be competitive and we want to win, at the same time, gaming is for everyone. And if you want to play and you want to be a part of our program, we want you.

Establishing our two campus facilities has been momentous in how we've evolved. Our community was almost solely online, but now there's this really big in-person community. There are students that classes will just sit and play between classes, even sometimes remotely with students who aren’t even in the program! It's really cool having that place for our student gamers. It's just so important to have a place that they can call home.

When the facility was first opened, one of our students said to us, “I finally have a place to truly call home.” That speaks to how the students are just fully into it. I think that core part of us that says “yes, we want to include you” is why the program has grown so much.

That's one of the best things you could ask for, students that care so much.

What are some of your favorite accomplishments since Esports became an official sport at Pace?

Obviously, I'm extremely proud of our competitive accomplishments, and our growth, but I’m more so proud of the work and dedication that the students are putting in. That's one of the best things you could ask for, students that care so much.

Something else I love is how much we’ve poured into the outside community, especially the next generation of gamers. We’ve worked with a lot of local high schools through the organization EZ Esports. We partnered with them to help with their tournaments, let them use our facilities, stream their matches, and so on. We also hosted a summer camp for ages 13 to 18. Only a few of those students were even from New York, we had students coming from all over the country, Canada, even Taiwan! And it was so great bringing them in to learn about Pace and our program, to give them the chance to play in our facilities, and just see their faces light up. I think it’s so important to give back and we’ve been able to do that.

I’m excited to see that momentum build and to see what we can do.

What does the future of Pace Esports look like to you?

It’s funny because right now it's just Jesse and I, with a bunch of student leaders. So, there’s that question, you know, how much more can we handle? Especially considering how fast we’ve been growing! We’ve had to work out a lot of things systematically, especially on the people management side. We also transitioned from one conference to the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) so that was a big adjustment.

This year was a lot of learning. Not just from getting the program started, and the growth, but also switching conferences, which always has a learning curve. I think I'm just excited to see where we go without all the noise of these new changes, and seeing what we can do now that we’re established. I’m excited to see that momentum build and to see what we can do.

Join the Pace Esports Discord Server and check out the Esports site to keep up to date with everything Esports. Show your support for the teams and catch a match on their Twitch channel.

Name: Madelyn Garcia
Pronouns: She/They
Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2024
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Degree/Major: Environmental Science and Conservation, BS + Environmental Science and Policy, MS (Combined Degree)

Internship role and employer: Landscape Conservation Intern with Defenders of Wildlife, Center for Conservation Innovation Team

Tell us a bit about what you did during your internship. Walk us through what an average day looks like for you.

During my internship, I was under the guidance of Aimee Delach, a Senior Policy Analyst with a specialization in Climate Adaptation. Beyond team meetings, my role revolved around extensive research, particularly centered on reviewing documentation related to imperiled species. A significant part of my responsibilities also involved navigating the USFWS Service Catalog to delve into Comprehensive Conservation Plans. These comprehensive plans serve as crucial long-term documents ensuring the effective management of each refuge in alignment with their intended purpose.

The nature of my projects demanded keen attention to detail, and they were presented during a symposium held at the conclusion of the internship period. Additionally, interns had the opportunity to attend virtual and in-person events that engaged and educated wildlife lovers across the nation.

I'm truly thankful to both the Pritchard Foundation and Defenders for such a great opportunity!

What made you gravitate to this role? Was it the organization, the responsibilities, or something else?

I've been incredibly fortunate to work with Defenders of Wildlife, an organization that embraces an intersectional approach to conservation. Beyond its reputation, my attraction to this role was amplified by the presence of The Center for Conservation Innovation, a dynamic team at the forefront of pioneering strategies to create the next generation of wildlife policies and practices.

Moreover, my decision to pursue this position was significantly influenced by my participation in the Animal Advocacy Clinic during the Spring of 2023.

Did you work on any projects or complete any special tasks that brought you a sense of self-satisfaction?

Working alongside the climate team, I helped update and develop reports on species affected by climate change for the Defenders Climate Change guide. Crafting these informative fact sheets allowed me to offer precise and easily understandable insights into the subject. Furthermore, I actively participated in the evaluation of how Comprehensive Conservation Plans for National Wildlife Refuges were integrating climate change considerations into their strategic frameworks.

Have you interned anywhere else prior to this?

Prior to this, I had the privilege of interning in various roles that have greatly contributed to my skill set and research exposure. The opportunities afforded by the ESS Department have been particularly instrumental in honing my abilities. Apart from my current position, I've also held other notable roles, including:

• Arc Map Story Assistant for the Town of Ridgefield, CT
• Social Media Intern with the National Parks Conservation Association
• Environmental Campaign Engagement with the Environmental Advocates of New York
• Recipient of the Julia and Carroll Fellowship, working as a forestry Intern with Teatown Lake Reservation
• This fall, I'm a Climate Action and Policy Intern with Bedford2030!

Did you get this internship with assistance from Career Services or did you snag this one independently?

Although my resume has been crafted with the assistance of Career Services, I actually discovered this through both Handshake and the Green Jobs Board. These platforms have proven to be valuable resources in my job search journey.

Do you have any advice for people who are considering taking on their first internship?

Apply! My advice is to take the leap and apply, even if you feel your qualifications or skill-set might be lacking, or if self-confidence is holding you back. Oftentimes, your unique experiences beyond the stated requirements can actually position you as an excellent candidate. Additionally, you might possess strengths in areas that the company hasn't even identified as crucial until they engage with you during the interview process. Embracing a growth-oriented mindset is key to unlocking potential opportunities that you might otherwise miss. Remember, the worst outcome is simply hearing a 'no' at the end of the day.

You can also see these two articles that were posted for National Intern Day/Week:

• Defenders Intern Diaries: Center for Conservation Innovation
• Meet Defenders' Summer 2023 Interns and Hear their Tips for Success

Haub Law’s team for the National Trial League Competition broke a record this year as they were the only school to ever remain undefeated in the National Trial League’s regular season, with a solid finish of seven wins and zero losses. The regular season of the competition ran every two weeks beginning in August and commencing in November. Haub Law is one of four teams that will now move on to playoffs in spring 2024. In addition to Haub Law’s undefeated record, this is the first year since Haub Law started participating in the competition that they have made the playoffs. The Haub Law team was coached by Samantha Tighe ’20 and Hilary Quinn. Haub Law students Joseph Demonte, Liam Rattigan, Chloe Devanny, Matthew Mattesi, Stephanie Areford, Victoria Buzzanca, Alexandra Stata, Arianna Cruickshank, Sabrina Rehfeld, and Katerine Balukas were amongst the students who participated over the course of the seven competitions.

Throughout the Competition, Haub Law students Joseph Demonte, Chloe Devanny, and Alexandra Stata were awarded best advocate awards as well. Student competitor Joe Demonte notes that, “Every time I compete, I feel like I get better, and I really enjoy the competitive aspect of mock trials. This specific competition was really enjoyable because of the short turnaround time. Every two weeks there's a competition so you do not have much time to get ready. I enjoy this challenge because it really tests your ability to think on your feet. This competition is also really a team effort, we would not be as successful as we have been without everyone’s efforts and our coaches.”

During the playoffs this upcoming spring, Joseph Demonte, Liam Rattigan, and Chloe Devanny will compete on behalf of Haub Law. Student competitor Chloe Devanny also notes that hard work that went into the seven rounds of the competition. “If it wasn’t for every single student advocate working their hardest, we would not have the amazing opportunity to compete in the upcoming finals,” said Chloe. Professor Lou Fasulo, Director of Haub Law’s Advocacy Programs and Professor of Practice in Advocacy, added, “I have had the opportunity to work with dozens of great law student advocates, this group of advocates rose to the highest level of expectation and defeated some of the top Trial schools in the country,” said Professor Fasulo. “Their dedication, work ethic, and talent was outstanding and the results prove it. The team’s undefeated status caps a terrific fall competition schedule. Haub Law is proud and our reputation is enhanced by their success.”

Sands College of Performing Arts students learn to navigate the industry from day one. In addition to designing, choreographing, stage managing, directing, and forming theater ensembles around the world, here’s where you’ve recently seen us.

• Broadway
• Selected Television
• Selected Film

Broadway

• & Juliet
• A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical
• After Midnight
• Ain’t Too Proud
• Aladdin
• Almost Famous
• American Psycho
• Back to the Future The Musical
• Be More Chill
• Bridges of Madison County
• Bring It On
• Bye Bye Birdie
• Caroline, Or Change
• Carousel
• Cats
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
• Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour
• Dear Evan Hanson
• Diana
• Disney’s Frozen on Broadway
• Escape to Margaritaville
• Gettin’ the Band Back Together
• Hadestown
• Hair
• Hamilton
• Head Over Heels
• Hello, Dolly!
• Here Lies Love
• How To Dance In Ohio
• Ink
• Jagged Little Pill
• Kimberly Akimbo
• Merrily We Roll Along
• Miss Saigon
• MJ The Musical
• Motown the Musical
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical
• Mrs. Doubtfire
• Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
• Newsies
• On the Town
• Once On This Island
• Once Upon a One More Time
• Parade
• Pretty Woman
• Shuffle Along
• Some Like It Hot
• Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
• The Book of Mormon
• The Ferryman
• The Prom
• The Tina Turner Musical
• Waitress
• West Side Story
• Wicked

Selected TV

• 9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox)
• Big Sky (ABC)
• Blue Bloods (CBS)
• Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
• Bull (CBS)
• Chicago Fire (NBC)
• Chicago Justice (NBC)
• Combat Hospital (ABC)
• Criminal Minds (CBS)
• Daisy Jones & The Six (Amazon Prime)
• Deadbeat (Hulu)
• Difficult People (Hulu)
• Gossip Girl (MAX)
• Gotham (FOX)
• Grease LIVE (Fox)
• Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
• Homeland (Showtime)
• Instinct (CBS)
• Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
• Less Than Zero (Hulu)
• Madam Secretary (CBS)
• Mildred Pierce (HBO)
• Modern Love (Amazon Prime)
• Mr. Robot (USA)
• Murder in the First (TNT)
• NOS4A2 (AMC)
• Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
• Pose (FX)
• Royal Pains (USA)
• Saturday Night Live (NBC)
• Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll (FX)
• Shameless (Showtime)
• Show Me a Hero (HBO)
• Swarm (Amazon Prime)
• The Americans (FX)
• The Blacklist (NBC)
• The Deuce (HBO)
• The Get Down (Netflix)
• The Good Fight (CBS)
• The Knick (Cinemax)
• The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (Amazon Prime)
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime)
• The Mayor (ABC)
• The Mysteries of Laura (NBC)
• The Path (Hulu)
• The Sound of Music LIVE (NBC)
• The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon Prime)
• The Voice (NBC)
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
• Younger (TV Land)

Selected Film

• Adam
• Black Panther
• Judas and the Black Messiah
• Life Itself
• Love is Love (short)
• Mapplethorpe
• Miller & Son
• Moonrise Kingdom
• My Friend Dahmer
• Night Comes On
• Rebel in the Rye
• Ruta Vita
• Satanic Panic
• Swallowed
• Tangerine
• The Hate U Give
• The Immigrant
• The Subject
• They/Them
• Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Valentina Rojas Abreu ’24 knows the experience of a first generation student better than most. Not only is she one herself, but she’s been helping cultivate a supportive network as President of the First Generation Program.

Read on to hear her perspective on the distinct challenges and triumphs that define the first generation student experience.

Why did you choose Pace?

I’d heard great things all through high school about how many connections Pace has to different companies and programs. I liked that I could commute and that there was a New York City Campus I could take advantage of if I wanted to.

What are some of the challenges of being a first generation student?

A lot of us first generation students are so independent because we don't have that safety net. Not that we don't have people to depend on, but at least on an academic standpoint, you are on your own.

What are some of the hidden ‘super powers’ of being a first generation student?

As a first generation student, I ended up being very independent. I'm the firstborn in my family. So I don't have an older sibling to ask ‘how did you do this’ or ‘what is FASFA?’ I feel like a lot of our students, including myself, feel like school is a bit easier now because I've been doing everything by myself. Having to figure things out on your own can help students reach for the stars. They know how to opportunities or have higher aspirations because they know they’ve always had to.

What do you want fellow first generation students to know?

Some people don’t even realize they’re a first generation student. Even if your parents received an associate degree rather than a four-year degree, or your siblings have gone to college, you're still considered a first generation student.

I try to encourage students in the First Generation Program in the same way I was encouraged.

Danielle Shoulders ’24 has embraced her journey as a first generation student with resilience and enthusiasm. She’s transferred from a small college in Ohio and is now thriving at Pace, not only pursuing a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies but also actively engaging in student clubs like the Black Student Union and working in various internships to ensure she’s career-ready.

Danielle's story may feel familiar to many other first-gen students. Fortunately, Pace’s first generation student community has helped her forge lasting connections of like-minded people who understand both the ambitions and hurdles that come along with navigating college as a first-gen student.

She shared her unique experience as a first generation student and how Pace's supportive environment has been instrumental along the way.

What does it mean to you to be a first generation student?

To me, being first generation acknowledges that my college experience is different because of my parents’ degree status. I fully understand that not only am I striving to finish college, but to also make my parents proud by completing my degree and experiencing the full college experience they didn’t get to have.

As a first generation student I carry a lot of responsibility. It can be tempting to procrastinate on my homework or to sleep in instead of going to events, but I want to always take full advantage of being in college and not waste a second. I also try to prepare myself for my career while I’m in college by participating in a variety of opportunities, like internships and club positions.

What are some of the challenges of being a first generation student?

A unique challenge of being a first generation student is not being able to ask about the college experience from my parents. I have overcome this by making my own support system of reliable college resources, other students, and supporting faculty. Pace has a wide range of resources and events that college students can attend to learn more about the ins-and-outs of college.

Why is it important to be part of a first generation student community?

Finding community with other first generation students helps me go into a place where people understand the same struggles. It can be hard when you see other students always a step ahead while you grasp to understand the college system. Some first generation students don’t even know they are first generation, let alone where to go for financial help. College is an expected challenge when you have parents who have already experienced it, but for a first generation student it’s a surprise at every turn. Having a community where you don’t have to explain what you go through is a genuinely important safe space.

Why did you choose Pace?

I transferred to Pace from a small college on the outskirts of Ohio. During my first year I realized that it wasn’t the place for me and during a hard time I just sent in an application. I was so excited to see my acceptance letter from Pace that I burst out crying. Pace was my opportunity to explore my passions, find a diverse community, and live my true college experience.

What’s been the best part of your Pace experience?

The best part of my Pace experience has been creating community. I’ve met people that will be in my life forever. My first week I made so many friends that now, two years later, we are still as close as ever. I also have created connections with professors to deepen my academic understanding and network with other professionals in my field. Finding my people has been the most impactful part of my Pace experience.

Pace is my home, and it holds memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.