• Hometown: Tinley Park, IL
• Class: 2026
• Major(s): Journalism, Political Science
• Minor(s): Social Justice
• Other Activities, Honors, and Awards:
  • President of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
  • Major Insight Podcast Host
  • Intramural Volleyball Team Member
  • College of Arts and Sciences Ambassador
  • Former Communications Co-Lead for the Ohio Young People's Platform Coalition

Why Miami?

I ultimately chose Miami because it was the culmination of everything I wanted in a school. It was the perfect size, a beautiful campus, and so many incredible programs and organizations I was interested in. However, a lot of universities have this same appeal. What sealed the deal was the culture. Everyone here loves it, and hearing the panelists the day I visited that had nothing but incredible things to say about their experience made me eager to go. It is rare to meet a student who does not cherish their time here. Most are extremely proud to be a redhawk, and I wanted to feel that same sense of pride. This is very telling through the alumni network as well, something they touch on during orientation, because they are so willing to connect and mentor you. I hope to do the same one day.

How did you choose your major?

I chose my initial major based off my interests in high school. Since the moment I took AP Government my junior year, I knew I wanted to do political science. I had never felt the passion and devotion to a subject before, so I assumed this would be the perfect choice for a college major. My interest in politics has not wavered. I would say that is one of my biggest pieces of advice; find a major you enjoy. Class is interesting, and quite frankly if you care, you want to raise your hand. I love that about college. My second major, however, I discovered along the way. Writing has always been one of my strengths and an activity I thoroughly enjoy both academically and in my personal life. During my time abroad I had the opportunity to intern for RTL Today, a major European mass media company. I got to write and edit articles, pitch ideas, and play around with podcasting. I decided this was something I wanted to continue back at Miami, and hopefully post-grad, so I added it my second semester junior year. This was daunting because it felt like I was a freshman back to the basics, but I really enjoy learning about the writing process and how to strengthen my skills.

Key Moment at Miami

A key academic experience that helped shaped my life was the course Social Justice 165 taught by professor Mark Curnutte. I enrolled in this class as a freshman, ignorant to how it would affect me. After each lecture, I found myself thought provoked, and I made an effort to take one of Mark's classes every semester after that. I am currently enrolled in one of his social justice capstones because I respond to his teaching so well. His introductory course was a catalyst for my Social Justice minor, and taught me the importance of activism and social movements. I have carried his lessons into my daily life, shaping how I view the world and the kind of advocate and professional I hope to be. I never find it difficult to be engaged, even when it used to be a lecture of 100 students. That was a sign that this was something I should pursue.

Another Miami Moment 

My experience studying abroad in Luxembourg for a semester was everything I could have hoped for. I was never set on leaving Miami, let alone for a semester, until some of my friends urged me to apply. Once accepted, I knew I could not deny the opportunity. The program they have in Differdange is one of the greatest. It allows for full immersion into the European culture, as you learn about a variety of different subjects and can apply them on your weekend trips. An unforgettable experience was the study tour I did in Poland. As a MUDEC student you're required to go on a school-sanctioned trip for a week in a country that applies to the material you're learning. Since ours was on the World Wars, Poland was the most fitting. We went to museums, concerts, cathedrals, and restaurants. The most impactful was our tour of the Auchwitz concentration camp. Seeing everything we had studied in the classroom in real life was surreal. I am forever grateful to have had such a moving experience. I know my peers felt the same.

Advice to Prospective Students

I would tell them that it is what you make of it. There is a place for every individual here. Whatever your passions, hobbies, interests, Miami has something for you. I struggled a bit finding what organizations I wanted to join, but I knew I wanted to make an impact. There are plenty of opportunities to do so. If you would have told me as a senior in high school I would be a sorority president and a podcast host, I never would have believed you. However, this campus cultivates you into the best version of yourself, and allows you to explore every avenue before finding the one you flourish in.

What are your career goals?  

I honestly don't have plans post-graduation. The past few years I put so much pressure on myself to find my path that I started resenting anything I was enjoying in the present. Being laser focused on what's next, while can be beneficial, can also be very harmful. I think pouring my dedication into my involvements now will hopefully allow me to do the same in the professional world when the time comes. I really want to focus on the leadership positions I hold so I can make the impact I always wanted to have as an undergraduate. I did have my mind set on pursuing law school, and still may, but that has taken a backseat for the time being. Ideally, I would love to combine both my passions, politics and journalism, whatever that looks like. I am genuinely open to anything, and I think that is a good place to be.

Additonal Miami Moment

I would love to shout out the Ohio Student Association and the former Ohio Young People's Platform Coalition. I always knew I wanted to make a difference in the world, but as we know, this starts locally. I got involved through a classmate, and felt really fulfilled by having a like-minded community working towards my same goals. We were able to plan a Day of Action, incorporating voting tables and even a poster board that asked passersby, "What change do you want to see in Ohio?". I also attended a convention with young activists all over Ohio's campuses that reminded me of the hope and power we both have and create as young individuals. We worked tirelessly as a communications team to inform our college peers: making voter guides, posting about Ohio bills, and amplifying voices of those who felt unheard. While I took a hiatus this year after I went abroad and started my presidency, I will always be thankful for the community we created. If you don't see a club, organization, or movement here, make it! There is room for all the voices.