Why did you choose to study at WPI?  

I chose WPI because that's what middle-school me chose. Throughout middle school, when I lived in Worcester, I remember always passing by the school with my family in awe of how huge the stadium is and wondering what kind of institution it could be. When it came time to apply to schools, despite moving away, I kept thinking about the campus. Through further research, I became intrigued by the academic system and technical aspect of all the programs, even in the business programs. 

How are you involved with the WPI community?  

I am involved with the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Caribbean and Hispanic Association (CHA), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the WPI Step Team. I chose these activities because they've helped me stay connected to some of the key parts of my identity: my faith (Intervarsity) and my culture (CHA). These groups also helped push me outside of my comfort zone, allowing me to grow. 

What’s your favorite thing about WPI?  

100% the people. Initially, I was worried I wouldn't meet a lot of people because of the size of campus, but even now, in my junior year, I am still meeting new people. With our small size, I've realized it's contributed to the diversity in the experiences of the other students. It's been great to learn the stories of all the people I've met so far. Second to that is the sense of pride I get attending the yearly basketball games. I've looked forward to the season every year since freshman year because of the feeling I get cheering alongside the pep band and packed auditorium at those games. 

Do you have a faculty or staff mentor?  

My mentors are Damien Arlabosse, Professor Rebecca Moody, Professor Adrienne Hall-Philips, and Professor Carly Thorpe.  

The entire marketing communications team at WPI and, most importantly, my boss, Damien Arlabosse, have been instrumental in my growth. His belief in me and advocacy on my behalf gave me the opportunity to work on multiple projects across the division. He also offered me my first internship, allowing me to apply the skills I’ve gained through my degree. 
    
I first met Professor Moody during my freshman year in her Feminist Killjoys course. Since then, I’ve taken her Humanities Seminar and each time I’ve appreciated the safe space she creates in her office and classroom for thoughtful discussions outside of STEM. Similarly, Professor Thorpe has been a major influence, particularly in how knowledgeable she is in her field—a quality I hope to embody in my own career. Both Professor Moody and Professor Thorpe were among my strongest supporters when I expressed my interest in pursuing a master’s degree. They provided recommendations for my application to the BS/MS program on campus. 
    
Although I’ve only known Professor Hall-Phillips for a short time, she has already been an incredible resource for both me and the other students we serve in our campus affinity housing. She listens closely to students and actively supports us by connecting us to opportunities that align with our goals. 

How has WPI’s project-based learning influenced your education?  

WPI's project-based learning has greatly influenced my learning experience. As a hands-on learner, being able to use software and think through real-world scenarios from day one has reassured me that the skills I’m developing in class are applicable in the professional world. This approach, applied across all my classes, has also helped me refine my time management skills—something I relied on heavily during my internship, where I had to balance multiple projects.