Moving from Los Angeles to Syracuse was daunting and even lonely at first. I was forced to come out of my shell, discover new passions and find comfort in the uncomfortable.

When I first arrived on campus, I felt overwhelmed by opportunity and confused about where to start. During my first year, I signed up for a myriad of clubs, from the Economics Student Association and Student Government Association to the ski club, and I even tried out for the equestrian team.

Through all that exploring, I discovered how much I love to write. Being able to try so many different activities at Syracuse helped me uncover how peaceful and intriguing it is to capture the world around me in words. That discovery encouraged me to add a major in writing and rhetoric in my second semester.

Along with helping me learn more about myself, writing has opened professional and academic opportunities that let me express who I am and demonstrate how powerful rhetoric is for effective communication and critical thinking. Beyond writing itself, my classes have given me experience with Adobe software and the publishing process, along with the chance to contribute to Intertext, which showcases undergraduate writing from the Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric and Composition.

For the past year and a half, I’ve also worked at The Daily Orange, which has been ranked among the best college newspapers in the nation. Reporting for the news section has taught me how to pitch and report stories I’m excited to write, and it has introduced me to a great group of people to work alongside.

While moving across the country was intimidating and I’m still navigating the college experience, Syracuse University has given me countless resources and opportunities that make me feel capable and confident tackling challenges inside and outside the classroom.