How I became the "face" of the University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island was never my first choice school.

After receiving my rejection from the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus, I really had to weigh my options. In the midst of my stressful college decision process, I received an invitation to URI’s “Multicultural Overnight Program”. I was always apprehensive about attending the University of Rhode Island, since my hometown of Stratford, CT is extremely diverse and I worried that I wouldn’t find a community of like minded students there.

From my understanding, I qualified for this overnight program as an out of state senior in high school who was accepted to the university and identified as multicultural on the Common Application. Although URI may not have been my top choice, I knew that the overnight program would provide me with the true Rhody experience, before being a committed student.

I arrived on campus for the Multicultural Overnight Program (MOP) and was immediately introduced to a diverse population of students. I was able to eat in the dining halls, attend a mock class, gain an introduction to the university’s multicultural involvement opportunities, and spend the night in the residential halls. The student volunteers really solidified my decision in attending the University of Rhode Island. From that moment on, I knew that I had to join DRIVE (the organization that sponsors the MOP) so I could provide incoming students like myself with a similar experience.

As a first year student, I always relied on DRIVE and am so thankful that they served as my first family at URI. My efforts as a general member did not go unnoticed, as I was elected to serve on the organization’s executive board as secretary. I ran for and was selected to fulfill the position of Vice President for my sophomore year as well. I made it priority to redefine the organization’s mission; DRIVE stands for diversifying, recruiting, inspiring, volunteering, and educating. Implementing cultural education and volunteer opportunities throughout the academic year is how I, along with my executive board, worked to make our mission more explicit.

DRIVE members at our fall semester retreat.

Caitlin Cotter, the organization’s advisor, works with the Office of Undergraduate Admission. When it came time to select a new student to be featured on the university’s view book, Caitlin decided to select DRIVE members. I received an email titled, “Do you want to be the face of URI?”. This view book is seen by thousands of prospective students and families; I knew this opportunity would make my parents so proud. Covering the university’s admission material really makes my journey at the University of Rhode Island feel full circle. Dedicating my time to diversifying URI’s community and serving those who were in my position as a high school student is a rewarding experience.

One of my headshots during my admission photo shoot!