Halfway There: Reflecting on My First Two Years at RIT

It’s crazy to say I’ve completed my second year of college; it feels like just yesterday I was an awkward freshman going through the motions of classes, friends, clubs, and building a life away from home. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Rochester (ROC) year-round, and now, both ROC and RIT feel like home. I love the niche communities, the opportunities to build my journalism career, the festival seasons, and the busyness a day can bring when you look in the right places. Before I begin my junior year in Fall 2026, I want to reflect on my experiences and what I have learned so far.

My First Year

In the fall of 2024, I began my freshman year filled with anxiety and loneliness. The truth is, I wanted to excel just as I had in high school, and I wanted others to see my potential. I made and lost friends, and I poured myself into my studies, which ultimately paid off when I received the “Rookie of the Year” award at the College of Liberal Arts (COLA) banquet. However, the absolute highlight of my first year was getting connected with Cru, our campus Christian ministry. It gave me a bigger mission to focus on outside of academics, a community I could call my own, and plenty of home-cooked meals. My only regret from freshman year is that I never looked beyond campus. I have a habit of developing tunnel vision and failing to think outside the box; I was so focused on routine that I shied away from anything outside my comfort zone. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That summer, I chose to stay and work on campus with housing, which gave me the luxury of free rent. Yet, despite having the opportunity to explore more of Rochester outside of work, I turned myself into a hermit and focused almost entirely on writing.

My Second Year

The last academic year wasn't my best, but it was a profound period of learning and growth. During college, most students—if not all—will experience bouts of poor mental health. Sometimes, despite your goals and accomplishments, you have to put things on hold. That is exactly how I would describe my sophomore year. I wouldn’t say I did nothing, as I passed all my classes; however, I had to step back from my leadership roles and adjust to a new reality: living with bipolar II disorder. Honestly, it’s thanks to RIT’s counseling staff that I got through the year. I had to redefine my goals and routines, finding a new way to pursue my ambitions. In some ways, I accomplished more than I thought possible. After a brief pause in reporting, I got back on track, becoming Reporter Magazine's crime and accountability reporter and writing the Beyond the Bricks segment for the print edition at the end of the semester. I learned new skills and rediscovered my passion for writing. I also explored more of Rochester through my community journalism class. The best part of the year, though, was going to Lollypop Farm on Sundays for a mental reset. Lollypop Farm is an animal shelter that offers a "Doggy Day Out" program where you can take a dog out for the day for free. I highly recommend that any student who loves animals but can't adopt, pop in for a visit.

What I've Learned

Through all of this trial and error, I’ve grown the most in learning how to build my resume—and that is the number one piece of advice I would give to freshmen and sophomores. Take jobs that apply to your field. RIT has plenty to offer if you ask the right people: TA positions, leadership roles within clubs, and IT jobs. There is always a place to hone your skills. Our institution is unique and highly competitive in larger majors like computer science and engineering. I’ve been fortunate to be in a smaller major, swimming in a smaller pond, but surrounded by students who truly care about their craft. It has pushed me to sharpen my own skills and mold my work to be unique to me.

Because of this, I was able to secure two internships this summer, working with a local publication and serving as a social media and communications intern for my church.

Next semester will be my junior year. While it has been a daunting, crazy ride thus far, I am eager and excited. This is the year that matters most in my college career; every opportunity to grow my skills inside and outside the classroom counts. And, building a network and making connections matter. I’m viewing this as my "big push" year, as I will be fully prepared for the RIT career fairs and job-hunting season, which is arguably more stressful than finals. All jokes aside, I am approaching this semester with a clean slate and unwavering ambition. As Bon Jovi iconically sang, "Whoa, we're half way there!