Student Leadership in Action: Reflections of a Graduate Ambassador

I still remember feeling overwhelmed by a flood of questions as I prepared to start graduate school at RIT. What would Rochester's winters really be like? Which professors should I consider for my program? How would I navigate campus life as an international student? Every answer seemed to lead to three more questions, and sometimes it felt like I was trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Today, those same uncertainties that once kept me awake at night have become the foundation of my work as a Graduate Ambassador. 

What inspired you to take on this role?

What truly inspired me to take on the role was my own experience as an international student navigating the complexities of graduate school. Having been through this process firsthand, I know how important it is to have someone who understands the experience. Being an international student myself, I wanted to be that person for incoming students, someone who could clear their doubts about everything from what the weather will be like to information about professors.

What are your primary responsibilities as a Graduate Ambassador?

My role centers around connecting with prospective and current students through various channels. I conduct one-on-one meetings with prospective students, host webinars sharing the student perspective, and lead campus tours where I can show families not just the facilities, but the little details that make RIT feel like home, the best study spots, coffee locations, and areas that come alive during different seasons.
My most dynamic responsibility is managing our graduate Discord server as an admin. I verify new members, moderate conversations, and ensure this space remains both welcoming and useful for our community.

What events or initiatives have you led that positively impacted students?

One of the initiatives I'm most proud of is our biweekly AMA and Q&A sessions on Discord. Working with Paola, one of our admissions counselors, we developed a rhythm for our community, Mondays for conversation starters to break the ice, and Tuesdays for informal "Ask Me Anything" sessions.
These sessions bridge the gap between formal communications and genuine relationship-building, giving students a chance to connect in a more relaxed environment. What makes it all worthwhile is when students mention that these interactions helped them feel more prepared and connected to RIT even before stepping foot on campus.
 

What have you learned about communication and leadership through this role?

This role has been like an intensive crash course in adaptive communication. Every interaction, from spontaneous questions in webinars to campus conversations with prospective families, has taught me to think on my feet and read between the lines to understand what people really need.

I've learned to communicate with people from incredibly diverse backgrounds and develop the flexibility to adapt my communication style to each person's needs. The leadership aspect has been equally transformative, particularly through our semester wrap-up meetings with the admissions team where I synthesize observations and present insights that can improve our processes.

What advice would you give to other graduate students considering this role?

If you're considering becoming a Graduate Ambassador, I'd suggest reflecting on whether you genuinely enjoy helping others. This role involves being available for students and helping them work through questions, often from people you're just getting to know.

Students share their concerns and anxieties about important academic decisions, so it's important to provide accurate information. If you approach the role with empathy and a genuine desire to help, you'll find that the communication skills and confidence develop along the way.