MaKayla Oscar finds purpose in global study, community, and growth at RIT

MaKayla Oscar is leaving RIT with more than a degree, she is leaving with a clearer sense of purpose, a stronger sense of self, and a deeper understanding of how meaningful change often begins with community.

Oscar, an international and global studies major with a concentration in peace, justice, and conflict, came to RIT knowing she was drawn to the social sciences and history. But she also wanted a college experience that would give her room to explore multiple interests and keep doors open.

“In high school, I was really in love with the social sciences and history,” Oscar said. “But I kind of wanted to do history in a more actionable way.”

That desire led her to international and global studies, a program that aligned with both her interests and her long-term goals. As she researched colleges, Oscar said RIT stood out because it offered the balance she was looking for: a strong liberal arts education within a university also known for technology and innovation.

“I want something that’s going to allow me to have the tech education if I find that, ‘Oh, actually I really, really want this,’ but also having a really good liberal arts program at the same time,” she said.

For Oscar, the study abroad opportunities were especially compelling. The flexibility to explore additional interests through minors and electives also helped solidify her decision to come to RIT from Chicago.

After arriving on campus, Oscar quickly became involved in the communities that would shape her college experience. She joined the Caribbean Student Association as an e-board member after finding connection there during her first year.

“That was a community that I really found like kind of fell in love with because I’m Haitian American,” Oscar said. “Having that Caribbean community was so helpful for me, like getting adjusted on campus.”

Her love for community building continued to grow through leadership roles, including serving as a resident advisor. Looking back, Oscar said one of the moments she is most proud of at RIT came after her first year as an RA, when she realized the impact she had made on the students around her.

“I really love community building,” she said. “I feel like the sense of accomplishment at being able to directly impact the lives and kind of trajectory of some of the residents that I had … that was super impactful for me.”

Helping residents find clubs, build connections, and feel more at home on campus became one of the most rewarding parts of her RIT experience.

“I don’t think I’ll forget the feeling of, after my first year being an RA, being like, wow,” Oscar said. “It was so rewarding.”

That work reflected a theme that runs through much of Oscar’s college journey: the desire to make an impact not only through academics, but also through care, mentorship, and connection.

Oscar said her time at RIT also pushed her to grow in ways she did not expect. Like many high-achieving students, she arrived with a clear plan for the future. Over time, however, she learned that growth sometimes means letting go of the version of success you first imagined.

“The future is not set in stone,” Oscar said. “Be adaptable and flexible and be open to the possibilities of what’s out there.”

She initially thought she would follow a very specific academic path, including adding a master’s degree right away. But as she moved deeper into her studies, she realized that plan no longer felt like the right fit. Making peace with that shift was not easy, but it became one of the most important lessons of her time in college.

“Departing from that has actually been so freeing and so exciting,” she said. “To do something that I didn’t plan to when I got here, but to feel so much excitement about the future and the possibility.”

That evolution also changed the way Oscar sees herself. She described her first-year self as ambitious and open to learning, but also intensely focused on doing as much as possible. Over time, she learned the value of patience, self-trust, and grace.

“When you’re surrounded by so much greatness, everybody is doing great things, it can definitely feel like, ‘Am I doing enough?’” Oscar said.

Instead of trying to keep up with every opportunity at once, she said she has learned to slow down and focus on what matters most.

“Being patient with myself, I think, is what kind of gave me that relief in where I’m at and where I’m going,” she said. “Doing this one thing, taking my time with it, is more valuable to me than doing so many other things at the same time.”

After graduation, MaKayla returned to Chicago, where she plans to work in public policy before eventually pursuing a master’s degree abroad. Her long-term interests align closely with her concentration in peace, justice, and conflict, and she is already thinking carefully about where that next chapter could take her.

“At first I was thinking more along the lines of France,” she said. “But one of my professors recommended Ireland, especially for peace and conflict studies.”

As she reflects on her RIT journey, Oscar is also quick to credit the people who helped her along the way. She named academic advisor Tammy and Residence Life supervisor Andres Vasquez as two people who made a lasting difference in her experience.

“Tammy was kind of the person I went to,” Oscar said, recalling the uncertainty she felt when reconsidering her original academic plans. “She was so supportive in helping me open my mind and understand that it doesn’t have to be just the one way.”

She said Vasquez also helped her grow beyond her role as an RA and encouraged her to extend more grace to herself in everyday life.

Together, those relationships helped Oscar navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and grow into the person she is today.

Her story is one of academic curiosity, leadership, and self-discovery, but it is also a story about learning that success does not have to follow a rigid path. Sometimes, the most meaningful growth comes from being willing to change course.

For Oscar, that lesson may be the most lasting one of all.

“Learn from what your experiences are telling you,” she said. “It’s priceless.”