I’m originally from Maryland and the area I’m from is predominantly [a] black, Hispanic area. So, [when it was time to go] away to school, everyone assumed I was going to go to a local school, but I was like, ‘That’s not going to reflect the world I’m going to walk into once I graduate,’ as it is majority white. Applying to schools was tough because I had to balance the whole – which school was best for me. Hofstra actually gave me the most scholarship money. It was the best option then and it was out of my entire world, out of my comfort zone. At first it was a shock; I had to remake friends and remake a sense of community. I was able to make great friends, join a great sorority and I found a sisterhood. I was able to keep parts of myself, cultural parts of myself, but I was also able to branch out and do things I’ve never done. I went to a halal dinner and I was like, ‘That’s dope!’ I’m able to do things I never would have had access to if I stayed back home, you know. Where I grew up everyone I saw looked like me, so coming here allowed me to find a sense of identity in myself and not rely on people already knowing me. I had to make my own name for myself. My sorority is Sigma Gamma Rho; I’m the vice president. I help out with new members, planning events, contacts and anything the sorority needs help with. I try to do my best to take care of it.”