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Dora Crespo ’26 graduated with a bachelor's degree in International Affairs.

It feels surreal. When I arrived at the University, 2026 felt so far, but now I’m living in it. I’m excited and nervous about what’s about to come after graduation. I’m excited because I get to fulfill a goal (graduating from college) I’ve had for what has felt like a lifetime and am able to celebrate my accomplishments with friends and family.

As a first-generation student and the first to go to college in my family, I feel that having my family’s last name on my degree means everything to me. I’m beyond proud to represent the Latin community and to show that our stories, sacrifices, and dreams belong in every room we step into. But I’m also nervous about what the job field will look like; the pressure of being a first-generation student has been following me for the past few months. I’m nervous about letting down my family if I don’t find a job immediately. I feel like there’s such a standard for college students to find a job and be successful right after graduation, but what success also means is allowing yourself time to breathe, to grow, to explore the world, and to discover the path that truly fulfills you. Maybe graduation isn’t just about having all the answers. Maybe it’s about having the courage to keep going, even when the future feels uncertain.

I’m planning on taking a gap year before attending UAlbany Law School to become a lawyer for human rights and immigration. During my gap year, I hope to gain new experiences, grow personally and professionally, and prepare myself for the next chapter of my journey.

I’m grateful for a lot of things at UNewHaven, but a few things I’m grateful for were the opportunity to study abroad, my advisor, and the friends I’ve made along my journey. Studying abroad opened my eyes to new cultures and perspectives. It helped me become more confident when stepping into new environments, and it reminded me to appreciate the little things in life. My advisor Dr. Matthew Schmidt constantly supported and believed in me, while pushing me to think outside of the box. My friends became like family throughout this journey. Most of all, I’m thankful for all the opportunities that pushed me to grow, step outside my comfort zone, and discover my potential.

One of the most defining moments that helped shape who I am today was studying abroad during my very first semester of college. Leaving home and entering a completely new environment where I did not know the language or anyone around me forced me to become independent very quickly. At first, everything felt unfamiliar and intimidating, but over time, I learned how to adapt, communicate beyond words, and embrace uncertainty instead of fearing it. That experience completely changed the way I approached life as a student and as a person. It taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of being open to perspectives different from my own. I realized that growth often happens when you are uncomfortable, and that lesson has stayed with me ever since.

Another defining moment was joining during my first year of college. At the time, I was still trying to find my place and figure out who I wanted to become. Model UN gave me a platform to challenge myself intellectually and personally. Through debates, speeches, and collaboration, I learned how to speak with confidence and advocate for ideas I believed in. More importantly, it helped me find my voice. I became more comfortable stepping into leadership roles, thinking critically about global issues, and communicating with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Lastly, my experience in further shaped my understanding of leadership and responsibility. Becoming involved in something larger than myself opened my eyes to the impact that one person can have within a community. Serving as vice president of Community, Advocacy, and Diversity for the Undergraduate Student Government Association taught me that real change requires action, accountability, and empathy. I learned how to advocate for others, navigate difficult conversations, and hold both myself and those around me accountable to higher standards. It also showed me the importance of creating spaces where people feel represented, heard, and valued. Through this role, I discovered that leadership is not just about holding a title but about serving others and being willing to take responsibility for making a difference.

One of the first ways I got involved at the University of New Haven that created an outlet for me was becoming an Orientation and Transition Leader. Coming into college, I understood how overwhelming it could feel to enter a completely new environment, especially after my own experience studying abroad and adapting to unfamiliar spaces. It felt even harder when I didn’t have anyone to lean on or support me; no one in my family ever went to college, so this was completely new to me. Because of that, I wanted to help new students feel welcomed, supported, and connected from the very beginning of their college journey. I wanted to give them the guidance I never received in my first semester. This opportunity connected me to the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation, where I gained a deeper understanding of student involvement and campus community building. Working closely with student leaders showed me how engagement can transform a student’s college experience. I became increasingly curious about the different communities on campus and began attending events and connecting with student organizations to better understand the cultures, identities, and perspectives that make up the University community.

By engaging in these groups, I was exposed to so many different experiences and traditions that expanded my worldview and inspired me to become more involved myself. That curiosity and passion for involvement eventually connected me to the , where I became the USGA representative. Through my dance team, I found another outlet for expression, culture, and leadership while building relationships with students across campus. That experience ultimately became a gateway into student government, where my passion for advocacy and community continued to grow. Through student government, I was able to connect with and collaborate alongside many incredible organizations, including the Latin American Student Association (LASA), Muslim Student Association (MSA), NAACP, Caribbean Student Association (CSA), and People Rejoicing in People Everywhere (PRIDE), among many others. These connections allowed me to learn from diverse communities and contribute to creating a more inclusive and engaged campus environment. Looking back, becoming an OTL was much more than a leadership position; it was the starting point of my journey toward finding community, discovering my passion for advocacy, and realizing the impact that involvement and connection can have on both individuals and the larger campus community.

One of my favorite memories during my college career was making food with my roommates. While my college experience was filled with classes, extracurricular activities, and achievements, some of the most meaningful moments came from the simple nights we spent together in the kitchen. After long days filled with assignments, meetings, and responsibilities, cooking became a way for us to relax, connect, and create a sense of home away from home. What made those moments so special was not just the food itself, but the conversations, laughter, and memories that came with it. Whether we were trying new recipes, making meals from our cultural backgrounds, or improvising with whatever ingredients we had left in the fridge, every meal felt like a shared experience that brought us closer together. Those nights reminded me of the importance of community and the value of the relationships I built during college. In the middle of stressful semesters and busy schedules, cooking with my roommates created moments where we could slow down, support one another, and simply enjoy being present together. It taught me that some of the best college memories are not always the biggest events or accomplishments, but the small everyday moments that make people feel connected and cared for.

The class that had the biggest impact on me was “D.C. Power in Politics.” Through this course, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with my class and visited many important places connected to American politics and foreign policy. The visit that impacted me the most was to Voice of America. I learned how it serves as an outlet for people around the world to receive news in different languages, especially in places where access to reliable information may be limited. What stood out to me most was the wall honoring those who died while trying to make sure others’ stories were heard. Seeing that reminder made me realize how powerful and dangerous the work of sharing truth can be, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the role of media in global politics.

My future goals are to first become a lawyer for human rights and immigration, to help people who may not always have the resources, protection, or voice they need when facing difficult legal situations. Immigration law especially interests me because it connects directly to issues of justice, opportunity, and human dignity. Over time, I hope to use the experience I gain as a lawyer to better understand how laws affect real people and communities.

Eventually, I want to work my way into the legislative branch, where I can help create and improve laws. By combining legal experience with public service, I hope to advocate for policies that protect people’s rights, make the immigration system more fair, and create meaningful change for communities that are often overlooked.

One piece of advice I would give to incoming first-year students is that it is okay to not know exactly what you want to do with your life yet. Students are often expected to make big decisions about their future at a young age, but college is a time to explore, learn, and grow. Your interests may change as you take different classes, meet new people, and gain new experiences. Instead of feeling pressured to have everything figured out right away, use your college career as an opportunity to discover what you are passionate about and what kind of future you want to build.