Where Did I Leave Off? Oh Right, Western New England.
My college experience was far from typical. I was over two hours away from home, and honestly, I was homesick. My mom is my best friend, and being apart from her was incredibly difficult. My first year came with exciting opportunities—but also deep heartache.
That year, I lost my grandmother. She was my rock, and losing her changed everything for me. After returning from my hometown in New Jersey, I had to dive back into the “normal routine” of college life. It was the hardest adjustment I’ve ever faced. From that point on, I found myself battling not just the demands of school, but also my own mental health.
Despite the challenges, I kept going. I did my best to stay on track with my courses and eventually landed an on-campus job in Sports Information—something I had always dreamed of doing. It gave me purpose and helped me push through the pain. More importantly, it allowed me to explore something new.
That job became a turning point in my college journey. I not only learned the ropes of the field, but I also developed skills that would set the foundation for my future career. I’ve always loved sports—I grew up around them—and this hands-on experience gave me the chance to really dig in and learn in the way that works best for me: by doing.
From working football and basketball games to covering soccer matches, I gained experiences that many can only dream of. It wasn’t just a paycheck—it was a stepping stone. A gateway into the world of Sports Journalism.
But even with all that growth, I knew my journey was just beginning. There was still so much work to be done.