USF Senior Finds Her Place on the Hilltop

I chose USF for its proximity to my hometown of Oakland. My first year was challenging as I adjusted to classes, navigated new friendships, and tried adapting to a new environment. Wanting to feel more connected, I began looking for spaces on campus where I could see myself reflected.

I had seen cultural clubs like the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association (EESA) and African Student Association (ASA) at other universities through friends who were older than me, and I admired the way those spaces brought people together. 

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Finding EESA and ASA at USF gave me that same sense of belonging. These clubs gave me the chance to participate in culture shows, connect with others who shared my background, and form lifelong friendships. Eventually, during my junior year, I joined the executive board as a social media coordinator, encouraging others to experience the same sense of connection I had found.

“I’ve seen how powerful cultural spaces are because EESA was one of the first places where I truly felt seen and supported. We want to make sure every student feels welcomed, celebrated, and part of a family. EESA isn’t just a club; it’s a home,” said Roman Szydlik ’25, president of EESA.

While those cultural spaces grounded me socially, I was also exploring my academic interests and thinking about what I wanted to pursue long-term. I eventually found myself drawn to communication studies with a minor in advertising, where I discovered a genuine passion for marketing. I’ve always had an interest in working in sports since I grew up playing basketball and being a Warriors fan, so I started looking for opportunities outside the classroom to gain hands-on experience to cater to both interests.

In the fall of 2023, I began my internship as a development communications intern in the Development Division at USF, where I had the opportunity to interview alumni, write feature stories, and create marketing materials for events. I also worked in the Athletics Department on the Game Day Experience team, where I helped coordinate events, manage ticketing and merchandise, and operate the video boards. This role allowed me to exercise my passion for athletics, bringing together my love for sports and marketing. 

These experiences, whether through student clubs, internships, or working in athletics, have helped me discover my strengths, passions, and the kind of environments I thrive in.

My time at USF taught me the value of community, storytelling, and teamwork, and showed me that I’m at my best when I’m creating experiences that connect people and celebrate identity.”

These roles not only prepared me professionally but also shaped me personally, giving me a deeper sense of purpose and direction.

Post-graduation, I’m looking forward to taking some time for myself, including traveling with my family. I plan to stay connected to USF through alumni events and opportunities to mentor future students.

For incoming students, my advice is to not be afraid to get involved. Joining a club, attending an event, or introducing yourself to someone new can lead to an unknown connection and meaningful new experiences.

Learn more about ways you can stay connected to USF by joining our recent grad alumni association, regional alumni chapters, or one of our affinity groups.