Finding Your Community at DePaul
Sophomore year has been crazy, exciting, and filled with new experiences and unforgettable moments! I am double majoring in Political Science and Journalism and minoring in Applied Diplomacy. One of the things that made this year so special was my involvement in so many activities and organizations on campus. Through these experiences, I was able to meet new people, explore new passions, learn about myself and about the world around me.
This year, I am very proud to have served as Senator for Intercultural Awareness in DePaul’s Student Government Association (SGA). It was an amazing experience, and I had the chance to spearhead various initiatives that aimed to promote a more fun, inclusive, and welcoming community on campus. I worked alongside an incredible group of people who were dedicated to making a positive change. From hosting fun events to raising awareness about important issues, we were able to make a tangible difference on campus. It’s been so rewarding to work with other members of SGA and make a real impact.
During my time in SGA, we had the honor of attending DePaul President Rob Manuel’s Inauguration. It was a really memorable experience, and I was so excited to be part of such an important event in DePaul’s history. It was inspiring to see President Rob’s vision for the university and his commitment to fostering an environment where students can grow and achieve their goals. I felt proud to be a DePaul student and super excited to see what’s to come!
Furthermore, I also serve as an Event Coordinator for the International Film Club! We organize various screenings of films from all over the world and we cater food pertaining to that culture/country. IFC is one of the best clubs at DePaul and I definitely encourage you all to visit one of our screenings. Sign up to our DeHub here to get updates on our events!
Lastly, my passion for journalism has been a huge part of my sophomore year. As a staff writer for DePaul’s 14 East Magazine, I have had the opportunity to hone my skills and work alongside a talented team of editors and writers. Being part of the 14 East team has been a magical experience, where we are all dedicated to producing high-quality content. It’s been an honor to contribute to a publication that values storytelling, amplifying diverse voices, and producing accurate news. Check us out here!
I am also the Editor in Chief at the UMMA Ink, DePaul UMMA’s bi-weekly newsletter. Our team is small, Muslim-run, and is dedicated to amplifying Muslim voices and perspectives on campus. We cover a wide range of topics such as news, school events, art, religion, and culture, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see our work resonate with the community. I believe that journalism has the power to bring people together and create positive change, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to that through the UMMA Ink. We have historically been a print publication, but we recently launched a website and I am so excited to share it with you all here!
College is truly what you make it. Looking back, this year has been so wild and enriching. From the amazing people I’ve met to the supportive communities I’ve found– I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience so far! By taking risks, putting myself out there and joining a bunch of school activities and organizations, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about who I am, what drives me, and how I want to make a difference in the world. I am going to be a Chicago Quarter Mentor next year and I can’t wait to see what new adventures and opportunities lie ahead. So, cheers to an unforgettable sophomore year, and here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities!
~ Isabella