After graduation, I hope to get a job as an emergency department nurse and eventually become a flight nurse to help people all over the country.

There's a sense of community here that's different from any other university that I've ever visited. The great part about the community is that you can feel connected and anonymous at the same time. You can feel close to so many people while experiencing a big university atmosphere.

In February of 2010, I co-directed the Vagina Monologues here on campus with 16 wonderful women. We raised almost $3,000 for the New Bedford Women's Center and the White Ribbon Campaign. The event incorporated many organizations on campus and made me feel really connected to UMass Dartmouth. It's made me more globally aware and helped me believe that I can make a difference in someone's life.

I'd like to thank my parents, fiance, and family for all their support, as well as support from my UMD family, especially the Peer Health Educators, Orientation Leaders, and especially my at-school "mom," Beth-Anne Vieira.