A goal or dream you are working towards:
Colin (journalism and sociology/anthropology BS double major ’24, communication MS ’25): Being a professional journalist and being able to write about topics I think that the public would find super interesting.
Hailey (journalism BS ’25): Working for a public broadcasting station when I graduate from RIT. I interned with Connecticut Public Broadcasting over the summer and had an absolutely amazing experience. I hope to continue to work for CT Public or use the skills I developed in the internship at another public media organization!
What or who inspires you?
Colin: My 9th and 10th grade history teacher William Vergo. He was an absolute legend.
Hailey: My mom is the most inspirational person I know. She always knows exactly what to do when faced with the most difficult situations and can somehow keep herself AND others around her composed when times are tough. She is who I aspire to be!
Three experiences or destinations on your bucket list:
Colin: Australia, Iceland, and Japan are all places I’d like to visit at some point in my life. Each of those nations is super unique, and I think getting to experience different cultures would be awesome!
Hailey: The island of Rapa Nui, AKA Easter Island (I’ve always been fascinated by the Island’s history and culture, and it’s one of the most underappreciated heritage sites in the world); the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Ever since I read The Diary of Anne Frank in middle school, I’ve been touched by her hauntingly tragic story and have wanted to visit the space where her family lived in hiding); and Antarctica (I really want to see a flock of emperor penguins in their natural habitat!).
Advice for younger you:
Colin: Not being the best at everything doesn’t make you a failure at anything. We all have our strengths, and you’ll find yours.
Hailey: I would tell her that she is beautiful and talented! So many of us, including myself, didn’t grow up with much confidence. I missed opportunities and closed myself off to amazing things in the past out of fear of not measuring up to expectations. I would tell her that she is capable of so much more than she thinks she is and remind her of all of the love and support she has behind her!
Shameless brag:
Colin: I’m a self published author, with a trilogy released!
Hailey: I am proficient in three languages (English, Spanish, and Portuguese).
