Hello everyone. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city full of energy, culture, and community, and it shaped who I am today. I’ve always been competitive, and sports has played a big role in my life. But for me, soccer was always top of the list. I played a lot of soccer in the streets with my friends growing up, and little did I know that one day I would be playing for the University of the District of Columbia and working toward getting my business degree.
Coming to the US wasn’t easy. I was learning English, learning my way around, and get used to college life. It was a challenge. But my teammates, my coaches here at UDC were extremely welcoming. And everywhere I look on campus, there are another international student. I’ve made a lot of friends through all the fun events that UDC puts on, where we can share our culture and learn more about the world.
There’s also an office of international student service. There they provide help with just about anything an international student might need, like visas, orientations, and adjusting to life in a new country. And even better, help is available after I graduate. After graduation, I hope to play professional soccer and continue the relationships I’ve made at UDC.
I also want to inspire kids like me who came from difficult backgrounds, showing them that with hard work and right mindset, anything’s possible. Thank you everyone who helped me along the way. I couldn’t have done it by myself, and I’m excited for what comes next.
Creativity has always been my outlet. I fell in love with storytelling when I was very young, and have been involved in the arts since I was nine. As I got older, writing became more meaningful to me. When challenges arose, it gave me a way to process and to reflect. It allowed me to step into different characters and to bring words to life.
And now that love of writing has brought me to the University of the District of Columbia as a proud English major. I first visited Washington, DC when I was 13, and fell in love with the city. Years later, coming to UDC felt like a reset, a chance to step away from my small Florida hometown and start a journey that was truly my own.
Being here in a city full of history and culture continues to inspire me every day, whether it’s speaking at campus events, exploring the mall, or writing on the steps of the Reflecting Pool. I know DC is where I need to be. One of the things that I appreciate about UDC is the Student Success Center.
There, you can get academic advising, tutoring, and much more. As an Honors Society student, I have taken advantage of these services many times. And professors generally care about each student’s wellbeing. From day one, I felt encouraged to grow, ask questions, and to reach out if I was struggling. Once I graduate, I aspire to pursue a career in screenwriting.
I want to take stories I’ve always carried with me and bring them to life on screen, stories that uplift others and reflect resilience. UDC has helped me find my voice and the confidence to use it.
You know, growing up I had such a passion for sports, whether that be playing it, writing about it, or just talking about it. As a DC native, it was natural for me to join the digital media program here at the University of the District of Columbia, where I had a chance of making my dreams of becoming a sports broadcaster and a sports journalist into a reality.
I came to UDC as an introvert, but this program pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned how to connect with people, build relationships, and develop the confidence necessary to succeed in this field. Through hands-on courses in editing, filming, podcasting, and journalism, I gained the technical skills to match.
But what really made the difference were the opportunities. Thanks to the connections I’ve made at our campus station, UDC TV, along with the digital media program, I’ve been able to cover Washington Wizards games and work the DC Auto Show, working in media rooms, interviewing professionals, and getting a real feel for the industry.
Those experiences led me directly to where I am now, working as a freelance videographer and broadcaster for UDC Athletics, creating content and telling the stories of student athletes right here on campus. Along the way, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn from professionals in the industry like CBS Sports’ James Brown, former MSNBC president Rashida Jones, and local WSA 9 anchor Wisdom Martin, who visited UDC and shared what it really takes to succeed in media.
At UDC, the learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. It starts there. The skills you build, the people you meet, and the experiences you gain prepare you for what comes next. Because when you’re a Firebird, you know that you can fly as high as your dreams can take you.
Hello, everyone! Growing up right here in DC, my parents taught me and my brother the importance of personal drive, financial independence, and business sense. My grandmother actually attended UDC, so choosing this school felt deeply personal to me. When I found the Business program here at UDC’s Community College in Lamont-Riggs, I knew it would be the perfect fit.
Back when I was 10, I already had a million business ideas. I even had a small venture called Hannah’s Desserts selling baked goods at my church every Sunday, my first real step into entrepreneurship. After high school, I was a little hesitant to leave the DC area because of how familiar it is, but choosing to pursue a degree so close to my hometown has been a smart investment.
And as someone who uses public transit, being able to commute easily while keeping costs down allows me to focus on school and building my future. The Business program here is definitely challenging, but in the best way. It pushes you to think critically and become the best version of yourself. But what really stands out is the support system.
It’s a place that truly invests in its students through professors, counselors, and tutors who genuinely want to see you succeed at UDC and beyond. The connections and friendships I built in the close-knit community here are unforgettable. I’m co-president of a Bible study club and love getting to interact and learn from all the students that we encounter.
For students who want a practical, focused path to get started, UDC’s Community College is a powerful first step. That’s what makes it different. It’s more than a college. It’s a community that invests in you and pushes you forward. After completing my degree, I plan to continue growing my business ventures, and thanks to UDC, I now have the tools, confidence, and support system to do that and more.
That’s my story.
We can already tell there’s something special here about UDC, but in your opinion, what makes UDC so unique? Yeah, I think a, a couple things, right? When you think about our history, it’s very unique, and then in terms of how we’re structured to offer, uh, educational programming. Many people don’t know that, UDC is the nation’s second oldest HBCU, founded in 1851, and we’re the nation’s only exclusively public urban land-grant institution.
We’re the only public university, uh, in the District. So when you put all those things together, right, we find ourselves in a, in a category with, with very few institutions, in addition to the fact that we offer a wide range of programs and, uh, degree and credential offerings, and so students can start at every level.
I mean, there’s a opportunity for everyone here at UDC- That’s right … is what I’m hearing. That’s right. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. We pride ourselves on, you know, being an access opportunity institution, right? And I, and I always use an analogy of a freeway, right? Um, you can get on the UDC freeway at any on-ramp that’s available, right?
And then you can stay on as long as you want, and you can get off and come back and get another credential, uh, so v- very unique identity. Yeah. One thing we can’t ignore is the location of UDC, right here in the heart of the nation’s capital. Let’s talk a bit about how that shapes UDC- Sure … and what’s so special about this incredible location.
Oh, yeah, yeah. DC, uh, is just such an incredible, unique place, and so UDC is, is at the center of that, right? And so, uh, the institution and our students are very closely tied to, um, organizations, businesses, sports that you don’t get in a lot of more rural areas, right? Right. And, and, and DC is an attraction, too, for students and parents, right?
So for, for people who don’t live here, they wanna come here to study and live. And so it, it itself is a magnet and, and part of our identity and part of what makes going to school here very special. Yeah. DC is an incredible city. It is. And while you’re new to UDC, you’re no stranger to higher education.
Right. You’ve been in higher education for a while. So what does the future look like here at UDC? We have a new School of Education, as an example, that we just launched a few months ago. We have a new, um, one-stop shop Student Success Center, all right, modern state-of-the-art facility, right, for students to get served, wraparound services, academic support services.
We have, um, thriving engineering research programs. And we pride ourselves on being what we call the District’s workforce and economic mobility engine. And so what that means is, right, we, we deliver opportunities for residents to get education and a pathway to employment, and we also produce talent for our employers in the region, right?
So we launched, recently a DC tech hub in partnership with Accenture, right? Apprenticeship program, but it’s a perfect example of the type of initiatives that are coming out of our new strategic plan. Yeah. So many opportunities all around. Yes. Yes, yes. I can’t wait to see what’s next for UDC. Thank you so much for having us here on campus this week.
No, thank you. Glad that y’all were here.
When looking for a college, I wasn’t just looking for a degree. I was looking for a place where I could grow, find my voice, and truly belong. For me, that place is the University of the District of Columbia. I’m an international student from Jamaica, majoring in accounting and finance, and I first heard about UDC through people from my hometown who were already here.
Hearing their stories made it feel real. This wasn’t just another school, it was part of a community I could be a part of. Then my twin sister was recruited by the track and field team, and that really solidified my decision. When I first arrived, what really stood out to me was the people. The staff didn’t just guide me academically, they poured into me.
As someone who was naturally introverted, I didn’t always feel comfortable speaking up, but at UDC, I was encouraged, supported, and challenged to step outside the box. In this close-knit community, I felt safe enough to be bold. That led me to student government, first serving as secretary and now as USG president.
I also serve as vice president of the Caribbean Student Association and was selected as a HBCU White House Scholar. UDC didn’t just give me opportunities, it helped me believe I was worthy of them. What makes UDC different is how connected everything feels. Your professors know you, your peers support you, and your growth actually matters.
It’s a place where you can step into leadership and build relationships that shape your future. After graduation, I plan to sit for the CPA and become a tax consultant at a Big Four accounting firm. UDC didn’t just give me education, it gave me confidence, purpose, and a direction.
I’ve wanted to be an attorney since I was seven years old. Going to a different HBCU for undergrad drew me toward public interest law and HBCU law schools, where civil rights, advocacy, and serving communities align with my values and the attorney that I’m working to become.
One of the things I value most about UDC Law is its clinical approach to training future attorneys. From day one, I’ve been able to apply what I’m learning in the classroom to real cases that affect communities across the DC area. While working as a Capitol Hill staffer, I met and was inspired by Daniel Katz, a civil rights advocate and UDC Law grad, who taught me that the law can be used as a tool for justice, and that is exactly what I would like for my work as an attorney to reflect.
As a first-generation law student and a black man from Chicago raised in Alabama, I know how rare it can be to see people like me in the legal field. UDC Law is working to change that by expanding access and opportunity in a way that is both affordable and deeply rooted in purpose. UDC Law provides me with the tools needed to advocate for people who are overlooked.
UDC Law’s commitment to clinical work allows us to make a real, immediate impact. Being here in DC, we’re surrounded by the systems and institutions that shape the law and policy. Practice law, promote justice, change lives. That’s what UDC Law has instilled in me, and that is exactly what I plan to do. I hope to become the first Mr.
UDC Law, complete my third year, sit for the bar exam, and officially begin my journey as an attorney.
Growing up, I was pretty shy, except when I was making music and using my voice. I loved volunteering to read aloud in class, performing in recitals, singing in school plays, and pretending to be a news anchor. As a student at the University of the District of Columbia, I was able to find my place at the intersection of music and digital media, and to turn my childhood passions into an exciting career path right here at the district’s only public university, and a proud HBCU.
I started my journey as a music performance major, where I developed my voice and confidence with the support of faculty who truly invested in me. But after a vocal cord injury temporarily impacted my ability to sing, I had to rethink everything. I switched my major to digital media, focusing on broadcast and multimedia journalism, and that pivot changed my perspective.
I gained hands-on experience as a host, interviewer, and camera operator, and since graduating, I interned at legendary local DC radio station WHUR 96.3 FM, home of the Quiet Storm, and worked as a board operator. Once my voice recovered, I didn’t have to choose just one path. I stayed connected to the music program while continuing in digital media.
It really was the best of both worlds. That combination led to opportunities like the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, where classmates and I collaborated to write and direct an original song and music video. I also still perform with the UDC Chorale, and I’m currently helping to produce a documentary tied to our first studio album.
At UDC, professors and advisors become mentors who continue to support you long after graduating, and that encouragement helped to give me the confidence that I need to step into my career and to create my own lane as a vocalist, musician, and multimedia producer.
Hi, everyone. I am a senior biomedical engineer major here at the University of the District of Columbia, as well as a proud member and co-captain of the women’s cross country and track and field team. As an international student from Jamaica, UDC has given me the opportunities to pursue both my academic goals and my passion for athletics in one supportive community.
I first learned about UDC through my coaches at my high school, which has had a long-standing relationship with the university. Through that connection, I was recruited to compete in track and field and cross country, and it quickly became clear that this was the place where I could run fast on the track and go far in the classroom.
As Firebird athletes, we not only get to compete at the NCAA Division II level, but we have access to some of the best facilities around. And what really stands out to me is how supportive the university is for student athletes. UDC understands we’re balancing demanding schedules between training, competing, and academics.
The coaches and faculty truly work together, and it’s paying off with a bunch of East Coast Conference championship titles across different sports over the past few years. Being a student athlete at UDC has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to manage multiple responsibilities, skills that will help guide me throughout my career.
Currently, for my senior capstone project, I spend a lot of time in the STAR Labs doing all kinds of biomechanical research. Being here has helped me grow as an athlete, a student, and a future professional. After I graduate, I plan to remain here at UDC to complete the prerequisite courses I need for medical school, with the goal of becoming an orthopedics sports doctor.
My journey started here as a student athlete from Jamaica, and UDC has given me the foundation to follow that path.
Greetings and most humble salutations. Coming from Atlanta, Georgia, my high school was known for its HBCU-like culture where academics, football, and band shaped the atmosphere. Florida A&M University is a continuation of those characteristics which make for a well-rounded education. The world renowned Marching 100 is one of the largest student organizations at FAMU.
With a rich legacy dating back to 1946, the Marching 100 is the world’s premier marching band. This season alone, we performed at the US Open in New York and won the title of ESPN’s Best Overall Drum Majors. It’s been a season of big wins. Additionally, as a newly inducted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, all my family realities met at once when I was featured in the 98th annual Academy Awards.
I performed some of my signature drum major moves during the Oscars performance for the film Sinners. Let’s just say it’s been a good ride.
Being an active theater student and a student leader of the Marching 100 is a heavy commitment. Maintaining the standard of the 100 requires daily practice, sometimes twice daily. As the university’s first female head drum major, I take pride in orchestrating, directing, and assisting our illustrious band staff through rehearsal.
On many occasions, I’ve had to run from band practice on the patch to theater rehearsal in Tucker Hall. Before walking in those theater doors, I’ve had to shift my energy to be a benefit with my presence and not a casualty of my tiredness. But through the many hard years, I’ve learned how to persevere and make a home on the hill.
From this college of love and charity, I’ve not only earned a degree, but also gained experiences of a lifetime that’ll shape my upcoming career in the world of entertainment. That’s my FAMU story. See ya.