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A little late, but always on time. 

Can’t wait for you to see our actual documentary about how @hyacinthmp and I created a Capitol Hill internship program with @bravenrun to open opportunities for those who have been traditionally shut out and underrepresented in Congress.
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This past weekend, I had the honor of serving as a student speaker at Rutgers University–Newark’s Rites of Passage Ceremony alongside my fellow Honors Living-Learning Community colleague, Safanya N. Searcy, student hosts Karen Perez and Moujan Moghimi, and guest speaker Professor Hyacinth Miller. 

This moment was especially meaningful because it was a full-circle experience. As a freshman, I sat in the audience and watched one of my mentors, Joshnelly Orbe, deliver her Rites of Passage speech. I remember telling myself that one day I wanted to stand on that stage and share my own story.

Four years later, that dream became a reality.

The message of my speech was simple: “Let Them Say No.”

Too often, we hold ourselves back by convincing ourselves we're not ready, qualified, or capable. Throughout my time at Rutgers–Newark, many of the opportunities that shaped my journey from studying abroad and building my business to interning on Capitol Hill and serving in leadership roles only happened because I chose to apply anyway, reach out anyway, and show up anyway.

As I shared with the Class of 2026: “Let the world say no to you a thousand times before you ever say no to yourself.”

I am incredibly grateful to the Intercultural Resource Center, Dr. Gary Santos Mendoza, Ph.D., Dejane Lawrence, Amanda Brochhausen, and everyone involved in organizing this year's Rites of Passage Ceremony. Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to share this message and celebrate such an outstanding graduating class. Thank you @logisticsoflight for the photos. Congratulations to the Rutgers–Newark Class of 2026.
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