Student Stories

A Full-Circle Journey

While serving in the Marine Corps, Andrew Sheehan, Class of 2026, witnessed American foreign policy in action as he protected U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad. That experience inspired him to study international relations and history when he returned to civilian life.

Andrew, a native Bostonian, chose Suffolk after connecting with Nick Charette, BSBA ’21, a recruitment advisor for the University’s Veterans Upward Bound program. The subsequent campus tour left Andrew highly impressed.

“I met some of the students who are part of the Suffolk Student Veteran Organization and learned about the support structure they’ve created on campus,” he recalls. “It was clear to me that Suffolk would meet my needs and offer a strong network for veterans such as myself.”

As a Ram, Andrew has enjoyed exceptional career-building opportunities, both experiential and academic. He participated in the Presidential Inauguration Seminar at the Washington Center and broadened his scope in courses like Literature of War with Professor Bryan Trabold.

After graduation, he plans to join the Foreign Service or Diplomatic Security Service—a full-circle journey his transformative Suffolk education has made more meaningful.

Making Bold Headlines

Areta Odiah, Class of 2025, a first-generation student from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, aims to turn her passion for storytelling into a promising career in broadcast journalism.

“I love talking to people, public speaking, writing,” she says. “I love bringing community stories and hard news to diverse audiences.”

When not on air, Areta is dedicated to strengthening bonds among her fellow Rams. She serves as the president of Suffolk’s Tri-Alpha Honors Society for first-generation students, a resident assistant mentoring approximately 200 students, and a Diversity Peer Educator for the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion.

Areta notched her greatest achievement as a Ram during her internship at Boston’s WCVB-Channel 5. She produced an episode for the CityLine program, “Women of Color at the Intersection,” examining how gender and race affect women in various ways.

“I worked all summer to bring this show together,” Areta recalls. “It has aired multiple times and is a project I am so proud of.”

Her hard work has paid off: she’s already secured a full-time news reporter position at a Massachusetts news station after graduation.

“Being first-generation means exemplifying a higher level of resilience and determination each day,” she reflects. “There’s this obligation to continue on because of those who support us.”

Fulfilling Her Hope

Jennifer Gilot’s love of science sparks her desire to make a difference.

Jennifer, Class of 2027, chose to study radiation science for a specific reason. “There’s no cure for cancer, and the idea of helping someone live longer inspires me,” she explains.

Another thing that inspires her: being a first-gen college student and Miller Scholar. “It opens doors for future generations,” she says. “It’s not only educational progress but also family progress.”

Originally from Haiti, Jennifer has discovered community and purpose at Suffolk. As a freshman, she joined the Unspoken Feelings Club, which allowed her to connect with like-minded Rams. And she currently volunteers with the Jumpstart program, tutoring preschoolers from low-income backgrounds.

Along the way, Jennifer’s found mentors who support her journey. One is Samienta Pierre-Vil, Upward Bound’s director of College Access & Postsecondary Success. “Samienta makes me feel heard,” Jennifer says. “I’m thankful for her guidance with all my heart.”

She has clear goals. After graduation, Jennifer plans to pursue a master’s in medical dosimetry and eventually become a laboratory technician. “Suffolk has opened a path for me to fulfill my hope,” she says. “The professors are encouraging, the centers are helpful, and the environment is welcoming.”

Creating Her Own Path

Dorchester, Massachusetts, native Kayci Resende Abbott, Class of 2025, lights up when she engages with life’s deepest questions. She brought that intellectual curiosity to Suffolk, where she’s a thriving McNair Scholar.

“I knew I wanted to be in the humanities,” she explains. “I love having theoretical conversations. That’s why majoring in philosophy was the perfect fit.” Kayci’s journey has been equally experiential and theoretical. A fellowship at Boston’s City Hall with the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement empowers her to advocate for her community—as does her role as president of Suffolk’s Black Student Union.

She had a standout experience during her sophomore year, thanks to the Women & Incarceration Project. Kayci relished the opportunity to learn about imprisonment’s systemic impacts on women in Massachusetts. Her minors in Women’s & Gender Studies and Black Studies further reflect her commitment to unpacking complex social issues.

Kayci hopes to work in education—either at schools or nonprofits—continuing to break new ground with the same academic rigor that led her to study philosophy at Suffolk.

“I’m creating my own path,” she says. “I know that things will be how they’re meant to be.”

A Passion for Building Futures

McNair Scholar Lee Bravo, Class of 2025, knows what it means to be a first-generation college student—and the responsibility that entails. “I feel as if I’m carrying many of my family members’ dreams on my shoulders, and I’m carrying them with pride,” Lee says.

Initially drawn to immigration law, Lee discovered a new path through their summer research project. “My research on generational trauma made me realize how passionate I am about working with children and adolescents and helping them with their mental health,” they share.

Lee has found their own support system at Suffolk. They credit Bryan Landgren, assistant director of the McNair Scholars program, as a key mentor. “Bryan has been one of my biggest advocates,” Lee notes. “He made me feel like I belonged.”

Charting their course, Lee plans to become a therapist for underserved youth and families coping with the effects of generational trauma. “I'm achieving my dreams because of my own ambition and willpower,” they assert. “I made my mark by working hard to get to where I am today.”

Bridging Borders, Breaking Barriers

Victor Cruz-Castro, Class of 2027, a law major from Amherst, Massachusetts, is redefining what’s possible for first-generation students.

“Being first-gen, I have the opportunity to do something my parents never had the chance to do,” says Victor, whose family immigrated from El Salvador. His passion for making a difference led him to pursue several campus leadership roles, from treasurer of the Latine Student Alliance to secretary of the Pasión Latina dance team.

As a McNair Scholar and Diversity Peer Educator, Victor loves to create inclusive spaces. His experience facilitating workshops on identity and social competency further reflects his deep commitment to community building.

One course in particular, Creativity and Innovation Across Borders, has expanded Victor’s perspective. “It pushes me to think about innovation in a global aspect,” he says, “and how different regions create technological solutions to improve people’s lives.”

Looking ahead, Victor plans to pursue a PhD and eventually attend law school, focusing on human rights and representing marginalized communities. His ultimate goal is to create opportunities for others that were once unavailable to his own family.

“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and have enjoyed every experience and every lesson,” Victor says. “Suffolk uplifts me.”