Class of 2025: Graduating Seniors Say, "Say Yes!"
These graduating seniors are driven, curious, and ready to make their mark. As they reflect on their time at the Commonwealth’s flagship campus, they share honest insights and advice for those just beginning the journey. Their words capture the spirit of a UMass education: dynamic, challenging, and full of discovery.
One common theme? UMass is what you make of it, so try everything. Say yes!
Andrew Bell
Computer Science, Mathematics
UMass Amherst Diving Team
"Get involved. Really make sure you spend time finding and doing stuff outside of academics because that’s going to allow you to find yourself."
Caitlin Reardon
Journalism, Political Science
Massachusetts Daily Collegian
"Say yes to everything that you can—every experience or opportunity, just jump at it. If there are any interests that you have, seek out those groups and extracurricular clubs and develop those interests. There are a ton of people here who really want to see you succeed. So just say yes to every opportunity you can. What will follow will be a great experience."
Christmaelle Vernet
Journalism, Legal Studies
RISE Fellow
"In the Journalism department, we’ve been able to foster a really welcoming community—one that truly recognizes different types of thought, one that pushes us to have our own opinions but also work together to strive for solutions and just make the world a better place. Every student I’ve met is just extremely passionate about what they’ve chosen to study. Everyone’s very respectful of each other, and I think that’s something the school has worked really hard to cultivate, but also the students have as well."
Grace Canzano
Hospitality and Tourism Management
University Programming Council
"My network (and networking skills) are huge now! I had a ton of resources that really helped me figure out what I wanted to do. There’s so much to offer here. I’m from Florida, so I came to UMass not knowing anyone, but I was able to build so many connections by trying everything and saying yes to things."
Hannah Gould
Plant and Soil Science, English
Sustainability Fellow
"UMass has really fostered community for me, not only while I’m here, but also looking to the future by forming lasting connections. I had the pleasure of getting involved with UMass Women into Leadership through the School of Public Policy. That is totally my community of women—and strong women at that—because my dream is to one day work in the Massachusetts State House, writing and researching environmental policy. So I’ve got to talk with a variety of women on campus, and alumni as well, who are passionate about making change."
Jibrael Harrell
Sports Management, Film Studies
Student Alumni Association
"A big reason I chose UMass is because the alumni network is so vast. A lot of people are proud to be alumni, and those connections can develop into opportunities, jobs, and internships. But don’t take everyone’s advice to heart. Everyone has their own path, and everyone’s giving advice based on their subjective points of view and experiences. So go your own path. Trust your gut."
Johnny Depin
Sports Journalism
Massachusetts Daily Collegian
“I joined the Massachusetts Daily Collegian my freshman year, and I would say it’s probably been the best experience I’ve had in my life. If the paper didn’t exist, I would have just been going to classes, floating through things, just getting my degree at the end. But because of that experience, it’s made my time at UMass so much more meaningful.”
Joyce Bishay
Public Health
Undergraduate Course Assistant
"As a freshman, I joined a RAP—a residential academic program—which means that everyone on my floor was in class together. It led to me making a lot of friends and making a lot of connections, because you get a different kind of bond when you have something specific to talk about. The class can bridge pathways into making friendships and talking about deeper things."
Nathan Legare
Journalism, Geography
Peer Advisor
"Branch out and explore, because the thing that you do on day one doesn’t have to be your end-all be-all. I came to school as a computer science major, and I branched out and ended up choosing two totally different majors. So just see what interests you. UMass is such a big school that anyone can find something that suits them. You’re gonna find your niche, no matter what."
Shanti Furtado
Journalism, BDIC (Digital Media Marketing)
Massachusetts Daily Collegian
“I’m part of a small business that started at UMass Amherst called Local Mojo. We’re a group of like-minded people who love music, and we’ve been helping to foster different concerts and experiences for people who love the arts here on campus and around the community. It’s been wonderful that I’ve been able to tap into any and all interests and find other people who are passionate about the same things.”
Trinity Mtileni
Public Health
Black Student Union
"Do it alone. Do it. Four years is gonna go by like three months. So if it means going to an event alone, do it. If it means going to a concert alone, do it. If it means going to speak to a higher up, do it and put your name out there. I came here as a freshman in 2021, and because we had COVID going on, I didn’t have any certainty. So I took it upon myself to join some organizations. That helped me find my community. I was surrounded by people who looked like me, who believed in me, who had the same morals."