Rafael M. Lopes Andrade

Class Year: 2027

Major: Computer Science

Hometown: Sao Vicente, Cabo Verde and New Bedford, MA

Campus Involvements: CHC Ambassador, Secretary for Cape Verdean Student Alliance, CHC Emerging Scholars, Intermural Soccer, ERSP Scholar

How did you find a sense of community and belonging at CHC and UMass? What experiences or resources helped you feel connected and supported?  

During my time here, I have found incredible sense of belonging and community through being part of campus organizations, going to their events and meeting new people. Through going to these events I have made a lot of friends, hopefully ones I have for life. I also found community at the Commonwealth Honors College through the Emerging Scholars Community. 

What advice would you give to incoming students? 

I would tell my first year self to be unapologetic about their goals, especially their career goals. Do not be afraid to pursue new experiences, do not be afraid of failure, we learn from them. If you think that something like research would interest you, maybe trying joining a lab for a semester. If you don't really know what you want to study, that is fine, there is a plethora of different paths you can explore at UMass. Your time and experience at UMass will be mostly what you make of it, so don't be afraid to ask and to explore, you never know what might happen.