Biosketch
Name?
Sarai Benitez
College?
Francis College of Engineering
Major?
Electrical Engineering
Hometown?
Fall River, MA
Favorite hobbies?
Reading, longboarding, and listening to music/podcast.
What is your favorite thing about UML?
I love the diversity at UML because you're always going to be meeting new people from different backgrounds.
What are your future goals?
Graduate with a bachelor's in electrical engineering and obtain a job that allows me to work with robotics.
What has being involved with the RHSA meant to you?
RHSA has been a valuable resource for me as a first-generation student. Through my involvement, I have connected with others who share similar experiences and have found a supportive community. The resources provided by RHSA have been instrumental in helping me navigate college life.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself in your first year of college?
Breath. You are more capable than you think. Do not get in your head and do not compare yourself to those around you because your journey is unique to you.
What advice would you give fellow students?
Embrace this new chapter of your life although it is confusing at times, it's also like a fresh start. Do things that scare you because, in the long run, it'll help you grow.
Why did you choose to attend UMass Lowell?
I appreciate the diversity on campus at UMass Lowell. Growing up, I never had the opportunity to be around people who looked like me, so being here has allowed me to fully embrace all aspects of myself without feeling like I need to hide anything. I also love how UMass Lowell has a very broad engineering department.
What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
Being an independent person and also a very hard worker. Making my parents proud by going to college and taking advantage of the opportunities they were unfortunately never given.
What inspires you to want to help first-generation students in the RHSA?
I want to help first-generation students in RHSA because I understand how hard and confusing college can be especially if your parents have never attended college, you basically have to learn on your own. I want to provide guidance and help in any way I can to make their college journey less stressful.