Amanda Dial is a sophomore at Fordham College Rose Hill, where she is studying applied mathematics with a minor in economics. She enjoys a variety of other subjects, including theology and entrepreneurship. She loves writing and is passionate about the environment, which inspired her to write her paper with a focus on sustainability. Outside of academics, her interests include music, auto racing, and travel. 

Hana El Messiry is a rising sophomore at the Gabelli School of Business, where she is pursuing a major in Information Systems. Growing up in Cairo, Egypt, she developed a profound appreciation for history and culture, which is what inspired this essay. Hana enjoys reading and playing the bass guitar in her free time.

Ashley Hassell is a rising sophomore at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business and currently studying Finance. She is from Wallingford, Pennsylvania but spends her summers in Avalon, New Jersey where she waitresses at a local restaurant. During quarantine, Ashley has spent most of her time reading, expanding her food blog, running, and using the Peloton exercise bike. During her next three years at Fordham, Ashley hopes to take more English classes to continue developing her love for writing.

Deborah Kong is a rising sophomore at the Gabelli School of Business, planning to major in Marketing and minor in Fashion Studies. As a member of the Smart Start Program, she interned at J.P. Morgan throughout her freshman year and will spend the next three years there. Her essay is a tribute to her father, who is her biggest inspiration, although no words are enough to express her gratitude for him.

James Ross-Kirov is a sophomore at the Gabelli School of Business, where he plans to major in Finance with a secondary concentration in Sports Business. Born in Britain and raised in Texas, he is an avid sports fan with a passion for soccer and basketball. With family scattered across the globe, James is an enthusiastic traveler and has a keen interest in matters of immigration. His father’s journey from communist Bulgaria inspired this paper.

Gianna Welty is a rising sophomore at Fordham College Rose Hill. She is passionate about politics, history, and art, which inspired her essay. She is originally from Santa Barbara, California and loves the change in weather that comes with living in New York City.