Jack Szymanski is a rising sophomore studying Biology at Fordham College Rose Hill. Before coming to Fordham, he spent eight years in China where he developed a taste for ramen, a staple of college students the world over. He enjoys video games, the inspiration for this essay; ultimate Frisbee; and The Lord of the Rings.

Hadley Smith is from Suffield, Connecticut. She enjoys English and creative writing.

Niko Savas is a rising sophomore at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, majoring in Finance in the Global Business Honors Program. He is a member of the crew team and Hellenic Society, and is passionate about foreign languages. He is passionate about social justice, especially topics involving LGBT and women’s rights.  

Edward Morris was born in San Diego, California. He is a Mathematics/Computer Science major at Fordham University Rose Hill. He hopes to continue to write throughout his life.

Katherine Janiszewski is a Biology major at Fordham University who combines her passion for social justice with her fascination with viruses to write an essay about prison healthcare and disease transmission. She is involved in Fordham’s Public Health Club and hopes to continue to learn about the effects of disease on communities.

Debra Insardi is a freshman at Fordham College Rose Hill. She is from Long Island and is majoring in Communications & Media Studies with the hopes to pursue a career in Public Relations. It is her passion for all things music and New York City that has inspired this piece.

Bailey Hosfelt is a rising sophomore from Wheeling, West Virginia (no, not Virginia) who can navigate New York City public transportation like a native. She is pursing a major in Journalism and serves as culture editor for The Fordham Ram. After graduation, she hopes to continue her passion for writing, whether creative or technical, as a full-time career.

Andrew Hof is a Sophomore in the Gabelli School of Business who is originally from St. Louis.  He enjoys being part of the Fordham community through his involvement with the Residence Halls Association, the Rose Hill Society, and New Student Orientation.  He hopes to major in accounting or finance.

Victoria Giguere is a rising sophomore at Fordham University.

Michelle Berardino is a rising sophomore at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus. She studies political science and has a keen interest in learning about Middle Eastern history. In the future, Michelle hopes to succeed with her current start-up business, the Wallep, and open her own criminal law practice in the city. Born and raised in Manhattan, New York, she enjoys all things involving fashion.