# @rutgersu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CdOL5PyrR8T
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/180218-rutgersu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/fdf5aa249c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-05-06T15:29:12.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rutgers University (@RutgersU) — https://gondola.cc/RutgersU

## Caption

It’s time to celebrate the #RUClassOf2022 as they transition to their next chapter! Over the next few weeks, we will share stories from our soon-to-be graduates about how their time at Rutgers has shaped them into who they are today.

Meet Melissa Lopez, a graduating senior at @rutgersartsandsciences majoring in Criminal Justice while minoring in Psychology and Sociology.

"If someone had told me in 2011 that one day I would be #1 in my graduating class, I would have said: 'No, eso no puede ser cierto.' How could I, someone whose native language isn’t English be capable of such a high accomplishment?

It wasn’t an easy journey. Ever since I moved to the US, I struggled with a lack of confidence. Upon my arrival at Rutgers, I had become my own worst critic. I would spend hours overanalyzing every small detail of the work I was doing because I wanted to blend in with those who spoke the language fluently. I began to prioritize academics to the point of neglecting my mental health. Rutgers reminded me that there were other aspects of the college experience that I was missing out on. Once I started practicing self-care and attended the countless on-campus events and workshops held by the university, I was able to not only develop a healthy school-life balance but also cherish my time at Rutgers.

My time at Rutgers has influenced my personal growth in numerous ways. It helped me further my passion for assisting others in times of crisis. I always knew growing up that I wanted to help people but hearing the real-life experiences that my CJ professors have shared through the years has inspired me to follow in their footsteps and make an impact in people’s lives.

Lastly, Rutgers allowed me to explore several job opportunities and connect with many agencies and companies throughout the state. This was possible thanks to the mega career fairs that the university hosts every year. Stepping foot in one of these fairs for the first time as an introvert was overwhelming but I’m glad I did. These sort of events not only facilitated the networking process, but they also pushed me to become more outgoing and confident."

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 558
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 8

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rutgers University | @RutgersU | https://gondola.cc/RutgersU | University |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photographer |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Social Media Manager |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Copywriter |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photo Editor |

## Tags

ruclassof2022, 1

## Events

grad profiles | rutgers u 2022

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