# @rutgersu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CbIbxLbL-Mb
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/180285-rutgersu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4a0311ee95.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-03-15T16:49:41.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rutgers University (@RutgersU) — https://gondola.cc/RutgersU

## Caption

For #WomensHistoryMonth, we have had conversations with many women of the Rutgers community about the legacy they are currently building. Meet Maniyah Figueroa, President of RU Curly. 

"To leave a legacy, you must believe that you can do so. You must believe that you matter enough to make a mark on the world. Growing up in Camden, New Jersey, it is easy to believe that you are not. Violence, lack of resources, and negative opinions from people outside of the city, makes it hard for a kid to even get through high school, let alone believe that they can be successful. I was fortunate enough to be raised by my mother and grandmother, who always made sure that I knew that I mattered. It is because of them that I have the drive to make my future a priority. I have already built a legacy by being a first-generation college student, but that is only the beginning of my life-long journey of breaking barriers and defying stereotypes. 
 
At Rutgers, I am studying Speech-Language Pathology, Africana Studies, and Women & Gender Studies. One of my career goals is to be a Speech-Language Pathologist, but I know that is not the only career I will pursue. I also have many different passions and interests: music and the arts, social justice, community service, the list goes on and on. It does not matter exactly what I do, I just want to be able to help and inspire people. To help amplify the voices of people who are usually silenced. To help people to be accepting of themselves and others, no matter their financial background, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. To inspire people to live their lives leading with love and kindness, not hate and violence. This is the legacy I plan to leave behind as I go through life. Not with one specific career path, but with an overall goal of living my life to the fullest while helping as many people as I can along the way."

Check back each week as we feature women of the Rutgers community throughout #WomensHistoryMonth.

#RutgersExcellence | #RutgersPride | #RURahRah ⚔️

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 547
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 9

## 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

rurahrah, rutgerspride, womenshistorymonth, rutgersexcellence

## Events

women's history month | rutgers u 2022

---
Copyright (c) Gondola