It's All About the U

Graduation. It’s one of those bittersweet moments when starting a new chapter also calls for closing another. I’ve spent the last two years of my undergraduate experience at the University of Miami, and I have nothing but love for this place and its people. Alongside endless Rathskeller bracelets and parking tickets, I’ve collected memories that will follow me for life. Allow me to prove why it really is all about the U, baby.

Graduation day with Annie, Arden, Myself, Mass and Leland

Best school ever

There is no other college out there that is exactly like the U. Now, I don’t want this to come off as free advertisement for UM—I never was a P100—but I loved my time at this school so much that I’d like to highlight a few reasons why.

First highlight: UM is located in Coral Gables, a suburban oasis with easy access to the other, more riveting sides of Miami. UM’s location allows for that work-hard, play-hard lifestyle. I spent my weekdays—besides Thirsty Thursdays, of course—focusing on school, and the minute the weekend hit, I had endless going-out options. Drag brunch, boat day, Broadway shows—you name it, and Miami has it.

Secondly, UM hosts unique events and traditions. For example, every homecoming, we set a boat on fire in the middle of the campus lake to manifest our football team’s victory. And every first week of each semester, students who are of age grab a drink—or three—at our on-campus bar, the Rat. Yes, you read that correctly: on-campus bar. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve thrown a few back with the boys—most of the time after class or meetings, but not always.

Raising a toast to Sebastian at the Rat with a crisp Angry Orchard

Last, but certainly not least, the student population at UM is very diverse, creating a dynamic and inclusive campus culture. In the past two years, I have had the pleasure of meeting students from all over the world, with varying beliefs and values. I’m happy to say that when I make it out to Australia on a spontaneous summer trip, I know a few kids I could bunk up with. Besides taking advantage of free boarding abroad, UM has also encouraged me to continue embracing people from all walks of life.

Although my experience at UM won’t be marked by boujee get-ready-with-me’s and Uber rides to pool parties in nothing but a bikini—we can’t all be Alix Earle-level Miami. Despite the lack of a free Tarte trip, I’m grateful for my own humble experiences and the people who have made them so special.

Degree, please

Besides taking advantage of the one-of-a-kind nightlife and oceanside activities Miami has to offer, I also occasionally locked in on my studies. In all seriousness, I worked very hard the past two years to achieve good grades and graduate early. I had some catching up to do after transferring from another university and changing my major in the fall of 2023. I can now proudly say that I successfully left the U with a cumulative GPA of 3.975 and a bachelor’s degree in creative writing. Mommy, are you proud?

I wouldn’t have been able to make this achievement happen without allowing myself to fail first. Sometimes, a place you were certain was meant for you ends up being a gateway to the place you truly belong. Shout-out, Clemson—you were fun, but only a brief introduction to a greater story. Trading the Tigers for the Canes was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I owe the success of my creative writing efforts to UM’s English and Creative Writing Department. From the start, the faculty have been fully supportive of my goals, offering constant one-on-one advising and resources. Thank you, Dr. Watson, for putting up with my anxious antics and constantly checking my degree progress for me.

I also completed a minor in advertising alongside my major in creative writing. One noteworthy experience I had through UM’s School of Communication was a yearlong copywriting position with the student-run ad agency, Orange Umbrella.

Although I won’t be done putting pen to paper anytime soon, I’m proud of the work I’ve completed so far. The writing discography I will be leaving behind at UM includes nine articles for the student-run magazine Distraction, two published pieces in UM’s literary journal The Mangrove, two handmade chapbooks and a multitude of essays crafted without the help of ChatGPT. No shade to Chat users—I just rather naturally expand on my skills than rely on a platform that will be coming for my job one day.

My two little cousins, Franchesca & Genevieve, flew down to celebrate my graduation

Booked and busy

Knowing I had a limited amount of time at UM, I set out to get involved as much as possible, as soon as possible. Within my first semester, I had become a member of Distraction magazine and It’s On Us—two organizations in which I quickly rose to executive board positions.

Distraction magazine not only introduced me to some of my closest friends but also allowed me to pursue my passion for journalism. I served as the social media director for Distraction for a year, all while continuing to write for the publication. I also had a brief phase where I modeled for the social media accounts, emphasis on the word brief. At Distraction, I was known to pick up articles on taboo subjects. From blue balls to drag makeup—I’ve done it all.

I served as a membership coordinator for It’s On Us, a national organization that combats sexual violence on college campuses, alongside my twin for life, Nico Kujas. Within our roles, Nico and I were able to restructure the membership committee by improving the facilitation of general body meetings and the overall ambassador experience. One tabling effort at a time, the It’s On Us baddies reminded UM students that consent is so sexy.

I also took an on-campus job in an effort to give back to the orientation program that made my transition to the U so smooth. As a Transfer Assistant, I introduced fellow transfer ’Canes to the university at orientation and conducted one-on-one meetings throughout the year. This experience allowed me to understand how important peer mentorship is. Sebastian the Ibis might be one of the most enthusiastic faces at Cane Kickoff, but after my two-Red Bull-per-day average during orientation, I’d like to say I followed behind closely on the spirit scale.

The 2024-2025 Commuter & Transfer Assistant team at spring orientation

Another involvement of mine was Student Government. Now, I wasn’t president or anything—shocking, I know—but I did act as PR coordinator for the Board of Communications for a year. Since one of my first college involvements ever was my seat in the SG cabinet at Clemson, this particular role was very full circle. Might I add that the BoC meetings were so chill and entertaining—Lauren taught me how to orchestrate the perfect combination of brain rot and professionalism.

As briefly mentioned previously, I wrote copy for Orange Umbrella this past year. This opportunity gave me hands-on agency experience, producing real-world work for real-world clients. One of my projects included crafting social media copy for Caplow Manzano, a Miami-based sustainable architecture company. Check them out if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly home with a clean, Kim K aesthetic.

The Orange Umbrella seniors with our manager, Ian

’Canes care for ’Canes

You’ve officially reached the name-dropping section of this article. If you didn’t go to UM or just have no ties to my circle, feel free to skip ahead to the next section. Before scrolling ahead, at least allow me to mention my iconic roommates, Arden Beam and Annie Codega.

Arden, Myself and Annie on one of our last nights out together in apt C303

Arden was a printmaking major at UM, making my kindergarten-level artistic abilities a good laugh at our craft nights. Arden’s immense printmaking and painting skills were recognized in two fine arts showcases this past semester. Besides being a talented artist, Arden is also one of my closest friends who made every silly conversation in our C303 apartment unforgettable.

Concerning her art, she has received awards for her work and plans on working for a gallery in LA. I’ve already promised Arden I’d visit her on my way to Coachella. See you soon, Garden.

As a junior, Annie Lu is an early education major with a year left at the U. In addition to her effortless humor, Annie is a hard-working, dedicated woman who is always selflessly putting other people before herself. She was also my favorite gym buddy and aux partner at the pregames. Getting ready without her beside me in our shared mirror won’t be the same. I can’t wait to see all that she will accomplish in her final year—soak it up, Lu, because it goes by quick. I’ll miss you, lover-girl Lu.

Christian Massell, more commonly known as Mass, is another one of my close friends I met during undergrad. Mass was a media scoring and production major at the Frost School of Music. I might be biased, but Mass was one of the most creative and talented Frosties at UM. Mass transformed the mandatory requirement for graduating Frost students, evolving his senior show into an interactive performance. The Mass Show: Volume 1, combined art, fashion and music, offering young artists and entrepreneurs a platform to display their creations. Alongside his original trap beats, models strutted the runway showcasing student-owned fashion brands (Goons n Goblins, Lions & Willows, and Marco Sqrd). While Mass bopped around the stage to his fire beats, student-produced art lined the walls, and strobe lights bounced throughout the room, creating a colorful ambiance. Shades were not a suggestion but a requirement for attendees. The Mass Show: Volume 1 proved the limitless potential of a true creative.

Marco Sqrd student models lined the stage at the Mass Show: Volume 1

This wouldn’t be a true recognition of my ’Canes for life if I didn’t mention my husband, Sal Puma. And by husband, I mean my GBF, whom I fake married in a friend’s backyard. Yes, there was a DJ, and yes, he was playing Charli XCX as we walked down the aisle. Sal was my devout going-out accomplice and Distraction nepo hubby—like Hailey & Justin but more gay and less chic. Sal, the endless amount of laughs we shared will never leave my memory. Who knew a comp sci major could also do graphic design in their sleep? You’re a true friend, and I can’t wait for our adventures to come in NYC.

Holding my Distraction-wrapped bouquet next to my newlywed, Sal.

I mentioned her before, and I’ll mention her again—Nico Kujas is one of the smartest and most involved people I’ve ever met. A fellow ODK member of mine, Nico’s devotion is university-recognized. We led UM’s It’s On Us chapter with what I’d like to call the perfect mix of enthusiasm and pizazz. I’ll dearly miss Nico’s encouragement, wicked eyeliner and cool-girl outfits. Love you, baddie.

Nico and I right before we walked the stage at graduation.

Last, my son—a 3-year-old albino chinchilla who goes by Casper, or Woofa if you really know him. Woofa, I couldn’t have walked that stage if it weren’t for you. Woofa is the fluffball l I came home to every day after hiking back and forth to class—the walk was about 10 minutes; I’m just dramatic. Thank you, Woofa, for providing me with unwavering support and comfort. I forgive you for climbing into my bathroom cabinet as long as you never tell our landlord.

The final orange

How privileged I am to have complained about stacked homework assignments and on-campus meetings that run late. How privileged I am that I have a family that sacrificed their time and finances so I could obtain a college degree. How privileged I am to say that my educational endeavors don’t end here. I am lucky. I don’t deny that.

This summer, I will begin a master’s degree in magazine, news and digital journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. My hometown happens to house one of the top journalism schools in the country, so returning to the 315 for a year while expanding my journalistic skills feels like a great bargain to me. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and experiencing an Upstate fall for the first time in years. Lily and Marsh, meet at Biergarten soon?

To think that in 12 months’ time I will be walking a stage yet again, shaking hands with the president and grabbing a second degree. I’ll be saying more goodbyes and opening more doors—but most importantly, I’ll be another degree hotter and hopefully off to NYC.

One of my senior photos, taken by Annie. Love you, go 'Canes!