This week passed quickly, but it was a meaningful one. I’ve started to feel more grounded in the program and more connected to the people around me. At first, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect, but as time went on, I began to open up more and began each part of the experience.
In COMM 101 with Professor Rogelio Lopez, one of the impactful moments was listening to the This American Life podcast titled “Three Miles”. It made me reflect on how opportunity is now always equal, and how someone’s environment can deeply share their outlook on life. It also reminded me that storytelling can be a powerful way to shed light on real issues and spark conversion.
Another topic that stood out to me was learning about the role of pirate radio. Before this class, I didn’t know much about it, but I found it fascinating how people used it to speak freely when traditional media shut them out. It showed me that communication is not about just having a voice, it’s about finding a way to make that voice heard, even when the odds are against you.
Professor Lopez’s teaching style made it easy to stay engaged. He encouraged us to think deeply, ask questions, and connect what we were learning to the real world. His class helped me understand that communication isn’t just about speaking, it’s about expressing something meaningful and creating impact.
A major highlight this week was working on our podcast project, which focused on the topic of homelessness. My role was the color specialist and I enjoyed being able to contribute creatively. Working with my group was genuinely fun, everyone was sweet and funny. The time we spent in the library working, laughing, and learning together made the project feel less like an assignment and more like a shared goal. It reminds me how powerful collaboration can be when people bring different strengths to the table.
We also had the chance to explore the world of news broadcasting with Professor Allan Lopez. Watching how everything came together behind the scenes, from camera work to coordination, gave me a new appreciation for what goes into even the simplest broadcasts. It was interesting to step into a space I usually only see from the outside and realize how much detail and teamwork it involves.
At the beginning of this program, I was tremendously nervous and honestly afraid to socialize. Talking to new people felt overwhelming, and I doubted whether I’d fit in. But as the days passed, I started to let my guard down. I’ve become more open, somewhat confident, and less anxious about being myself around others. The change didn’t happen all at once, but looking back, I can see how far I’ve come, and I’m proud of that.
Another standout moment this week was our field trip to the Natural History Museum. I had a great time exploring with my friends, we laughed, took photos, and made memories together. What stood out to me the most was seeing how animals adapt to different environments. It made me think about how living beings, whether animals or people, learn to adjust to the world around them. It was also just refreshing to step outside of the classroom and learn in a completely different space.
Overall, this week AYA challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow not just as a student, but as a person. I’m looking forward to what’s next and how the rest of the program will continue to shape me.
Communicating Change 