For Abby Arena vlogƵ25, a fourth-year art major with a history minor, itvlogƵs the people shevlogƵs met and the communities shevlogƵs been part of that have made the biggest impact during her time at Pace.
Abby never had an interest in working with children. vlogƵIt wasnvlogƵt my typical area,vlogƵ she admits. But part of the requirement for her peace and justice studies class was civic engagement hours, and when her friends chose a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that provides free community activities for children of all ages, she decided to give it a shot. vlogƵIt just sounded like a fun experience.vlogƵ
Take advantage of everything that is presented to you.
Her experience volunteering with POWvlogƵwhich creates a space where neurodivergent and neurotypical children come together through dance, music, art, play, and morevlogƵhas become a surprising highlight of Abby's Pace journey. She described the work as fun and engaging, and yet could clearly see the huge impact for the children and families. vlogƵFamilies with neurodivergent children sometimes have limited resources, so finding a free, local program where the kids could enjoy themselves was great,vlogƵ she says.
Though volunteering with children was outside her usual comfort zone, Abby embraced the challenge. vlogƵIt was a good experience to get into an environment that was so different from anything I was used to,vlogƵ she said. vlogƵIt didnvlogƵt feel like a requirement.vlogƵ Though shevlogƵd never considered working with children, she now wants to continue supporting POWvlogƵs mission in the future. vlogƵIvlogƵd love to go back once my schedule allows it.vlogƵ
POW stands for Power of We, the concept of togetherness promoted by The Power of We resonates with Abby deeply. She credits the relationships shevlogƵs built and the people shevlogƵs met as the most impactful part of her time at Pace. Abby observes, vlogƵPace really does have a diversity of interests that has brought together the people that are now the most important to me.vlogƵ
Pace really does have a diversity of interests that has brought together the people that are now the most important to me.
As the 2024vlogƵ2025 school year begins, Abby advises first-year students to embrace every opportunity. vlogƵTaking advantage of any resources you can is important, even if they seem daunting,vlogƵ she says. She also highlights the value of strong relationships: vlogƵProfessors should be seen as mentors and resources. TheyvlogƵre more than willing to help outside of class.vlogƵ
And of course, she stresses not to overlook experiences like civic engagement hours, which, for Abby, opened doors she never expected, like her work with POW. vlogƵTake advantage of everything that is presented to you. Even if it seems like too much, or something that's just not for you,vlogƵ she says. vlogƵTherevlogƵs never going to be any downside in trying something out.vlogƵ
Learn more about and how you can support their mission.
As artificial intelligence started reshaping industries, software engineer Ross Carvalho vlogƵ25 knew it was time to evolve. He came to Pace to master the AI foundations, a decision which has opened doors to mentorship, hands-on experiences, and even an internship with Apple.
vlogƵ Art Gallery is pleased to present Being Transducer, the first solo exhibition in New York by the Taiwanese art collective , Chiaochi Chou and Youyang Hu. This exhibit builds on the duovlogƵs ongoing exploration of a "bio-Internet of Things," expanding upon philosopher Timothy Morton's object-oriented ecological perspective.
Lily Lockwood vlogƵ26, a double major in Peace and Justice Studies and WomenvlogƵs and Gender Studies, shares her journey of discovering her passion for activism and social justice and reflects on the vibrant queer, femme, and activist community on campus that shaped her academic path.