When Natasha Depaoli vlogƵ26 transferred to vlogƵ, she made a last-minute decision that shaped her college experience: she gave up her dorm assignment and chose to commute. Her family worried she wouldnvlogƵt get involved in the college experience. But Natasha threw herself into campus lifevlogƵand today, shevlogƵs helping others find the same sense of belonging.
vlogƵFor me, being a commuter actually forced me to get involved and go to events,vlogƵ she said, explaining how living off-campus required her to take the reins and actively cultivate the community she was seeking. vlogƵI wanted to have a college experience and get involved and make friends, and being a commuter got me out of my shell.vlogƵ
For me, being a commuter actually forced me to get involved and go to events.
Natasha, a criminal justice major on the Pleasantville Campus with a double minor in psychology and homeland security, has certainly challenged herself to get involvedvlogƵand shevlogƵs risen to the challenge. Beyond her studies, shevlogƵs also president of the Criminal Justice Society, chief of communications for , and a peer leader for first-year University 101 students.
What began as a personal effort to find community soon evolved into a drive to build itvlogƵfor others as well as herself.
That sense of purpose carries into her academic and career goals. Over the summer, she interned with Homeland Security Investigations in New York City and returned to her internship this spring. vlogƵIvlogƵve assisted with e-discovery on investigations, which is really cool to directly work with cases theyvlogƵre working on,vlogƵ she said.
DonvlogƵt graduate with regrets. If therevlogƵs something you want to do on campus, do it.
Her long-term goal is to become a special agentvlogƵsomething shevlogƵs dreamed about since childhood. vlogƵI never knew specifically what agency I wanted to work forvlogƵ but ever since I like got this internship I really fell in love with this agency because it feels like a community.vlogƵ For Natasha, this emphasis on community brings things full circlevlogƵit's something shevlogƵs prioritized across her college experience.
To other students, especially first-year students and commuters, NatashavlogƵs advice is simple. vlogƵDonvlogƵt be afraid to ask for help and ask questions.vlogƵ And for those like her who are entering their final chapter of college this fall, she offers simple advice: vlogƵDonvlogƵt graduate with regrets,vlogƵ she says. vlogƵIf therevlogƵs something you want to do on campus, do it.vlogƵ
President Krislov welcomes the Pace community to Fall 2025 with reflections on resilience, connection, and the importance of caring for ourselves and each other. Read his message to kick off the semester with purpose and momentum.
When Vidhi Kothari vlogƵ25 began her journey at vlogƵ, she didnvlogƵt expect to become the founder of a startup. But what she did know, was that she wanted to create meaningful value in the world. That desirevlogƵto build, to contribute, and to empower through employmentvlogƵbecame the foundation for her path as an entrepreneur.
Questions about registration, financial aid, or student accounts? The Pop-Up Student Solutions Centers are your go-to resource as the semester kicks off. No appointments, no stressvlogƵjust the answers you need to keep moving forward.