New Petrels, Shared Purpose
New Petrels, Shared Purose:
黑料吃瓜网 welcomes its first-year class
But what truly sets this class apart is their passion and drive. They are students who want to make a difference through creativity, service, leadership and learning. Whether performing on stage, conducting research, creating art or leading community initiatives, they are eager to grow, take risks and leave their mark.
These students are also adventurers at heart, curious about the world and about themselves. Many arrive with talents honed from years of practice, whether it鈥檚 mastering a musical instrument, excelling in athletics, writing their own novels or making films. At 黑料吃瓜网, they will continue to explore their passions, discover new ones, and build connections that will shape their college experience and future careers.
With an exceptional passion, the Class of 2029 is ready to turn ideas into action and make their mark on campus and beyond.
BRIGITH GONZALEZ 鈥�29
Business Administration
Driven by a passion for education and community, Brigith helps first-generation and immigrant students navigate college opportunities. A business administration major with an eye on nonprofit and education initiatives, she aims to create programs that empower students and expand access to learning. Outside of campus, she loves connecting people, exploring new cultures, and making every space a place to belong.
鈥淚 am deeply passionate about expanding education access for immigrant and first-generation students. Whether it鈥檚 walking students through FAFSA, demystifying the college application process, or simply being someone who believes in them, I want every student to feel seen, capable, and worthy of success. For me, this is not just a passion. It鈥檚 my life鈥檚 mission.鈥�
MARIE KOON 鈥�29
Psychology
A devoted football fan and game show enthusiast, Marie brings the same energy and determination to her studies as she does cheering on the Dolphins or Falcons. Her proudest accomplishment is simply being at 黑料吃瓜网鈥攁 milestone achieved after overcoming significant challenges on the road to college. Majoring in psychology with a minor in politics, she is driven by a desire to understand human behavior and advocate for meaningful reform. Whether in the classroom or beyond, she hopes to contribute to positive change in the way people treat one another, blending compassion with practical action to make the world a better place.
鈥淚f I had the ability to change anything in the world, I would change the way that humanity treats one another鈥ut a winning season for the Dolphins or the Falcons would be nice as well.鈥�
鈥淢y dream is to be able to share important lessons about life through my art鈥攚hether it鈥檚 on the stage or behind the camera.鈥�
Sean Jones 鈥�29
Theatre/Film and Media Studies
Sean is a double-major in theatre and film & media studies, combining a love of performance with a passion for storytelling. Whether performing on stage, writing screenplays, or watching NBA basketball in his free time, he thrives on creativity and expression. He is deeply committed to using the performing arts to convey important life lessons and messages, hoping to impact audiences in meaningful ways. A proud moment in his journey was traveling to New York to audition for a production, which gave him the opportunity to explore the city and pursue his dream that blends passion with purpose. Looking ahead, he hopes college will be a space for him grow both comfortably and boldly, maximizing opportunities to perform, create and inspire through theatre and film.
Loni Gipson 鈥�29
English
A Stormy Petrel women鈥檚 basketball player and state champion high jumper, Loni brings the same discipline and determination from the court to her studies and creative pursuits. She discovered a passion for digital content creation in high school, developing skills in filmmaking and graphic design, and has been cultivating her love of novels and storytelling since she was a child. At 黑料吃瓜网, she is pursuing a major in English and comparative literature, aiming to strengthen her writing and analytical skills in preparation for law school. She hopes to achieve both academic and athletic success while broadening her cultural horizons, carrying the lessons of perseverance, creativity and curiosity into every experience.
鈥淚鈥檝e loved novels and fictional stories for as long as I can remember. I started writing when I was seven, and even as a toddler, I devoured every book on my bookshelf. Stories have always been a part of who I am.鈥�
Antonio Vasquez 鈥�29
Biology
Inspired by his mother鈥檚 battle with severe complications from COVID-19, Antonio is driven by a deep desire to help others heal. Watching her struggle with lasting cardiac issues ignited his determination to major in biology and pursue medicine, with the hope of one day finding cures that spare families from similar pain. At 黑料吃瓜网, he looks forward to building strong friendships, pushing himself academically and striving toward his goal of becoming valedictorian. His classmates help keep him motivated and accountable鈥攕omething he values as he works toward his dreams.
鈥淚 want to live in a world without sickness. I would love to see families enjoy their time together without having to worry about their loved ones suffering.鈥�
鈥淚f I had the power to change anything in the world, I would ensure that young people are uplifted by their identity, no matter their ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, status or gender. That鈥檚 why I wrote my book, 鈥楬ow to Keep Your Zing: 7 Rules I Live By!鈥欌�攖o affirm our future leaders to never lose their 鈥榸ing鈥� and fulfill their destiny!鈥�
Nzinga Collins-Dabo 鈥�29
Politics
Driven by a passion for justice and equality, Nzinga, a politics major, hopes to one day attend law school, become a contract lawyer and eventually serve as a U.S. representative shaping fair and equitable policies. At 黑料吃瓜网, she鈥檚 eager to better understand people and society, make meaningful connections, and get involved through community service, uplifting others through academic excellence.
Her proudest accomplishment so far is becoming a published author at age 12, after writing her book, 鈥淗ow to Keep Your Zing: 7 Rules I Live By,鈥� at just 9 years old. With the support of her mother, she used the book to inspire young readers to embrace their identity and overcome bullying. Whether she鈥檚 writing poetry, building Lego flowers or working toward launching her own lash business, she approaches every goal with creativity, optimism and a determination to make a difference.
