When Natasha Depaoli transferred to Pace University, she decided to forgo living on campus and instead commute. Her family expressed concern that she might not fully engage with college life, but Depaoli took an active approach to becoming involved at the university.
“For me, being a commuter actually forced me to get involved and go to events,” Depaoli said. “I wanted to have a college experience and get involved and make friends, and being a commuter got me out of my shell.”
Depaoli is majoring in criminal justice on the Pleasantville Campus, with minors in psychology and homeland security. She holds several leadership roles at Pace, including president of the Criminal Justice Society, chief of communications for the Commuter Advisory Board, and peer leader for first-year University 101 students.
Her involvement on campus started as a personal effort but grew into a commitment to building community for others as well.
During the summer, Depaoli interned with Homeland Security Investigations in New York City. She continued her internship into the spring semester. “I’ve assisted with e-discovery on investigations, which is really cool to directly work with cases they’re working on,” she said.
Depaoli has long aspired to become a special agent. “I never knew specifically what agency I wanted to work for… but ever since I like got this internship I really fell in love with this agency because it feels like a community.” She emphasized that fostering community has been central throughout her time at Pace.
To new students and commuters, Depaoli offered advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ask questions.” For those nearing graduation, she added: “Don’t graduate with regrets. If there’s something you want to do on campus, do it.”
