Arianah Rivera ’24 grew up in a single-parent household in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is proud to be the first member of her family to attend college. Rivera is president of LU Pride, the student club for Lasell’s LGBTQIA+ community, which is committed to giving members a comfortable space to be themselves. She hopes to use her education to provide a better life for herself and her family.

What are you studying at Lasell?
I have always been very interested in the medical and science fields. I grew up watching true crime shows and am fascinated by the human body, so I started at Lasell as a forensic science major. I switched to biology and hope to eventually work in a medical lab conducting research or assisting a pathologist. 

Who inspired you to attend college?
In high school, I lost a cousin to gang violence and my grandmother was hospitalized. I had doubts that I would be able to attend college because of my grandmother’s medical expenses. I worried that I was being selfish. In those moments, I remembered something my family had always told me: “Arianah, you have to go to college and make a better life for yourself — no matter what it takes.”

What do you like most about Lasell?
What stands out for me is the special nature of our community. It is so welcoming and accepting, and because of that, I have been able to be my truest self. I feel comfortable opening up and connecting with other students, faculty, and staff. Lasell is the perfect place to find your people. 

Tell us more about LU Pride. 
The club is dedicated to providing a safe space on campus so members of the LGBTQIA+ community at Lasell feel heard and understood and can make connections with other students. We want members and their allies to feel comfortable sharing their personal stories and having open conversations. We also host events during the school year to raise awareness.

What advice would you give an incoming first-year student?
I know it’s very scary transitioning from high school to college, but don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You will find people with the same interests as you. During my first year I was very shy and closed off. I was lucky that other people put themselves out there and found me — now I have a great group of friends.