Vincent Rehkopf has been focused on success ever since his mother began telling him that going to college would get him a better job and a better life.
"When it was time for college, I picked RIT because I knew it would provide me every opportunity for success, with access services, educational support and experiences I can build on to be ready for the real world," says Rehkopf, 21.
He recently changed his major from
New Media Publishing to
Environmental Sciences after talking with his parents and his academic advisor. Down the road, he sees himself involved in research or in teaching people how to improve the environment.
"I like change and variety," says the third-year student. "So, I want a career that will give me a variety of things to do. I watched my dad move from job to job, and I realized that it was largely his college degree that helped him be able to move around to different successful things. I want that, too."
Rehkopf plays intramural sports and works in food preparation at the
Dining Commons on campus. He is secretary of his fraternity,
Delta Sigma Phi, and is proud of the way his brothers support education and each other as they navigate the ups and downs of college life. To relax, Rehkopf watches the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs, and loves to travel.
Rehkopf shares his goal of success with other students and has become an unofficial recruiter for RIT/NTID, counting at least seven students that are at RIT because he encouraged them to apply.
"Make success your goal,” he says. “Believe in yourself because it is your dream, and it can come true."
