Feature Stories Alumni: From shy to self-assured: How Romulo Cabrera ’22 found purpose at UMassD

For Romulo Cabrera ’22, the path to making a difference began not in a classroom, but in the streets of Lawrence, MA. Growing up in his hometown exposed him to the power—and potential—of local government, where leadership determines the direction of a community and the opportunities available to its people. 

“Growing up in Lawrence, I saw firsthand how things were being run, and I believed that real, meaningful change could be made to better serve the community,” said Cabrera. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and just criticizing how things were done, he wanted to be part of the solution, to actually be the change.  

“That’s why I saw getting a degree in political science as the best way to position myself to make a difference and eventually move up the ladder in public service,” he said, and his top choice to pursue this passion—UMass Dartmouth. 

“UMass Dartmouth was the most affordable option that still allowed me to pursue my goals and ambitions. It helped break down many of the financial barriers that other institutions often impose,” said Cabrera, who also took a liking to the campus’ landscape and its brutalist architecture. “It was far enough from my hometown to give me some independence, but close enough that I could still visit family.” 

Cabrera’s first year was a mix of excitement and nervousness. He remembers feeling unsure of himself, a shy, first-generation college student that believed participating in class or speaking up was intimidating. He was hesitant to put himself out there, unsure of how to navigate the newfound academic and social pressures of university life.  

“I’ll never forget this one day in class when Professor Robert Darst called on me to answer a question,” recalled Cabrera. “I said, ‘I don’t know,’ even though I had written a long, thoughtful response on the discussion board. He then said to the class, ‘He says he doesn’t know, but he’s actually one of the more insightful students here.’ That moment stuck with me—it was the first time I realized that someone saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself.” 

Cabrera spent the rest of his time as a UMass Dartmouth student tucked away into quiet nooks in the Claire T. Carney Library with his head buried in textbooks. His political science studies turned him into a self-assured scholar with critical thinking and adaptability skills, which he now applies as a registration supervisor for the town of Amherst, MA. The problem-solving and communication abilities he honed in his studies will help him rise to the leadership level in local government one day, continuing his mission to instill worthwhile change in the communities he loves and serves. 

However, Cabrera never forgot his transformative time on Ring Road, where he felt empowered to fearlessly turn his dreams into reality. Carrying with him the lessons he learned and the connections he made while a student, he remains committed to giving back to UMass Dartmouth as a member of the Alumni Association. In this role, he strives to strengthen the bond between alumni and the University, ensuring that generations of Corsairs are both inspired and equipped to pave their own paths to success. 

"I want to give back to the university by being an active member of the Alumni Association. I believe there's so much opportunity to build a stronger sense of pride in UMass Dartmouth, and alumni can play a key role in that,” said Cabrera. “Since graduating, I’ve developed an even deeper appreciation for this university. We may be seen as the underdog, but we consistently exceed expectations—and I’m proud to say I’m a Corsair. 

“My time as a student gave me the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to shape the path I’m on today,” he continued. “UMass Dartmouth continues to nurture a remarkable community of first-generation students and future leaders. I’m proud to be part of that legacy and do what I can to ensure it lives on forever.”