For Christian Hidalgo, FCRH ’25, Fordham wasn’t always in the picture. As a California native, Fordham was far from his radar, but the allure of an urban environment matched perfectly with his adventurous spirit.
Upon his arrival at Fordham, Hidalgo was overwhelmed and thrilled by the boundless opportunities Fordham had to offer. His initial encounter with the club fair as an ambitious freshman involved signing up for numerous clubs without giving them much thought. Later, Hidalgo received interest emails from these clubs, prompting him to question his true interests. Some clubs he attended once but never returned to, a decision he finds completely acceptable. Hidalgo emphasizes that students should never feel embarrassed or awkward about exploring different interests and should feel free to try new things, as it is better to give something a chance than not to try at all.
Hidalgo has come a long way since his initial club fair experience, affording him the opportunity to uncover his genuine passions and interests. Now, as a junior, Hidalgo has become deeply involved both on and off Fordham’s campus. His impressive list of leadership roles and extracurricular activities includes serving as a resident assistant, research assistant and co-lead divestment leader for Students for Environmental Action and Justice (SEAJ). Remarkably, Hidalgo still finds time to pursue other hobbies and passions, including exploring New York City, embarking on hikes in the Hudson Valley, all while training to participate in the NYCRUNS Central Park Half Marathon.
Hidalgo attributes his success to staying organized and practicing self-care. Hidalgo said that he dedicates at least one day a week to activities that nurture his passions outside of academics, a crucial element in maintaining motivation, energy and focus. His personal days often involve exploring the cultural richness of New York City or immersing himself in the tranquility of nature during his Hudson Valley hikes. Hidalgo stresses that the key is to allocate time for these personal interests, completely free from the pressures of homework, studying or email-checking.
Balancing a double major in general science and sociology on a pre-med track is undoubtedly challenging, but Hidalgo understands the importance of keeping the flames of motivation burning. “It is easier to be motivated with clubs than with classes because with clubs you can fully remove yourself for a few days if you need to,” Hidalgo explained. “They are never a 24/7 thing. School is sometimes harder because you are constantly in classes, doing work and studying.” However, Hidalgo has learned that changing his study environment, such as transitioning from Walsh Library to his own room, can make a significant difference in productivity. He’s also open to experimenting with various time management techniques, recently adopting a planner to create a weekly schedule, all in the name of maintaining a balanced college life.
Throughout his college journey, Hidalgo exemplifies the powerful link between passion and purpose. He demonstrates that aligning your academic pursuits with your personal passions can lead to increased motivation and engagement, making it more manageable to excel academically while nurturing your personal interests. His interest in environmental activism flourished after he attended his first environmental protest through SEAJ during his first year. While there, Hidalgo said he recalls two reporters from TIME Magazine interviewing him for a documentary on youth climate activism. “For that to happen to me my first month of freshman year was mind blowing, and I still think about it to this day.” Ever since, Hidalgo’s unique passion for environmental activism has shaped his academic and professional endeavors. This commitment was particularly evident during his research program over the past summer, during which he worked under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Rosenbaum. During this period, Hidalgo conducted a study that explored the connection between public housing within the Bronx and ambient air pollutants. He said the experience was one of the most memorable of his college career. “It was really cool to know that my research was helping people understand the broader implication of environmental processes,” said Hidalgo.
He said his research journey ignited a love for research, fueling his future aspirations to work in medical research after his time at Fordham. Hidalgo added that his connection between passion and purpose has aided him in finding a balance between his academic commitments and personal interests, offering a sense of fulfillment beyond the classroom.
Hidalgo embodies the spirit of Fordham, thriving in both the bustling city life and the spirited turbulence of college. Amidst the various responsibilities he holds on and off campus, Hidalgo’s stellar time-management skills shine as he embarks on his latest venture as a student lead in the Middle State Self-Study, which holds importance as Fordham prepares for its re-accreditation as a distinguished research institution. To many, his determination is nothing short of inspiring, reminding us that even in the most chaotic circumstances, success is attainable.