For AU students, living in DC offers exciting opportunities to get involved in sports, discover music, explore new places, and meet people along the way. Through these experiences, students are finding ways to pursue their passions and build connections. Students like Rhiannon Rueda and Ryan Sommerstad share how their involvement in DC has shaped their college experiences and how they discover the city beyond their everyday routines.

From Swimming to Sports in the City

For Ryan Rommerstad, a sophomore finance major at American University's Kogod School of Business, coming to DC meant finding a balance between academics, swimming, and exploring life outside of campus. As a member of AU's swim team, his schedule revolves around swim practices, classes, and homework. However, being in DC has also given him the chance to spend time with friends, explore different places to eat, and experience the city's sports scene.

One of Ryan's favorite ways to experience DC outside has been attending Washington Wizards games. The city has several professional sports teams; in addition to the Wizards, DC is also home to the Washington Mystics in basketball, the Washington Capitals in hockey, and the Washington Commanders in football. With sporting events at Capital One Arena just seven stops away on the Red Line, it’s easy for AU students to cheer on local teams and experience the city outside of campus.

“It’s been fun spending time with friends and taking a break from swimming and schoolwork, but it’s also nice seeing sports fans come together and get invested in a DC sports game,” he said. “It’s exciting to have opportunities to watch athletes compete at the highest level. As a swimmer, I appreciate the dedication that goes into their sport, even when it’s different from mine.”

Moving from New York to DC initially felt overwhelming for Ryan, but as he settled into a routine, the city became more manageable and familiar. On top of that, his teammates have also played an important role in making Ryan feel at ease with the city. “Having a close group to train, eat, and spend time with has helped make AU feel like home.” he said. “Being on the swim team has been a big part of my college experience.”

Looking ahead, Ryan is also excited about the opportunities DC offers outside of AU and sports. As a finance major, he hopes to explore internships and make connections in the city. For him, choosing a university in DC has opened a world of new opportunities beyond swimming and getting his education.

Finding Her Sound in the City

As for the music scene, DC offers students more than just opportunities inside the classroom. Students can discover local artists, attend live performances, and connect with others who share the same interests. From venues like 9:30 Club to more intimate spaces and venues that support local musicians, the city provides opportunities for students to explore their creativity and become part of the local music community.

For Rhiannon Rueda, a senior at American University studying Popular Music Performance and Enterprise with a minor in Business and Entertainment, these experiences have become an important part of her musical journey. Also known by her artist name, Kid Named Rhi, she has used DC’s music scene to develop her own sound over time as she got to collaborate with other artists in the DMV area, as well as discovering what opportunities DC has to offer off campus.

Originally from New Jersey, DC allowed Rhiannon to explore the city while finding her passions. When she first arrived at AU, music wasn’t her main focus; instead, she was interested in majoring in film and business before discovering opportunities that ended up changing her major to pursue her musical interests.

Through AU's music program in Katzen and classes like Songwriters Hub, she found a community of musicians on campus who helped her write original songs, collaborate with others, and experiment with her sound. What started as jazz and bossa nova gradually shifted toward indie pop, funk, and indie rock. By also working with other student musicians, they helped her develop her skills and build the foundation for her current band.

Outside of campus, Rhiannon has put herself out there in DC's local music scene. “It’s really small, but it’s kind of tight knit,” she says. Being part of a smaller music community has made it easier to find opportunities to perform and establish herself as an artist. Participating in open mic nights and getting involved with local venues has given her the opportunity to meet other musicians, build relationships, and collaborate outside of AU. “Hanging out at the same venues that everyone else is, you start to know all of the bands pretty well.”

Watching other local artists develop alongside her throughout college, Rhiannon has seen how musicians evolve their music over time and learned the value of having a supportive creative community. “Seeing some of those local artists grow alongside me is really exciting to me,” she said. “There's evidence of having enough opportunity to grow and a lot of support from people around you.”

As she prepares for graduation, Rhiannon is focused on expanding her presence as a musician and building connections outside of campus. Her experience in DC has shown her how exploring her musical identity and building relationships can help artists develop their sound, showcase their work, and find support in a small community.

Community in DC

Although Ryan and Rhiannon experience DC through their different interests, they both have found ways to make the city their own. For Ryan, swimming and attending Wizards games have helped him build friendships and enjoy life outside the classroom. As for Rhiannon, performing at local venues and connecting with other musicians have allowed her to grow as an artist and explore opportunities outside of the university.

Their experiences show how DC offers students more than education, but also providing spaces to pursue their passions, explore their interests, build meaningful connections, and discover a sense of belonging. Through sports, music, or other communities, students can create their own experiences and make life fun in DC.