Why did you initially decide to become a Peacock?
Coming out of high school, I was unsure of my next destination. Looking at colleges, I did not know what I wanted, but coming for my tour at Saint Peter’s, I immediately felt the sense of community and belonging on campus. From the tour guide to my orientation leaders welcoming me to campus, everyone made me feel like a person and not just another student.
What is your major at SPU? Is that what you thought you would major in coming out of high school?
I am majoring in health science and minoring in chemistry. Initially, I planned to major in biology, but through speaking with admissions and my advisor about my future goal of pursuing a career as a physician’s assistant, they told me about the health science program and how it would help me develop my knowledge of the healthcare field.
You are very known on campus for being involved – you are in multiple clubs, you were the student representative on the Presidential Search Committee, have spoken at a number of alumni events about your time at Saint Peter’s and even been in some photoshoots! What inspired you to get involved? What is your full list of clubs and activities?
Coming out of high school, I regretted not being more connected with my community. When I arrived at Saint Peter’s, I was determined to break out of my shell and truly make this place feel like home. My resident assistant (RA) introduced me to the Student Government Association, and while I was initially hesitant to join, my peers encouraged me to take that first leap. That decision shaped my college experience in ways I could never have imagined. I served as class president for two years before stepping into the role of Student Government president, which I have now held for the past two years. Through Student Government, I not only grew as a student but also as a leader. I had the opportunity to meet incredible people, build lifelong connections, and make a lasting impact on campus. Beyond Student Government, I have also worked as a work-study student in the admissions office, where I’ve had the privilege of speaking with prospective students and alumni during tours and student panels. This role has allowed me to connect with both past and future Peacocks, sharing my experiences and memories at Saint Peter’s. I served as an orientation leader for two years, welcoming new students and helping ease their transition into college life.
My involvement extended beyond student leadership roles. I was honored to serve on several key committees, including the Core Revision Task Force, Presidential Search Committee, Inauguration Committee, Faculty Senate, Strategic Plan and Budget Committee, and The Board of Trustees as a student representative. These experiences allowed me to be the voice of the student body, ensuring that all voices were heard and valued. Saint Peter’s pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, take on leadership roles, and reach for my dreams. The connections I’ve built, the experiences I’ve had, and the impact I’ve made will stay with me long after I leave this campus.
Was there a moment for you that truly cemented that this is the place you were meant to be?
A moment that really cemented SPU as the place for me took place during my first year as an orientation leader. I had been giving tours as a work-study student to prospective students throughout the summer. Many parents came up to me and mentioned that I gave their child a campus tour that helped them finalize a decision to attend Saint Peter’s. It was those moments that made me realize Saint Peter’s is not just a University, but also a community that continues to grow, helps one another, and cares for the whole person, not just as a student. These opportunities I have been given aren’t only for me, but for all those of the SPU community and those who will be future peacocks.
As a 2025 graduate, what are your graduation plans and how did Saint Peter’s prepare you for that? Is it the path you expected? If it wasn’t, how did the skills you gained at Saint Peter’s help you figure out your new direction?
As a 2025 graduate, I am continuing to pursue my career as a physician’s assistant, focusing on orthopedics as a specialty. Through my advisors and faculty, I had the opportunity to shadow an orthopedic/sports medicine doctor where I got to further my knowledge in the healthcare field and become more comfortable being in the clinical setting. This has been a career interest of mine since my freshman year and my advisor, Dr. Christina Mortellaro, has worked with me to turn my aspirations into achievable goals that are now within my reach. The leadership opportunities I have been able to be a part of at SPU have allowed me to develop my teamwork, communication, and management skills that I will need in my future endeavors and lifelong goals.
What advice do you have for any incoming freshman or new students at Saint Peter’s?
My advice for incoming freshmen is to get involved and try something new. College is a time for you to experience new things and meet new people. Through these experiences, it will help you grow and build your own connections with the SPU community. Never feel afraid to walk into any room. It is through the doors I walked through that I was was able to meet lifelong friends and create memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.