Hometown:
Downingtown, PA Major:
History with Secondary Education Graduation Year:
2010 Campus Involvement:
Programming Board, Modern Foreign Language Association, Phi Alpha Theta,
Campus Ministry, Search I and II Retreats, Freshmen Retreat, Education Council, Teacher Education Sub-Committee, Mascot Team (Mac Pack), Student Admissions Representative, IU Honor Society
My IU Experience has really changed me as a person, both mentally and socially. When I first came to Immaculata from my high school, I was a shy and quiet individual, save for when I was with my closest friends. Also, I really did not step out of my comfort zone often and step up to leadership positions as much as I could have. When I arrived, I immediately clung to one of my acquaintances from high school, and though we are excellent friends today, by no means is she the only one I talk to and hang out with. The catalyst that really took me out of my shell at Immaculata was Novaremus, a retreat for freshmen that I attended at the beginning of my first spring semester. There, I spent some time with and became friends with every single one of the retreats through a weekend of prayer, reflection, and fun. In addition, the leaders who gave the talks, who were upper classmen, gave me some inner momentum to change who I was. Over that weekend, I slowly became a more social person as I began to extend my group of friends. That spark helped me to become more social, learn how to become a leader (I led that same retreat the next year), and made me find the person I am today. Through this and all my experiences at Immaculata, I have learned who I truly am and I have not regretted making my decision to come here ever since.
I think that it is crucial to be involved within the university. I suggest that a new freshman try anything that slightly appeals to their interest. I got involved in stage crew my first semester, and while I did not continue the activity, I put myself out there into the unknown. While many freshmen don’t know the students around them when they arrive, getting involved at Immaculata helps break down the barrier of awkwardness and gets you to know your fellow students. The same thing happened to everyone I know who got involved in at least one activity, so it’s bound to be true for any student who does the same.
Video Interview