Preferred pronouns: She/They
Major/Concentration: Elementary Education, social justice concentration
Minor(s): Media and Communication
Hometown: Everett, MA
What made you choose Salem State, and what is the one thing you think a prospective student should know about our campus community?
I chose Salem State because of the opportunities and flexibility they offered as an institution, which I felt no other school could have offered me. Between job opportunities, resources, and academic support, I have never found more support from my professors and supervisors.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience living on campus?
I live on campus and have built relationships with my peer residents, resident assistants, and professional staff throughout my time here. This has allowed me to build my network, find job opportunities, and receive support.
What are you involved in on campus? (Student groups, clubs, organizations, jobs, internships, honors, or athletic affiliations)
I am involved on campus! In my time here, I have been involved with the Undergraduate Admissions team, working as an admissions ambassador on their leadership team. I also work as a desk receptionist throughout the resident halls on campus and have even had experience working as a summer housing assistant where I had experience working as an RA, mailroom, and residence life assistant! I'm also an emerging scholar/affiliate in the ESOC (Emerging Scholars of Color) Program. Lastly, I'm the vice president of the Salem State Alliance.
Can you describe the educational value and affordability you’ve experienced at Salem State University? How has the university supported your academic journey regarding quality and accessibility?
Salem State was able to help me out with being able to afford school and made it easy to understand how much I was paying and why I was paying for certain things. I remember when I first enrolled and did my loan request, the Navigation Center told me that with the help of financial aid rewards, I didn't need to be taking out as much as I was planning to, which was a breath of fresh air! Additionally, many of my professors and other faculty have supported my endeavors by reaching out to me for added support, or even after taking their class, they said they recommend I take a course taught by them or that they're available for any sort of assistance.
Could you discuss the relationships you’ve developed with faculty members at Salem State and how these relationships have influenced your learning and personal growth?
I consider many of the faculty members I've interacted with to be mentors. To me, these are people who have been able to change the trajectory of what it means to be an advocate and an educator. While I have expressed multiple times throughout my time here that I love my major, just that I fell out of love with being a traditional educator in a classroom setting wasn't for me at this point. I was given other options, which I found more fitting, in my opinion.
Salem State emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Can you share any memorable experiences where you’ve applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings through projects?
I feel that a lot of my classroom experience has also doubled for me as career readiness. While that sounds self-explanatory, I have used the knowledge and skills I gained in my academic setting to help advocate, educate, and share knowledge with my peers and others I may come across.
What have you accomplished during your time at Salem that you are most proud of?
I'm most proud of the growth I've noticed in myself, both academically and personally. I have learned things about myself—how to become a better leader, mentor, advocate, and educator. I feel that I was able to curate and choose my own outcome while here at SSU, and I did just that.
In what ways has Salem State demonstrated its commitment to your success, both academically and personally? Can you share any specific instances where the university has gone above and beyond to support you?
Two professors I've had during my time at SSU have made all the difference in my educational career. I want to give credit to professors Megan Murphy and Cami Condie for believing in me and my work. Additionally, the McKeown School of Education and its supportive staff have made a difference.
As you near graduation, how do you feel Salem State has prepared you for your future career? What resources or opportunities have been particularly valuable in this regard?
Some of the following systems here at Salem State have played a huge role in my career readiness. I felt that working for admissions and being a part of the Scholars of Color Program have been two of the most insightful and valuable to what I want to pursue within my career.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how do you believe your time at Salem State has equipped you for success in pursuing them?
I'm still working on my future endeavors, but I am currently looking into applying for grad school in a Higher Education and Student Affairs program. As I stated earlier, I realized there were other options available to me; I didn't see myself as a traditional educator in a classroom setting. I was given other options that I found more fitting, and HESA was that for me. I want to thank my advisors in the ESOC Program for letting me know that that was an option!