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Bringing It Home – The Saint Rose Blog

Saint Rose Seniors Look Back On College, Offer Advice

Students at commencement 2018

We’re not exaggerating when we say that your time at college will fly by. Before you know it, you will prepare to walk across the stage and receive your diploma. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, the years seem to pass by in a blur, as you gather memories, friendships, and life experiences along the way.

In preparation for Commencement this Saturday, May 11, we asked some of our seniors to share their favorite moments at Saint Rose and provide sage advice for students who are edging toward the finish lines of their academic careers.

What is your favorite memory?

“Kick-starting SRTV Club and later on collaborating with Crate of Apes to produce several live-streamed improv shows.” — Theodore Stabile ’19, computer science major and business administration minor, IT student technician

“My favorite memories at Saint Rose were made during the Alternative Spring Break trips I attended to New Orleans and San Francisco!” — Renee Kochinski ’19, communication sciences and disorders major, Student Association director of communications

“All of my memories from my time at Saint Rose wouldn’t have been possible without my friends nudging me out of my little bubble. In my past four years, I have taken adventures to exciting places, met famous people like the founders of Ben & Jerry’s when they came to campus to pass out ice cream, and continued to be competitive in dance through GK Dance. I will never forget all of the activities on the quad from watching Coco and Pitch Perfect 2 to hanging out in the sunshine, and even attending RoseRock, Relay for Life, and other fundraisers.” —
Jennifer Galavotti ’19, G’19, dual degree B.S./MBA Marketing/Marketing Management, Golden Knights Dance Team Club president, marketing intern for The College of Saint Rose

Saint Rose Commencement Ceremony in the Times Union Center

What will you take away from your college experience?

“With this newfound motivation, I plan to pass the CPA exam and only move forward and faster from there. Wherever my career takes me, I can take a piece of Saint Rose with me.” — Joel Salas 19′, G’19, dual degree B.S./M.S. Accounting

“One thing I will take away from my four years at St. Rose is all of the connections with peers and professionals I have made. My closest friends were made here.” — Theresa Belfance ’19, education major, Student Association director of academic activities

“My time at Saint Rose has shaped me into the person I am today. I am nowhere close to the same girl that moved into Lima Hall in August of 2015. I’ve met the most important people in my life and found what I was truly passionate about, which is helping people. I loved Saint Rose so much that I was accepted into their graduate program for communication sciences and disorders, which means I won’t be leaving any time soon. “ — Jennifer Metzger ’19, communications sciences and disorders major, resident assistant at Saint Rose

“I’ve loved my experience here because of the real community vibe that I feel every day on campus. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true. If you come to Saint Rose, you’re not just a number. You’re a person that people care about! It’s been a great four years!” — Liam Grady ’19, criminal justice, behavior, and law major, men’s swim team athlete, tour guide for Saint Rose

 

One piece of advice to current students:

“Do your work on time. Don’t underestimate professors.” — Jayda Shamblee ’19, psychology major, Neil Hellman Library circulation assistant

“My advice to underclass students is to enjoy the time you have here. These four years will be gone in the blink of an eye, even more so than in high school.” — Theresa Belfance ’19

“Some advice I have for underclass students is to be brave and do things you wouldn’t normally do — because at the end of the day you’re in college and this is the perfect time to step outside of your comfort zone.” — Jennifer Metzger ’19

“Hone your sense of willpower. Kick fatalism right in the teeth.” — Theodore Stabile ’19

“Go to events and step out of your comfort zone! It may be intimidating at first, but take advantage of all of there is to do at Saint Rose and around Albany. You’ll make amazing memories, and probably get some free things too!” — Renee Kochinski ’19

Student graduation cap that says "I did this for you"

What’s next for you?

“I have accepted a job with Eden Renewables in Troy as a Project Coordinator. I am excited to take this next step in the right direction.” — Jennifer Galavotti ’19, G’19

“After graduation, I will be continuing my education to receive my Clinical Doctorate of Audiology.” — Renee Kochinski ’19

“I’ll be working part-time at Saint Rose in their ITS department! Also looking to do acting on the side.” — Theodore Stabile ’19

 

— by Jennifer Galavotti

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