Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Early Education and Care
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Student groups, clubs, organizations, jobs, internships, honors, or athletic affiliations: Student Government Association Secretary, Program Council Secretary and Vice President, Outstanding Student Leader of the Year, Orientation Leader, Career Services Intern, Student Involvement and Operations Building Manager, Northeast Arc Intern
What made you choose Salem State, and what is one thing a prospective student should know about our campus community?
At first, I chose Salem State for practical reasons. I'm originally from Boston, so I wanted a campus far enough from home that I would live in a residence hall, but close enough to come home if I needed to. Salem was a top choice for me because it was the first school to offer me admission, and as a first-generation student, I felt so much pride knowing that my college journey would begin. In a way, Salem was the first place to welcome me into that journey. One thing a prospective student should know is that your community is here waiting for you. You just have to make the effort to find it.
Once you got to campus, what made you say, "This is the place for me?"
Coming out of COVID and the college search process, Salem was the only university I toured in person. The moment I stepped onto campus, it was like everything fell into place. I fell in love with the campus because it was beautiful and the perfect size for me. I also really liked the residence halls, and I appreciated being close to a city with plenty of public transportation available. My admissions tour guide drove home the point that college is what you make of it, and I was determined to take advantage of everything I saw.
What made you choose your major? What about your area of study ignites your passion?
I always knew I wanted to do something that involved helping children. At first, I thought I wanted to be a teacher, then a child therapist, and I honestly could not figure out what to major in. I first came to Salem as a psychology major. My passion really comes from my younger brother, who is on the spectrum. From a very young age, I saw the impact early intervention had not only on him, but on our whole family. I knew I wanted to be that source of support for other children and families. I had never even heard of early intervention before my experience with my brother, since it is such a specific area in a child's life. Once I found out I could specifically study early intervention at Salem, I knew right away what I wanted to do. I changed my major, found the best advisor in the world and never looked back.
Do you live on campus or commute? If you live on campus, what have you enjoyed most about your experience? If you commute, how have you stayed engaged with the campus community?
Living on campus all four years, I found that Salem quickly became my home away from home. What I enjoyed most was the supportive community. It felt like a unique bubble before life in the real world. Learning how to manage groceries, laundry and other daily responsibilities in the residence halls taught me practical life skills. At night, coming back from work and seeing RA programs or students gathering in the common areas really brought that sense of community to life.
How have you grown as a person during your college experience?
I think college has made me even more compassionate and empathetic. There is often a stigma around who can or should go to college, but at Salem, I met so many people from different backgrounds, including parents returning to continue their education, veterans seeking a second chance and people navigating it all with or without strong support systems. My time here broadened my view of the world and deepened my understanding of others. The most important growth for me has been learning to appreciate and connect with everyone's unique journey.
Can you describe a challenge that you overcame at Salem State?
In the fall of my sophomore year, my mom, who is my biggest supporter, was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it completely changed my motivation for school. I especially struggled with one class that had a very difficult workload. During an advising meeting, I was told I would need to complete another semester to graduate. I felt crushed and had to tell my mom and my friends that we would not be graduating together. Eventually, I spoke with Kimberly Jones in career services, and she reminded me that this setback did not take away from who I was and that everything would be okay. I worked with my advisor, who set up my internship for my final semester, and it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. I worked with the Northeast Arc in its Early Intervention department and got a real glimpse of my dream job. That extra semester made me feel the most grounded and prepared I had ever been to finish my time at Salem State. It truly was a blessing in disguise.
Could you discuss the relationships you've developed with faculty members and how these relationships have influenced your learning and personal growth?
I would not be where I am without the faculty and staff I met on campus. My professors checked in on me, reached out when I needed support and made sure I stayed on track. My advisor, Professor Megan Murphy, always kept my best interests at heart and helped secure the internship that became such a meaningful part of my experience. I also owe so much to Melissa Arroyo and Alliane Brennan (student involvement and operations), who believed in me, encouraged me to serve in Student Government as a sophomore and helped open so many doors for me. Their support was a huge reason Salem felt like home.
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?
One of the main reasons I chose Salem State was its affordability and the strength of its education program. I received grants and was able to apply for scholarships through Viking Scholarships, which further helped me continue my education as a first-generation student. On top of that, Salem offers one of the best education programs in the state, and being able to focus on early intervention made it even better. My advisor's professional background in the field provided me with guidance both academically and professionally. The Student Navigation Center was also always incredibly helpful in answering questions about my account and helping me understand how to make the most of the resources available to me.
Salem State emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Can you share any memorable experiences where you've applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings or through projects?
My internship with the Northeast Arc in its Early Intervention department was the clearest example of applying what I learned at Salem State. I worked directly with families in Lynn, Danvers and Salem, shadowing a developmental specialist and providing support and resources to children and families. I was also able to create my own materials to use once I enter the field. In some of my classes, I built a portfolio of techniques, activities and resources that I have already begun to use in real-world settings beyond the classroom.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how do you believe your time at Salem State has equipped you for success in pursuing these plans?
After graduation, I plan to spend one last summer as a camp counselor before searching for jobs focused on my preferred age group. My passion is working with children, and I'm open to any opportunity that comes my way. My classes, jobs, clubs, friendships and the people I interacted with all helped prepare me for the future. I also plan to pursue a master's in education and maybe return as a double Viking.