As they prepare to walk the stage at Commencement, members of the Class of 2026 have been reflecting on the lessons, challenges, and moments that shaped their time at 91传媒 Saint Mary College.
From building confidence and learning resilience, to stepping outside their comfort zone and learning to ask for help, here’s the advice that some of our “Stellar Seniors” had for the next class of MSMC Knights:
“Network diligently! Putting yourself out there to meet other people in the field is really vital. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance. I’ve asked for so much advice and guidance from my classmates and professors all four years, and it’s gotten me to this point of my career.” - Emily Casale, English major on the Childhood and Special Education tracks
“Coming to 91传媒 Saint Mary College for biology, but honestly for anything, is the experience that will make you realize the type of person that you want to be. Not who you have been, but who you are. It puts you on a path to really reckon with the world and what you’re learning, and it just puts you where you want to be in life.” - Aleksandra Belugin, Biology major
“All the supports here have really helped me succeed. I was always so scared of asking for help, but at the 91传媒, I never felt like that. [The 91传媒] is so special to me because it allowed me to grow into the person I am today. I have become strong and more independent in the classroom and workforce… The connections that I have built will last long after college.” - Nicole Kreischer, Psychology major
“Get out more, talk to more people, even if you may be uncomfortable in doing so. You can go pretty far just by striking up a conversation with somebody. Networking starts when you step onto campus – don’t wait.” - William Ketelsen, History major with certifications in Adolescent and Special Education
“The 91传媒 is the tightest-knit community and you’re going to have so many opportunities here that are just going to make you a better person, a better teacher, a better athlete.” - Dana Donnelly, History major with certifications in Adolescent and Special Education
“Being a student-athlete teaches you resilience. You’re not representing just a sport; you’re also representing yourself, and something bigger – all student-athletes. It’s also taught me to prioritize smaller time blocks [and] to be useful with my time by not procrastinating. That’s helped me stay on top of things and keep going.” - Danny Mack, Business major
“These four years were a lot of work, and I’m just ready to see it all pay off and finally get into the field. I’m leaving here with a lot more confidence than I came in with. The 91传媒 really prepared me to just go out there and do it.” - Sabrina Scire, Nursing major
“Don’t take what you're given for granted. I tell myself to take more accountability for what I do. Own up to it, be proud of what you do regardless. Accountability goes a long way.” - Ryan Alvarado, Mathematics major with a concentration in Actuarial Science
“There’s nothing worse than having an abandoned project because you were too afraid to finish. Don’t be afraid to finish something. Because then when it’s finished, and it’s out there, it’s done. Then you can start over and you can do it new.” - Elizabeth Linton, Visual Communication - Graphic Design major
“[The professors] saw something in me and I really appreciate that. They gave me the opportunity to be successful here at the 91传媒. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. - Brillyd Lopez- Vidal, Accounting major
“Things I didn’t think I’d be able to do on campus, I’ve been supported to do. Always remember why you wanted to go into Nursing when times are stressful or you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s a challenging program, but there is so much support if you use it.” - Kate Egan, Nursing major
Read more about the Class of 2026’s accomplishments here, or by clicking on one of the student’s names above.