Amazing Opportunities
october 25, 2007
As the salutatorian of my high school class, I gave a speech to my peers on graduation day about many of the “firsts” we had experienced together – our first time driving a car, our first varsity game, our first loves, heartbreaks, major successes and major failures.
I was reminded of this moment a few weeks ago when the softball team met with Associate Director of Athletics Cindy MacDonald to discuss NCAA rules and regulations. As you can imagine, the meeting is not terribly exciting the first time - never mind the fourth!
I joked with the 6 other seniors on the team about how it was the last time we’d ever have to go through it, but quickly our lighthearted jokes brought us to realize that not only were we sitting at our last NCAA compliance meeting, but that we are essentially entering our last season of college softball and our last year at Stonehill.
Stonehill has offered me so many unique opportunities. During my sophomore year, I took part in a learning community that linked a creative writing course with a studio arts course. I had always loved art, but didn’t consider myself naturally talented enough to pursue it.
My studio arts professor, Shane Savage-Rumbaugh, recognized my creative passions and desire to improve and pushed me creatively express myself. Without him, I would never have declared studio arts as a second major.
My junior year was made unforgettable by my semester abroad studying at the University of Westminster in London. While I was studying, I had the chance to jet set around Europe almost every weekend. I climbed the Eiffel Tower, kissed the Blarney Stone (which may or may not have been one of my best ideas!), stood in the Coliseum, saw the famous architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona…the list goes on, and on!
The opportunities Stonehill has given me have been amazing, but the best of all has been the chance to be a student-athlete. I have met a group of friends I will hold on to for life, I have learned skills like time management and leadership that will transfer into the postgraduate world and I have been able to balance academics with my passion for athletics.
Being a pitcher is all about taking control of the game and thriving in pressure situations. I see this as a metaphor for my life. I know the joy of success and I have learned how to rebound from failures. As a Stonehill student-athlete, I have been able to receive an amazing education and play in the most competitive Division II conference in the country. Through my experiences in the classroom and on the mound, I am preparing myself for the future.
I hope what I have said thus far reflects the wonderful experiences I have had at Stonehill College. At this point I would like to remark on the power of the generosity of Stonehill’s alumni, friends and trustees.
After my freshman year, family issues led to my parents taking custody of my then 6 year old twin cousins. With two of their own children in college, and two more to raise, my parents’ financial situation was quite different and I was faced with the possibility of having to transfer to a more affordable college.
Working with Katie Conboy and Paula Sullivan, who recognized how much I loved Stonehill and what a great fit it was for me, I was awarded scholarship money which allowed me to stay. My family and I will be forever grateful for that help. Without it, I would not have been able to share with you the amazing experiences that I have had here at Stonehill College and I would not be able to say with complete certainty that I have made the most of my college experience and am ready for what is to come next.
Despite the fact that I will be graduating in May, I am convinced that the ideologies of Stonehill College are worth more than just four years – they will resonate throughout my life.
Thank you.