2017 Cabrini Story Contest Finalists
These are the winners and honorable mentions from the 2018 and 2017 Short Story Contests. You can also read the 2019 Story Contest Winners.
SUPPORTIVE CABRINI PEOPLE
Fabrine De Oliveira, Class of 2019
Winner of the 2018 Short Story Contest
I still remember her calling me after work hours to try to learn more about me and my status to see how she could best help me. I remember her going out of her way before she even met me to try to help me have access to a college education here in America. I remember her sending me email after email with various outside scholarships that I was eligible to apply for. I remember her calling me to tell me she was doing her very best to explain my situation to the financial aid office. I still remember when I received that acceptance letter in the mail with a financial aid package that was too good to be true. Some would say she was just doing her job, but I would argue that she did more than that. She gave me a path, an opportunity for a future. She is the main reason why I am here. She advocated for me as a student before she even knew who I was. Thank you, Angelica Martinez. I am forever in debt with you for your support and willingness to go out of your way to help me. Thank you, Cabrini for making my dream of pursuing a degree in America a reality.
Katelyn Melahn, Class of 2017
Winner of the 2017 Short Story Contest
Coming to Cabrini, I would have never imagined I would begin to cry while packing up the car to head back after break for my final semester. Freshman year was fun but I found myself repeatedly questioning my decision to attend here. Then along came a professor, Dr. Vivian Smith, who would unknowingly flip my college career upside-down. Lively, vivacious, and spunky she waltzed into my first class sophomore year and the rest is history. She, and eventually the rest of the criminology and sociology department, pushed me to get involved, think outside of the box, challenge myself, see the world through a different lens, and always strive to be the greatest person I can be. You know you picked the right school when professors become advisors, advisors become personal mentors, and those mentors become great friends. Because of them I will be leaving Cabrini ready to take the world by storm, and for that I will be forever grateful.
2018 Honorable Mentions
Jackie Marciano, Class of 2010, MS'17
I was a member of the Cabrini Dance Team since my freshmen year at Cabrini and in 2008, I was appointed captain of the team. A teammate mentioned that a new professor was interested in helping us as a volunteer coach. As a student run group, I was thrilled to have an adult to help lead the 18 girls on the team. Dr. Michelle Filling-Brown guided us through the creation of a contract, constitution, short and long term goals which included dancing at outside venues and going to our very first competition. She was our voice of reason and reached into her personal network to provide the team with opportunities we otherwise would have never experienced. Michelle facilitated private lessons with Eagles Cheerleaders, Rockettes and Broadway performers free of charge. Michelle was always available in and out of the studio and was a resource for dance and personal matters. Michelle inspired us to make our team better than the year before and was always looking for opportunities for the team. In 2011 Michelle stepped down as our volunteer coach due to a promotion. I found it admirable that she sat the team down and explained the reason for her decision. While we were all upset she would no longer be leading the team we all respected her decision to peruse her life goals. Once I graduated I followed in Michelle’s footsteps and volunteered as coach, and for the past 7 years, the team has been an integral part of my life. To this day, every time I am faced with a challenge with the team, I think of Michelle and how she would handle the situation.
Francesca Maslin, Class of 2020
When I came to Cabrini, I had no way of really knowing just how much of an influence Dr. Amber LaJeunesse would have on me. I had submitted an application to be a part of the Commuter Learning Community as an incoming freshman and I was placed into that community. Amber became my academic advisor and College 101 professor. I must admit, my transition from High School to a University was most definitely a challenge; even with the support from the friends I was making through the LC, I found myself having trouble acclimating to my new surroundings. Some nights I stayed in Jazzman’s Café fairly late to get work done, and Amber would always make it a point to check in with me before leaving for the night. My interactions with Amber became more frequent, and her encouraging words inspired me to engage in more activities. Amber encouraged me to reach outside of my comfort zone and apply to be an orientation leader, student fellow, and steered me towards other amazing opportunities. Today, she is my supervisor for my commuter engagement internship, oversees my position as a student fellow, and continues to encourage me. She pushes me to achieve my fullest potential. She believes in me, even when I lose faith in myself. To me, Amber is a mentor, a coach, and an inspiring person to know. I can say, whole-heartedly, that I do not know where I would be without her constant compassion, kindness, support, and encouragement.
Rachel Maxey, Class of 2020
The first individual who helped me in countless ways was Dr. Lelli, undergraduate professor of education. Dr. Lelli helped me to find my passions of advocating against domestic violence and for children of trauma and domestic violence. Through Dr. Lelli’s Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education, I have learned more about how to help children and families. Dr. Lelli truly cares about helping victims of domestic violence and children exposed to the violence and trauma. I hope, one day, to be able to help countless individuals and children like Dr. Lelli has done.
The second person who has helped me is Tommie Wilkins, the Violence Against Women on Campus Grant Coordinator. Tommie has taught me so much about advocating against domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through Tommie I have also learned the importance of bystander intervention and engaging men in these issues. I believe Tommie has led me to become the best version of myself, an advocate.
The third person who has helped me at Cabrini is Rosa Altomare, Cabrini’s Campus Ministry Peer Minister. Rosa has taught me so much about faith and kindness. In October of 2017, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Rosa’s caring attitude and willingness to listen made my diagnosis easier. Rosa is truly a wonderful human being that makes Cabrini a better place.
2017 Honorable Mentions
Rodolfo Altamirano, Adjunct Professor
As an adjunct professor at Cabrini University for more than five years now, I have been impacted not by what I have taught but what I have learned from students of various backgrounds and perspectives. These individuals taught me life lessons that cannot be captured in any syllabus or curriculum. Through each one of them, I have been transformed in many ways. Please meet a few of my Cabrini “heroes” (names changed to preserve identity):
“Jodie” – She had no experience in teaching. She had not worked for years because she had to take care of her children. Her unrelenting passion for teaching sparked my inspiration to help her pave the way for a new chapter in her life.
“Scott” – He was a medical doctor but decided to hang up his stethoscope and pursue teaching. He showed me that teaching is a noble profession, and he would not have become a doctor if not for the outstanding teachers in his life.
“Betty” – A lawyer by profession, she believed that teaching would provide her with opportunities to promote social justice beyond the use of the gavel.
“Robert” – A well-respected teacher in elementary school. His creativity and tenacity has instilled the value of going outside the box.
These are four of the many individuals who impacted my Cabrini experience – a university in which even faculty can immensely learn through teaching. My life’s journey will never be the same because Cabrini promotes a community of learners where self-discovery, engagement, and making a difference matter!
Janet Cobb Ryerson, Class of 1959
As a member of the first class of students to enter Cabrini College in September, 1957, I wanted to share some of the precious memories of those beginning years. I feel blessed and grateful for the education and inspiration I received under the leadership of “Mother” Ursula Infante, MSC, who was Principal at the Mother Cabrini School in New York City (which I attended from 4th grade through High School) and who became founding President at Cabrini College. It was her dream to start a Women’s Catholic College in Radnor, Pa., and it was her vision and perseverance that led to the College’s existence.
Qualities that she passed on to us were both leadership and service and I am indebted to her for the guidance and love she gave to me and to many others. Mother Ursula was a dedicated, faithful, Christian who loved Cabrini College, and her students.
We, the first class lived her dream with her. She set high expectations for us in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the community. Not one of us would ever want to disappoint her or the goals she set for “her girls”. I cherish the ideals she instilled in me during all those years. Whenever I returned to the college for alumni basketball games, or reunions and other functions, Mother Ursula was always there waiting with a smile on her face, a hug, and a “hello Janet”. She never forgot any of us. Although she has been gone for many years, her influence, aspirations, and love for Cabrini will live on forever. I am proud and honored to be a Cabrini Alumnus.
SELF-DISCOVERY
Eric Stone, Class of 2019
Winner of the 2018 Short Story Contest
What I learned about myself at Cabrini is that I am not a stupid person. Yes, I once actually thought that I was stupid, and it was a mindset that plagued me for quite some time. In high school, you’re given a miscellaneous group of subjects to learn, whether it be math, history, science, etc. If you aren’t able to easily educate yourself on these subjects, whether you are interested in them or not, you are automatically looked at as unintelligent, and that begins to reflect your own mindset as well.
At Cabrini, I learned that I am quite the opposite from a stupid person. For the first time ever, I was able to flourish tremendously with my grades, because for once, I was able to take classes that were very meaningful to me. Whether it be a hands-on communication class that helped to expand my mind, or an ECG class that helped to expand my heart, Cabrini showed me that I could be the intelligent person I always wanted to be, both in academics and in my heart.
I owe it to this wonderful school for showing me my true identity and allowing me to do what the university really strives for: to live with purpose.
Vanessa Lawrence-Fulton, Class of 2018
Winner of the 2017 Short Story Contest
I spent two years at Cabrini College and one year at Cabrini University. Through those three years both the school and myself have transformed our thoughts, ideologies, and ways of expressing ourselves. I entered Cabrini College timid and naïve of what exactly the school offered. I knew only to get my degree and leave without any clue on how to truly express myself. I never tried to go outside my comfort zone in high school, so I thought not to change who I was if its been working. I was wrong. In a short amount of time I gained a colorful array of friends, entered leadership roles on campus like peer mentoring for the Body Language LLC, and retained academic excellence. I proved myself wrong and gained a new zone of confidence that had never had the chance of being tapped into because I was overlooked in my previous institutions. I have the chance to become the voice for the marginalized and use the privileges handed to me to help those who never had the chance to be truly ‘seen.’ I have also had the chance to become great friends with the faculty here on campus. I never had the chance to be close to any of my professors or staff members at any of my schools before, but I feel as though I have made lasting friendships for a lifetime.
2018 Honorable Mentions
Kristin Bowman, EdD Student
Once there was a little girl who wanted to be a brain surgeon. Or professional skier. Her mother said, “you can be anything you want to be!” She grew up and became a teacher and non-profit business leader. When she decided she wanted her doctorate, her mother said, “you can be anything you want to be!” So, she applied to Cabrini’s EdD program. But suddenly, her mother died. Her father needed her, but he lived far away & the little girl – now a grown woman – wasn’t sure she could work, take care of her father, and start a doctoral program. Everyone around her, though, said she could do it.
So, she started the program and juggled as fast as she could! Her father was proud. Her coworkers, colleagues, family, and her wife all supported & encouraged her. Then, her father died & she wasn’t sure she could keep going. But her circle of support had grown and now her classmates and professors told her she could do it. And she believed them. Today, she believes in herself in a whole new way – even when she’s overwhelmed & exhausted. Her new friends at Cabrini make her laugh and appreciate each day of this difficult journey. Her professors, the faculty, & administrators prop her up even as they challenge her. And she’s learned (Oh, how she’s learned!) so much more than she ever thought she would when she listened to her mother say that she could be anything she wanted to be.
Brian Jordan, Class of 2020
The most memorable moment that I have experienced at Cabrini came in the summer of 2016. I was lifeguarding at the Dixon Center Pool. Not much happens at the Cabrini's pool in the summertime, but on this day Camp Pals came in to use the pool for an hour. Camp Pals is a summer program that focuses on building strong friendships with people that have Down Syndrome. When this group first entered the pool, I was scared to death that something would go wrong. After I calmed down a bit and really watched this group of people, I noticed something extraordinary. I watched a group of people have the most fun I have ever seen, half of them had down syndrome, half of them didn’t, but every single person knew the meaning of friendship. After watching this group in awe for some time, I walked right up to the person in charge and wanted to know more about this organization and how to get involved. Fastforward almost two years and Pals Programs continues to be one of my biggest passions. This year I have become the Pals Ambassador to Cabrini in hopes to help promote, fundraise, and recruit fellow volunteers! PALS has helped shape me into the person I am today. I am also proud to say that Cabrini has shaped Pals Programs into what it is today by being the first college to open their doors to the non-profit organization fifteen years ago.
2017 Honorable Mentions
Dennis Finacchiaro ('98), Adjunct Professor
Today I stood in front of my first class at Cabrini as an instructor. The reason this is so epic is because I graduated from Cabrini in 1998.
Back then, I took a class called Video Production with Cathy Yungmann. The first day was exciting and scary at the same time. I still remember the first time I directed the whole class in a production. I’m sure I was shaking. It’s funny, because now I look back at that moment and wonder, why was I so nervous?
I had the script. I did the work, the planning, and even practiced on my own. After I finally was able to say “Fade to Black” signifying the end of the show, I breathed a huge sigh of relief, and after that made sure I signed up for every video class Cabrini offered.
Here it is, 2017, and I’m now teaching Video Production thanks to Cathy. And as I stood in front of that class, I was not the least bit nervous or concerned. But I can see some of the students might be feeling a little of that anxiety I felt so long ago. So I told them not to worry.
That is what Cabrini taught me. I learned that I can do just about anything with the correct preparation, planning and work. And now I’m lucky enough to get to pass that knowledge on to a new generation.
Aileen Hower, Adjunct Professor
Cabrini helped me to learn about who I was as an educator and the importance of advocating for my students.
I learned how to be reflective in my practice. Through each class in the Reading Specialists program, I would take stock of what I had learned and how it affected my current teaching practice. I taught at Woodlynde School, just down the road. Students there needed their teacher to be highly trained in reading, as well as sensitive to their learning styles and needs. Cabrini prepared me with the most up-to-date understandings of both theory and practice in the field of reading and helped me create a community of readers and writers.
Cabrini also pushed me to do things that really mattered in the field of education. I became a leader because of what I learned from my professors and the coursework. I no longer followed what had been done, but shared what could be done. We grew as an English department in our ability to both meet the needs of students and see them for who they could become. One student once shared, “Thank you for helping us reach our dreams. Thank you for believing in what we could do and not what we couldn’t do before your class.” Cabrini developed me into a keen diagnostician who could use student data in a dynamic way to reach students and help them grow.
I found my voice and passion for education, for my students, and especially for literacy through Cabrini.
FIGHTING INJUSTICE AND INEQUITY
Rachel Maxey, Class of 2018
Winner of the 2018 Short Story Contest
Before I began Cabrini in 2014, I was quite unaware of the social issues and inequalities that our country and world face. Due to my classes and experiences at Cabrini, I not only learned the truth about inequalities of the world but also how to make a difference. I have had the honor of learning about Mother Cabrini, who dedicated her life to helping others who faced oppression. I believe it is my destiny to help others and advocate for those who face oppression. It is also my responsibility to speak out against injustices others may face. I have learned about many social issues such as the foster care system, immigration, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, poverty, homelessness and human trafficking. Junior year I became the founding president of Students Against Violence Everyday and began volunteering for Laurel House, a non-profit working to end domestic violence. Senior year I began working as the office assistant to the Center of Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education. Last year I took part in a mission trip to West Virginia, (Appalachia) and this year I am going to New Orleans and Ecuador. Occasionally I participate in Campus Ministry’s PB&J nights where students make sandwiches, go to Philly to give them out, and talk with people experiencing homelessness. I recently joined Montgomery Coalition Against Human Trafficking. In 2018, I will be attending graduate school for social work. Cabrini has taught me how to live a life in the name of social justice.
Anna Russo, Class of 2019
Winner of the 2017 Short Story Contest
In a world where financial success and ‘climbing the ladder’ have seemed to overshadow morals and serving others, the words and life of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini have inspired me to positively influence the community in which I live. More importantly, my experience at Cabrini has instilled a passion for helping those less fortunate than I. One of the most important elements of Cabrini that has influenced my passion for social justice has been my relationships with professors. Specifically, my professors in sociology, criminology, philosophy, and leadership, have inspired me with their lifelong dedication to fighting for those who society has left behind. Even just the presence of my female professors who have fought through their male-dominated fields to succeed academically motivate me to further my education. Dr. Vivian C. Smith, for example, has fought throughout her entire life to study and serve the population of incarcerated women who suffer from substance addiction. Specifically focusing on the effects of the War on Drugs on women, she has created and developed reentry programs that seek to support women who are being reintroduced to society. Dr. Smith is just one example of a professor who inspires me to fight injustice and serve my community! Throughout the remainder of my time at Cabrini, I hope to instill this passion in others and lead by example for those around me!
2018 Honorable Mentions
Sarah Davis, Class of 2017
“Los Desaparecidos. Has anyone heard of them?”
“Los what?” asked a student, who moments ago was one of the five people raising a hand to answering the poll of who had taken Spanish classes in high school.
“Los Desaparecidos,” I repeated, proceeding with an explanation of Argentina’s “The Disappeared.”
After covering rhetorical devices in the previous class, I distributed their first essay’s prompt and explained how they were to use what we learned to analyze the provided New York Times article on the event. I previewed the material with them, including a mini documentary, and asked for their reactions. The first-year composition students stared in silence.
A wide-eyed girl in the back burst out, “This is ridiculous! I can’t believe so many people were murdered like that and I’ve never heard about it before in my life. This is so wrong.” Some vocalized agreement, but nearly everyone nodded.
I smiled. I had reached them. Having spent a semester studying the history and then having gone to Argentina with Cabrini’s three-week immersion trip equipped me to answer their roll of questions.
When I designed my course a few months prior, I found myself compiling social justice materials I had gathered from my Cabrini courses. I had been like that quiet girl in the back of the classroom; the events had compelled me to speak, and would eventually provoke me to act. Now, with those same issues, I stand at the front of the room determined to teach much more than composition.
Nick Weisheipl, Head Coach
To discover the word disponibilita’ and be captivated by its definition during my Cabrini orientation conducted by Nancy Costello has laid an inspired foundation for the baseball program’s culture and direction. The ideas of availability and selflessness and the willingness to venture outside of one’s comfort zone and normal scope for the betterment and advancement of others serve as enduring guides to the coaching staff and student-athletes in our pursuit of excellence in all facets of our lives.
We proudly display disponibilita’ on the backs of our hats and shirts as constant reminders to conduct ourselves as Mother Cabrini did: Committed to lives of service to others. In baseball, having teammates and coaches who empathize, motivate, and celebrate willingly provides an environment that is inclusive, accountable, and vigorous. We take supreme pride that our conduct athletically, academically, socially, and spiritually drives the flagship for all that is Cabrini University and are quick to shoulder that responsibility.
Some institutions have no vision, some have an imposed vision, but Cabrini University has a shared vision. This vision of doing things Cabrinian is not isolated to the baseball program, but permeates this campus as members of the university strive each day to give of themselves in the hope that someone else will reap the benefits of their toils. In an overly transactional world, Cabrini University stands as a prime example of why it benefits more to be transformational and charitable.
2017 Honorable Mentions
Timothy Rooney, Class of 2012
Through the many service opportunities I was privileged to take part, Cabrini Campus Ministry empowered me to plumb the depth and beauty of Catholic Social Teaching. Through these powerful experiences, I caught a glimpse of the unseen forces of failed economic and societal pacts that inordinately harm the most vulnerable. These experiences propelled me to serve in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, where I gave a year of my life to work with young men from the most abusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Because of my Cabrini education I have seen injustice in the unclothed children splashing in polluted puddles of the dirt roads in Ecuador; the tent cities of Skid Row; the impoverished former coal miners in forgotten hollows of West Virginia; I have seen it in the former gang members and abused high school students with whom I worked.
I have seen hope in the incalculable love of those who sacrifice everything to stand among these injustices and advocate for change. I have seen hope in the lives of those same high school students, abused and counted out of society, who gave up their time to serve the homeless in the neighborhoods from which they came, and fought and scraped to enter college.
I would have never experienced any of this heartbreak and beauty without my first spring break in West Virginia. My life has been forever changed by standing along the margins—and I will never stop fighting to be a voice for the voiceless.
Ashley Woodruff, Class of 2019
Cabrini has been the best decision of my life. I have always believed that I am meant to help others and after putting a pause on my education to work full-time for a few years, I decided to follow my dreams. I applied to multiple schools, but my heart was drawn to Cabrini. (In 2015, if you had asked what led me to Cabrini, I could not have answered, but now I cannot imagine being anywhere else.) My eyes have been opened to so much and I have gained an abundance of knowledge in just one and a half years. In that short time, I feel that I have truly found my calling, and I hope to attend law school following my time at Cabrini. But what can I do to help as many people as possible? I have always wanted to help those in need, but it is now clear to me that there is no shortage of such people in our world. Dr. Farina has inspired me to fight to reform our criminal justice system. Dr. McKinley has inspired me to fight for minorities. Dr. Owen has inspired me to fight for the oppressed and impoverished. Abel Rodriguez, JD, has inspired me to fight for immigrants. Ultimately, Cabrini has made me passionate about fighting for the human rights and dignity of all persons. I am confident that Cabrini University will continue to guide me towards an answer and a profession that will enable me to help as many people in need as possible.
EMPOWERED FUTURE
Alyson Fisher, Class of 2019
2018 Winner of the Cabrini Short Story Contest
Growing up with a physical disability my parents always taught me to advocate for myself, in hopes that one day I would be able to go where I wanted when I wanted to like college. I knew it was a possibility, but never realized going away to school would become a reality. After months of anticipation and preparation, I moved into the East Residence Hall as a shy and reserved freshman. Living away from home and without my parents right there, I was now responsible for my own care on top of my schoolwork. Throughout the three years of attending Cabrini, professors, students and administration have given me an opportunity like no other. I am a member of the DAPi National Honor Society, a participant in the LEADStrong program and a Dean’s List student. Cabrini has allowed me to blossom into an outspoken, confident and independent individual. I have had the chance to meet students and connect with faculty who has pushed me to become a better individual. If it weren’t for Cabrini and their mission to “prepare me to become an engaged citizen of the world”, I would not have been given the opportunity to grow into the individual I am today.
2018 Honorable Mentions
Tamara Conan-Virtue, Class of 2000
I had my eyes first set on Cabrini when I was in high school at Sacred Heart Academy in Bryn Mawr, PA. I fell in love with the nurturing, catholic environment, very similar to what I had come from. I was proud to have graduated with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. While at Cabrini, the faculty instilled through their teachings confidence and making a difference in the world. Dr. Girard was one of the most passionate and unforgettable for a lot of us. The fact that all faculty know you by name helps to create a bond like no other.
Eighteen years later, I am no longer in the teaching world but a national director of a youth running program that is estimating over 44,000 participants in 2018! Healthy Kids Running Series is a national community-based non-profit, that provides an inclusive fun five-week running series for ages 2 through 14 that gets kids active, feel accomplished and lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. I feel blessed to have the ability to make a different in the world but on a larger scale!
Last year I started thinking about attending a graduate program, something more fitting to my work now. Where else would I go? Cabrini of course! This January I enrolled in the Master of Science in Leadership/Non-Profit Management program. Being a mom of 3 teenage daughters now and an adult, the experience is even more rewarding then it was before! I look forward to what the future holds!
Marko Gittens, Class of 1990
My experience at Cabrini helped me realize that it’s never too late to accomplish your dreams if you’re willing to put in the work. I came to Cabrini to pursue my education at the time when most were throwing their caps in the air at graduation. I was a non-traditional student coming back to school at 23 after completing an enlistment in the military; my teammates called me “pops”. I came to join the basketball program and quickly got involved by working in the cafeteria, working summers with the buildings and grounds crew, as a medical assistant, and in the office of institutional advancement; just to name a few. I was an average student and worked my way up to be recognized academically. I left the military as an enlisted sailor and rejoined as a commissioned officer because of an opportunity to join a commissioning program at a sister school next door. I took advantage of the opportunities that were made available at Cabrini and it propelled me into a life I couldn’t have drawn up myself. The school remains relatively small but has the potential to have a huge impact on your life. Because of the renewing of my mind while at Cabrini and now in retirement, I am sharing the same hopeful message that it is never too late to achieve your dreams.
THAT CABRINI MOMENT
Kathleen Campbell, Class of 2019
Winner of the 2017 Short Story Contest
My story is really very simple—I was led to Cabrini. For more than 15 years, I have taken the train to work from Montgomery County to the Eastwick section of Philadelphia. Truth be told, I rarely notice anything because I am too busy trying to make sure I don’t run over anyone’s toes with my wheelies or bump anyone with my lunch bag. But one day I looked up and saw a Cabrini poster – Accelerated Degree Completion Program and Bachelors of Arts In Leadership – the seed was planted but not fully developed.
I continued to see the poster on different train cars and after a week or two, I believed the universe was trying to tell me something, so I looked it up on line and sent an email. Within days I heard back and made an appointment to see Pat Griffin. From the moment I stepped off the Cabrini shuttle, I felt like I had come home. Doctor Griffin and I talked for about an hour, and I told her about my desire to complete my degree. She shared her experience, outlined how it could be done, and all I needed to do to make it happen. Everything not only looked right, it felt right. Dr. Griffin even took me on a tour of the campus. It was during the tour when it really felt like I was home in my neighborhood – everything was so familiar.
Sometimes we are led to where we should be and I was glad I listened to my heart, because I was led to Cabrini.
2017 Honorable Mentions
Noel Faragalli, Class of 2020
When I decided to make a commitment to attend Cabrini I was not as excited as one should be when taking such an imperative step in life. My idea of the perfect college at the time was the thought of going to a school where the class population was over 100 and going to football games with thousands of enthusiastic fans. However, my thoughts have changed completely. After only successfully finishing one semester at Cabrini, I can proudly say I am grateful to be a part of such an amazing university.
I was told by a faculty member that those who come to Cabrini, are here because someone, somewhere wants them to be here. At that same time, I learned Mother Cabrini was born on July 15th and at that moment I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. July 15th is the day my oldest sister past away a little over two years ago, which is why that date is so significant to me. She was my biggest supporter and always told me to follow my instincts and I will become successful. She taught me to take risks and make decisions based on what I feel is right and so I did. Though attending Cabrini was not understandable to me at first, I am glad I followed my gut. With the help of the amazing staff and students here, I could never imagine being a part of any other university. Therefore, I will forever spread the love I have for Cabrini while encouraging others to do whatever they FEEL is right.
Angelina Miller, Class of 2019
Growing up, I had always told my parents that I wanted to go to Bloomsburg University for college. For some reason, my father’s alma mater was far more appealing to me than my mother's, Cabrini. However, after touring Bloomsburg’s large campus amongst a group of dozens of other students and their families, I felt like a lost face in a crowded group and realized the school was not the right fit.
Visiting Cabrini ended up being the complete opposite. I felt completely welcome as soon as I walked into the admissions office, and my one on one tour with my parents and a student ambassador was by far the best I had throughout my college selection process.
My interest in communications and my communications alumna of a mother also lead me to receive a personal tour of the communications wing from an upperclassmen in the major and one on one time with Dr. Zurek, the department’s chair.
Now, as I major in digital communications and social media as a second semester sophomore, I can confidently say that I am more than content with my decision to attend Cabrini. Our university’s close knit size and accepting environment make me feel like I am at home and have also allowed me to make my mark academically much sooner rather than later.
I am forever grateful for all of the opportunities that Cabrini has lead me to thus far and cannot wait to see what the future holds.