Class of 2024 Alumnae Return to the Mount, Inspire Seniors

On January 7, members of the Class of 2024 shared their college/university insights and experiences with seniors during a special panel discussion at the annual Return to the Mount in the Sister Lisa Gambacorto Theater. The event was coordinated by the Advancement Office/Alumnae Office/Alumnae Association and the College Counseling Department. 

The panel discussion was held after the young alumnae reconnected with their classmates during a light breakfast as well as faculty, staff members and current students.

Jacqueline Muratore (Assistant Directress for Faculty, Curriculum, and Planning) and Elizabeth Roper (Director of College Counseling) served as panel moderators. Welcoming remarks were made by JoAnn Rojek Minnicino '74 (Alumnae Association President) and Susan Di Iorio (Alumnae Program Coordinator). 

The following alumnae participated: Aayushi Arvikar (Bucknell University), Isabella Silva Castillo (Pratt Institute), Natalia Colon (Fordham University), Zoe Daly (Princeton University), Lillian Del Rossi (University of Notre Dame and Class of 2024 Salutatorian), Kayla Dubois (Rutgers University), Kaila Dula (Hampton University), Ana Farrell (University of New Hampshire), Victoria Fekete (The College of William & Mary), Emma Goodbody (University of Winchester), Nina Heim (University of Notre Dame and Class of 2024 Valedictorian), Emma Humphrey (San Diego State University), Sekai Jones (Stevens Institute of Technology), Charlotte Jotz (Fairfield University), Akshaya Karanam (Georgetown University), Theresa Morrison (University of San Diego), Nicole Parisi (Ursinus College), Cornelia Rovito (University of Colorado Boulder), Gianna Savatta (Seton Hall University), Zoe Schack (Villanova University), Emma Szabo (Bucknell University), Gabrielle Zuretti (Virginia Tech), and Dylan Elizabeth Wolski (Rutgers University – New Brunswick).  

When asked about where they were as seniors last year regarding college acceptances, only 4 out of the 23 alumnae said they knew where they planning to go to college.

Lillian Del Rossi, Class of 2024 Salutatorian, University of Notre Dame/business analytics) encouraged seniors to weigh the pros and cons regarding college choices with the assurance that they will make a positive difference at whichever school they select. Emma Goodbody (University of Winchester/philosophy, religion and ethics) echoed that statement, adding that it is “not the end of the world” if you do not get into your top choice school because you are meant to be where you are meant to be. “Don’t be so hard on yourself,” she said.

Alumnae revealed some of their favorite college classes such as “Maps & the Modern World,” “Freshmen STEM Cooking Class,” “Intro to Linguistic Anthropology,” “Intro to Animal Science” and “Faith & Critical reason.” They also shared the wide range in class sizes at their schools. For example, Emma Goodbody reported 20 students in her largest class and 8 in her smallest class while Emma Humphrey reported 800 students in her largest class and 90 in her smallest class).

The alumnae said that they appreciated the strong writing skills, time management strategies, and dedication to academic focus and excellence acquired at the Mount which have made all of the difference in their college experiences. They also cited classes such as forensics, anatomy, and business and U.S. government courses as being especially impactful. The alumnae also value the one-on-one attention they received from their teachers at the Mount especially because it is different from their experience at larger institutions they are attending now.

Aayushi Arvikar (Bucknell University/biomedical engineering) encouraged the seniors to connect with their advisors and professors as early as possible to build a bridge to future success.

Regarding living arrangements, extracurricular activities, and social life at college, the young alumnae said it is important to be open-minded and to explore new opportunities. If you don’t get along with your roommate, Emma Szabo (Bucknell University/political science) said open communication and mutual respect are key to having a positive experience. Sekai Jones (Stevens Institute of Technology/quantitative finance) decided to start a Lego Club after participating in a fun papier-mâché group on campus. The alumnae reported being a part of sororities, campus radio stations, debate societies, attending dance clubs, and more. Ana Farrell (University of New Hampshire/pre-veterinary medicine) enjoys women’s rugby while Gabrielle Zuretti (Virginia Tech/marketing) loved learning about how to work a soundboard and being a deejay!

Carrying on their journeys of faith is an individual experience, shared the alumnae. Nicole Parisi (Ursinus College/psychology major and gender, women and sexuality studies minor) said that staying connected to your faith is something to pursue and commit to on your own. Nina Heim (Class of 2024 Valedictorian, University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business) attends masses, and enjoys the sense of community she feels while practicing her faith).

Following the panel, alumnae and seniors engaged in lively discussion at a mini college fair during which they were able to address more questions about the college experience.