"I looked at the campus, the buildings, and I was like, ‘This is where I need to be.’"
Why Cazenovia College?
As a senior in high school Cazenovia was my first option, but initially I attended a SUNY school near home as an art major. After a year and a half, I decided that Caz was calling me and I needed to go. I visited the town and the campus and just went everywhere; I didn’t have a formal tour. I looked at the campus, the buildings, and I was like, ‘This is where I need to be.’ I just felt that welcoming aspect and I felt like this was where I was going to grow as a person. I applied, was accepted as a sophomore in 2018, and most of my credits transferred.
I loved everything about the College’s fashion program, and I feel like fashion is part of who I am, but I couldn’t see myself making a career with it. The more I learned about Cazenovia, the more I thought a major in International Studies will get me where I want to be. I was able to minor in fashion design.
Experiences You’ve Had
I was especially thankful to be chosen to go abroad. It was a great experience. I had a lot of fun, traveled a lot, it was the best experience I’ve ever had. I also was part of student government for two years. You get to be involved, you get to do so many different things, and be in charge, and be part of the student voice.
I definitely have enjoyed the people here. The friends I have made, the staff, the students here all make the campus feel safe and make it a place where students can grow as individuals. The intimacy makes it a place that gets you ready to go out there in the world. This place also is open to students’ concerns and lets their voices be heard, and that’s a very essential atmosphere for a college to have.
Future Plans
I moved to Oahu, Hawaii, in December 2020, and I now plan to finish my degree online in May 2021. I want to find a job where I can offer my knowledge and be part of something positive. I don’t know what that is yet, but I’ll know it when it comes.
I also want to go into AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps before I get older. If I ever go back to school, it will be for national affairs, anthropology, or archaeology, because I love those subjects.
Advice to Students
No matter where you go, and no matter what your expectations, give 100% of your motivation and encouragement. It must come from within because that’s what will allow you to be your best ‘you.’ When you do that, it doesn’t matter who you are; you’re making it possible for yourself in your surroundings. And don’t be afraid to go to a small school. This has been my happy place.