Student Success

Transcript

Next, we’ll meet Mary Elizabeth, a senior majoring in Criminal Justice. She has an awesome experience to share about her academic journey on the Hilltop. She’ll tell us how she chose her major and found her passion. And about the individual attention and academic support she’s received that has helped her be successful. Mary Elizabeth, we can’t wait to hear your story. You’re on.

– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone! Coming into college, I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do with my life. But I knew this would be the place to help me figure it all out. I changed majors three times and joined different organizations to find my fit. From the start, my success coach helped me in my academic journey by planning out courses and potential majors. She encouraged me to take a Criminal Justice class because I had an interest in the legal system. I met with my professor after the first class to learn more about the field and went back to my success coach to change majors right away. That’s how amazing the first class was. My criminal justice professors provided endless support and made themselves available to help me with challenging classes, research papers, and guidance on internship opportunities. I also took a Social Work class and fell in love. My professor and faculty advisor helped me navigate a way to branch these two fields together, while also keeping my Communication minor. From office hours to research meetings, my professors have been active participants and mentors in both my personal and academic journey. It’s been challenging adjusting my personal roadmap over the years, but having that constant encouragement and help, made me feel supported. Learning from professors who have real-world experience and who make the material come to life through their commitment, enthusiasm, and knowledge helped me find my passion. With their guidance, I conducted and developed my own research, created an Honors thesis and participated in field experiences like simulations, mock trials, presentations, and court visits. With this real-world experience, I am ready for my first internship. St. Edward’s small academic environment allowed me to truly know my professors, success coach, faculty advisor, and classmates. The commitment to developing the full student, not just the mind, shows the university’s dedication to helping each student find their purpose, while making lifelong connections along the way. St. Ed’s taught me to go after what I want. And that college is about more than just preparing for a job. It’s about having the tools and support your need to find your calling and to find yourself. Well, that’s my story or at least a part of it. Back to you, Alex.

– Mary Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your inspiring story. It’s great to hear about the personal support St. Ed’s students can count on from their success coach and professors that help them succeed. And congrats on your academic achievements and finding your passion and purpose. That is so important. No doubt you are going places. Take care.