Stephanie Mitarotonda
Stephanie Mitarotonda, '21, has always had an interest in literature and writing.
When she came to SEU, she decided to major in English because that was her passion
in high school.
"The English program helped me with my writing and critical thinking skills which
is very important," says Stephanie, "I also love reading books so taking literature
classes helped open up my interests in different genres."
Stephanie has been a part of the volleyball team during her four years here at the
university and has fond memories of her time with her classmates and professors.
"One memory I have is going to see William Shakespeare's play "King Lear" in New York
with some of the English professors," says Stephanie, "It was an amazing experience."
Read Stephanie's Story
Margo Ursitti
Margo Ursitti, '23, enjoys reading all genres of literature and writing pieces of
poetry an/d analytical essays. Her passion in her work made it a great choice for
her to choose the English program as her studies at SEU.
A member of the Honors Program, Margo gives credits to her classes for challenging
her and helping her improve her reading and writing skills. She also feels passionate
about the professors in the English department.
"The professors in the English department are all very nice, helpful, and encouraging"
says Margo. "I have noticed that I have become confident and eager to speak up and
share my thoughts and ideas in class."
Upon graduating, Margo looks forward to beginning a career in publishing and editing.
Through her studies, Margo believes she is prepared for her future in that department.
"SEU's English program has helped me refine my writing and editing skills, which are
important in the publishing industry," says Margo.
Read Margo's Story
Sarai Santiago
Sarai Santiago, '22, has wanted to be a writer ever since she was in fifth grade.
"Writing is a way to express myself in ways that I may not be able to vocally," explains
Sarai, an English major with a writing studies minor. "It's something that I am very
passionate about."
Upon graduating from SEU, Sarai hopes to earn a master's degree, dabble in the world
of journalism and eventually publish a book of her own. Her determination to succeed
has been stoked by the University's English department.
"This program is pretty rigorous and allows you to push yourself to limits you never knew you had," says Sarai.Read Sarai's Story
Jasmine Poole
"I didn't know how to read until I was 12 years old," says Jasmine Poole, '18. "I
was born prematurely and, because of that, had a few learning disabilities that made
reading extremely difficult."
When Jasmine came to SEU, she found it difficult to settle on a major. That's when
her retention coordinator, Jane Bourhill, suggested a new path.
"Jane said, 'why don't you pick English?' and I responded, 'if you knew my background, you would not be asking me to do that," recalls Jasmine. "Then I paused for a second and thought, 'Stop being so scared, think like an athlete. Pray, practice and study."
Ashley Mazzarella
While attending the University, Ashley (Bouwense) Mazzarella, '16, took a position
as a student worker for the University's communication and marketing department. Since
the University underwent a rebranding initiative during Ashley's junior and senior
years, she was able to sit in on meetings with SEU's branding agency, Second Melody.
This gave her firsthand insight into the world of marketing and, upon earning her
master's degree, Ashley actually began working for Second Melody as a brand strategist
herself. She kept in touch with the company throughout her master's program and even
interned with them the summer before earning her graduate degree. They were so impressed
with her potential that they hired her immediately.
An English major with minors in communication and art, gave Ashley the perfect skill
set to thrive in her new role. In fact, Ashley even helped create the University's
newest "All In" advertising campaign.
Read Ashley's Story
Ava Pesante
Ever since she was born, Ava Pesante, '22, has had many medical challenges to overcome.
With the help of her family, friends and doctors, these obstacles have never stopped
Ava from achieving her dreams. A double major in Early Childhood Education and English
with a minor in Special Education, Ava plans on beginning a career in teaching.
"Saint Elizabeth's is known as a teaching school," explains Ava, who works at a daycare
and has always loved working with children. "The University put me into the classroom
freshman year just so they could see if I really wanted to continue teaching. Other
schools put their students in the classroom far too late."
Ava has managed to make the most of her time at Saint Elizabeth's by becoming a Student
Ambassador, Orientation Leader and a member of the E-Board for the Elizabethan Education
Association.
"Victims are constantly re-victimized by the court systems," explains Heather. "Using this app could have proven my story; it would not have been my word against his."
Jennifer Rose
Jennifer Rose, '18, an English major and author of "It's Not a Perfect World but I'll
Take It: 50 Life Lessons for Teens Like Me Who Are Kind of (You Know) Autistic," hosted
a book signing for her fellow classmates, faculty and staff.
In addition to reading an excerpt from her book, Jennifer candidly answered questions
from the audience. Her deeply personal descriptions of both her struggles and achievements
offered a unique glimpse into the nature of autism.
Jennifer hopes her book will normalize people with autism and serve as a reference
for assisting others in navigating its complexities. Ultimately, she just wants to
help other people.
Read Jennifer's Story
Quawntashea Bailey
Quawntashea Bailey, affectionately known as "Q," is our second student spotlight for
Black History Month because of her incredible strength and devotion to service. In
just a few short months, she will become the first person in her family to graduate
from college. She's dedicating this impressive accomplishment to her mother, grandmother
and great grandmother because they were never even given the chance to attend college.
"Having the ability to take them out of the struggle ... is a great opportunity,"
explains Q, who intends on working for a nonprofit organization.
Read Q's Story