Stephon Dingle, Class of 2012

Hometown:
Baltimore, MD

High School:
Mount Carmel High School

Major:
History

H.S. involvements:
SGA representative, Campus ministry, Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball, Principal's Advisory Board, Yearbook, Student Ambassador

College involvement:
Class president, Intercollegiate Fashion Club Vice President, Baseball, Dance Club, DeSousa Brent Mentor

Q.    What were you looking for in a college?
A.    Being a first generation college student, I honestly did not have a good grasp on what I was looking for.  In the beginning, I wanted to go out of state.  I wanted to get away.  I also wanted to go to a big school since my high school was so small.  After visiting some schools, I realized I wanted a small school but with academic prestige.  Walking around on big campuses seemed so overwhelming.  Everything was too spread out.  

 
Q.    What made you choose St. Mary's over other schools that accepted you?
A.    The people at the college were a big influence.  The whole environment of the campus really appealed to me.  Everyone was friendly and really down to earth.  The diversity of the campus was also essential.  I was raised in Baltimore city and coming to St. Mary's was an eye opener.  I met a lot of people from unique backgrounds which has made me a better person.  

Q.    What have you learned about yourself since starting college?
A.    I realize that I have a strong work ethic.  Looking back on my life growing up, I developed this skill and really see it in practice here at St. Mary's.  I have proven to myself that I can persevere.  St. Mary's was an adjustment coming from my background.  I was a little hesitant at first, but I decided to make the best out of my experience.  That is why I got involved in the different leadership opportunities.

Q.    Any advice?
A.    Find a place that will help develop you as a person.   Step outside of your comfort zone.  You find out a lot about yourself once you step into a new environment.  I am taking another opportunity by going "abroad" for a semester at SUNY Stony Brook.  St. Mary's is part of the National Student Exchange, which lets students apply to take classes at another school in the US for a semester or year. I know I will be ready and prepared for this experience because of St. Mary's preparation and experience.

Q.    Are there any people that impacted your selection?
A.    I did have some help during my college search, but to be honest it was very self-motivated process.  I did the research on my own and after visiting schools really began to figure out what I wanted in a school.

Q.    What is one thing you have learned about SMCM since you've been here? 
A.    The leadership opportunities here are limitless.  No matter what you are in to, you can find activities to coincide with that.  I feel that at some schools it's more difficult to get involved on campus.  At St. Mary's, everyone has a very realistic opportunity to get involved.  I also love how down to earth the teachers are.  They really engage you as an equal, helping you work through your semester.

• Just for Counselors
• Contact Us
• FAQs
• Site Map