PROFILES 
Q. What made you choose SMCM over other schools you were accepted at?
A. There are a few particular moments that made my choice clear. My first time visiting SMCM, I met with Dave Sushinsky, who used to work in the Admissions Office. We sat down and talked for a while and it felt more like a conversation than an interview. About a year later I came back to visit the school again, I ran into Dave and he remembered me, and everything that we had talked about. This instantly made me feel like I mattered, and proved that at SMCM, I wouldn't be just another number as I may be at a larger institution. The genuine friendliness did not stop at Dave, from that point on every counselor, professor, and student I met at the college made me feel welcome and I couldn't help but want to be part of the community.
Q. What have you learned about SMCM since you've been here?
A. I did not realize how quickly everyone would bond. I was nervous about meeting people and making friends, but it happened so quickly. I lived in Caroline Hall my first year, and my hallway was full with freshman and sophomore girls. While we had many early awkward moments brushing our teeth and avoiding eye contact in the mirror, it was just a matter of introducing ourselves that allowed us all to become best friends. We all grew together, becoming very close, and we all remain best friends today.
Q. Any advice?
A. As you are making a decision, think about a place you would want to call home. You'll be at a school for four years so it has to be a place you want to keep going back to. You want to be somewhere that you'll be happy, that you will be able to strive not only academically, but also socially. In my opinion, St. Mary's is a place where you can do that.
Q. What were you looking for in a college as you started you search?
A. Reputation was important to me. I was not sure what I wanted to major in when I was searching, but I wanted to be somewhere that they offered majors I was thinking about. I also wanted to be somewhere that was a campus, not somewhere that was spread out throughout a city. I was specifically looking for a close community. Also, I was looking for a certain sense of pride radiating from the students and faculty that would allow me to believe it to be a truly special place.
Q. What have you learned about yourself since being at SMCM?
A. I have learned that it is important to follow your dreams. As corny as that sounds, I think SMCM is a place where faculty and staff really push you to do what you want to do, and push you in the direction to reach those goals. They want you to strive in something that you enjoy doing, and they assist you in every step of the way.
Q. How did you find out about SMCM?
A. My dad had suggested SMCM to me as I began my search. Both my brother and sister went to Notre Dame and I thought I wanted to go there. My dad wanted me to look at other schools so I looked online and through books. We went to visit SMCM campus, even though I really did not want to stay in state. I visited 11 schools the spring of my junior year and was not sold on SMCM after my visit. Then my interactions with the admissions staff I mentioned above made my choice easier.
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