Interview is edited for length and clarity.
Why did you consider Simmons for your college experience?
My high school had an online portal to use when searching for universities, and you could filter your search by major or academic interest. At the time, I was interested in library science, so, of course, Simmons popped up.
I visited Boston and went on a tour, and I remember Simmons distinctly feeling like home, even though I'd never been there. There was a sense of community that I felt there from the get-go, and it drew me in. Simmons was one of my top choices when I was applying for schools, and fortunately, everything worked out. My major may have changed a couple of times, but I always loved the Simmons community.
How did Simmons being a women's-centered institution affect you?
I first looked at Simmons because of my academic interests. I had never considered a women's-centered institution, but once I did that first visit and was there, I felt empowered. It was such a welcoming community.
I ended up touring a bunch of other women's-centered institutions because Simmons prompted that interest. For me, Simmons was always the one that initiated that love and sense of leadership and community.
Despite having COVID–19 disrupt your college years, what traditions and activities do you remember at Simmons?
I was fortunate to be a part of a bunch of organizations. I distinctly remember May Day as one of my favorite traditions. I was actually wearing my May Day T-shirt today while I was walking around before this interview, so I do remember it well.
I was also deeply involved with the chamber choir during my time there, as well as working part-time as an office assistant in Student Accessibility Services.
Are you still in touch with other Simmons alumnae/i and professors?
I made some of my closest friends at Simmons. We are still going strong. I have also remained in touch with some of my professors. I recently completed my master's degree at the University of St. Andrews. During the application process, my professors and network at Simmons were helpful in providing me with advice and were some of my biggest cheerleaders. The professors who helped guide me on my postgraduate journey were Professor Sheldon George, Professor Renee Bergland, and Professor Richard Wollman.
I took a leap, but I wanted to study abroad while at Simmons, and because of the COVID–19 pandemic, that did not end up happening. I went to the Center for Global Education, and they told me some students go on to study abroad in a master's program. I ended up graduating from Simmons and applied to a master's program at the University of St. Andrews. I was fortunate enough to be accepted and receive a scholarship. I studied in Scotland for a year and a half, and I graduated with a degree in women, writing, and gender in December 2024.
What kind of advice would you give to someone going through their college experience?
I remember Simmons, and the staff and programs there, very fondly. Simmons gave me the confidence to go out into the world and pursue these amazing global opportunities. All it took was someone at Simmons to suggest a master’s degree in the United Kingdom to me, and then my professors helped bolster that idea and supported me through the application process.
So, my advice to current students — try to build connections with your professors, rely on the people around you, and never be afraid to ask questions. At the end of the day, they all want you to be informed and to make the best decisions possible. They genuinely care about you and your growth as a human being.