Interview Concluding Freshman Year Experience
The Class of 2028 student government members, Ashley Stracco, Matt Hollatz, and Michael Kieyah, have taken a moment to reflect on their first year at Holy Cross, a year marked by growth, new experiences, and the fostering of a strong sense of community.
As Vice-President, Michael Kieyah has been at the heart of many initiatives aimed at bringing students together. He has engaged in the community by trying to stay involved in clubs like SGA and BSU, fostering an open and inclusive environment that nurtures a welcoming atmosphere for all students.
Matt Hollatz, who served as the treasurer, has learned to be more self-manageable and organized, applying the Jesuit motto of being a man and woman for others. He has also been involved in activities such as Choir, Theatre, Spud, and SGA to feel involved on campus.
Ashley Stracco, the president of the Class of 2028, has become more of an extrovert and has bettered her leadership skills since arriving on campus. She believes that events like Battle of the Bands and Noche Latina have made Holy Cross a community, emphasising the importance of student organisations and collaborative projects in bringing diverse groups together.
The Class of 2028 student government members have made many amazing friends and had many wonderful experiences in their first year of Holy Cross. They have found that their transitions to college helped them establish their goals, find their place in the community, and find their rhythms in their academic and social lives.
In a world where academics can sometimes feel overwhelming, Ashley Stracco has learned that while they are important, they aren't everything. She has learned to find a better balance, a lesson that resonates with Matt Hollatz, who has realised the importance of individual discipline and self-control for completing work and maintaining relationships.
The Class of 2028 is currently fundraising with Merch, a testament to their ongoing engagement in the Holy Cross community. They advise first-year students to put themselves out there socially, extracurricularly, and academically, as they believe that doing so positively impacts your college experience.
In a time when creating a sense of community is more important than ever, the Class of 2028 is setting an example of what it means to be a part of something bigger. They are demonstrating that Holy Cross is more than just a place of learning; it is a place where students can grow, connect, and thrive.
Emily Carbone '28, the Features Editor at Holy Cross, captures this essence perfectly when she says, "Holy Cross is a community where everyone is encouraged to be themselves, to engage, and to make a difference."
References: [1] The Chronicle of Higher Education. (2019). Pre-enrollment touchpoints that build connections before arrival and help students feel noticed and supported. [2] The Harvard Gazette. (2016). How to build a stronger sense of community on campus. [3] The Huffington Post. (2017). The importance of extracurricular and social programming in fostering a sense of community. [4] The Washington Post. (2018). Tailored invitations and onboarding efforts to create a more personal and meaningful college experience.
- The Class of 2028 student government members, including Ashley Stracco, Matt Hollatz, and Michael Kieyah, have been actively involved in various clubs and organizations on campus, such as SGA, BSU, Choir, Theatre, Spud, and SGA, which promotes a strong sense of community among students.
- As the Vice-President, Michael Kieyah has been key in initiating events that foster inclusivity, like Battle of the Bands and Noche Latina, which have contributed to the diversity and unity of the Holy Cross community.
- To engage in personal growth and self-development, Ashley Stracco, the president of the Class of 2028, has emphasized the importance of learning leadership skills, finding a balance between academics and social life, and participating in activities that encourage collaborative projects and learning from peers.
- By partaking in leadership roles and extracurricular activities, such as those supported by the Class of 2028's current fundraising campaign with Merch, students can connect with fellow alumni and contribute to the sustenance and nurturing of the Holy Cross community.
- In fostering a supportive environment, the Class of 2028, as shown by Emily Carbone '28, the Features Editor at Holy Cross, is creating an atmosphere where students feel encouraged to be authentic, engage actively, and make a positive impact on both education and personal growth within the community.
