The Spire

Emily Carbone ‘28

Features Editor

As I reflect on my first year here at Holy Cross, I find myself grateful for all of the experiences (good and bad) that have shaped my experience as a student thus far. From trying new clubs and activities to making amazing new friends, I’m most thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given to discover the Holy Cross community for myself. To wrap up some of the  experiences of freshman year, the class of 2028 student government members Ashely Stracco, Matt Hollatz, and Michael Kieyah offer their reflections on their first year at Holy Cross. 

1. Over this last year, what aspects have helped to make the campus feel more like a 

community?

Matt Hollatz: I’ve involved myself in a wide variety of activities that have made me feel involved on campus, like Choir, Theatre, Spud, and SGA.

Michael Kieyah: Over the past year, I have engaged in the community by trying to stay involved in different clubs such as SGA and BSU. This allowed me to make friends and make this community a second home.

Ashley Stracco: This year, the aspects of campus that have made Holy Cross a community have been all of the events that different groups have offered. Examples of this include Battle of the Bands and Noche Latina. 

2. How do you think you have grown and changed since arriving on campus?

Michael Kieyah: I think that I learned about myself and what I want to accomplish through college. I wanted to connect with my peers because I wanted to be really engaged at Holy Cross and I think I’ve done that.

Matt Hollatz: I’ve learned to be more self manageable and become more organized in making my own schedule. I feel like I’ve learned the Jesuit motto of being a man and woman for others has also applied: I’ve learned to make time for myself and friends. 

Ashley Stracco: I think I have become more of an extrovert and have bettered my leadership skills since arriving on campus. 

3. What lesson(s) have you learned this year?

Michael Kieyah: I learnt to be more open minded, which helped me gain so many opportunities here at Holy Cross.

Matt Hollatz:The transition to college helped me to realize how much individual discipline and self-control is necessary to best complete my work while still maintaining flourishing relationships. I have learned how to push myself, but also how to take care of my needs in order to give my best to everything that I do.

Ashley Stracco: This year, I have learned that while academics are important, they aren’t everything. I have learned to find a better balance than I did in high school. 

4. What helped you to feel supported this year?

Michael Kieyah: I think my friends really supported me, and I was able to have them as a foundation.

Matt Hollatz: having a wonderful circle of friends who have served as my rocks throughout the school year, making the hard times easier and the good times more enjoyable. I am so incredibly grateful for these individuals.

Ashley Stracco: My friends, particularly Lizzie Swanson, helped me to feel supported this year. 

5. If you could give one piece of advice to a first year student, what would it be?

Michael Kieyah: Don’t be afraid to try new unfamiliar things. 

Matt Hollatz: Put yourself out there and try new things! Your people will naturally find you through shared interests, clubs and activities. 

Ashley Stracco: It would be to put yourself out there socially, extracurricularly, and academically–you never know what opportunities may lie ahead. 

These three freshmen have served as the heads of the class of 2028 through their involvement in student government. Ashley served as our class president, Michael as Vice- President, and Matt as treasurer. Through their interviews, they placed emphasis on getting involved in campus clubs and activities, and expressed appreciation for the people they met through their involvement. Their transitions to college proved to establish their goals, help them find their place in the community, and allow them to find their rhythms in their academic and social lives. Looking over their answers, I couldn’t agree more that putting yourself out there and being open to new opportunities positively impacts your college experience. I’ve made so many amazing friends and had so many wonderful experiences in my first year of Holy Cross. It is never too late to open yourself up to experiencing any of the amazing opportunities the Holy Cross community has to offer, and I look forward to what the next academic year has in store!

Featured image courtesy of Google Images