Minor: Digital Studies

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Makenna Messina

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: 4+1 & Communication

Minor

Digital Studies

Honors

Magna Cum Laude

Hometown

Redmond, Washington

My Greatest Supporters

Throughout the past four years, my biggest support system has always been my family. My Mom and Dad encouraged me to work hard and pursue my passion of on-campus leadership. My two sisters, Marisa and Madison constantly showed me their never-ending support and love throughout my collegiate journey. Thank you to my family for pushing me to be the best version of myself!

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

One of my favorite memories at Saint Mary’s is subsequently an experience I’m most proud of. During the Spring of my first year at SMC, I was the only female, first-year student hired as a Resident Advisor. Throughout all the highs and lows of being an RA for the past three years, I found value in my leadership style and was able to work with the most wonderful residents, duty teams and RDs!

My Next Chapter

As I take on this next chapter of my life, I am excited to see the values and experiences that I have obtained throughout my collegiate journey transpire into my future aspirations. I am currently enrolled in a 4+1 leadership program here at Saint Mary’s where I will graduate with a MA in Leadership & Organizational Development in May 2022!!

Clubs and Activities

Residential Experience, Resident Advisor
Residence Hall Association, Chair
Bias Incident Report Team, RA Student Representative
Gael Sisterhood, Membership Chair
Associated Students, Senior Week Committee Member
KSOE Strategic Planning Committee, Student Representative

Favorite Quote

“Keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things… your curiosity will lead you down the path of success”.
— Walt Disney
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Jordan Mansfield

Bachelor of Arts: Communication

Minor

Digital Studies

Hometown

Newark, California

My Greatest Supporters

I have an amazing group of supporters, the first ones being my mom, dad, and little brother. They have been there for all the late-night phone calls when I need help with a problem and need help figuring anything out. They are the first people that I call. After that would be the friends that I have met at Saint Mary's and the family that I have been able to create at my home away from home.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

There are so many memories that have been created over the last four years, some of the most memorable ones have been while I was working the athletic events, from volleyball to men and women's basketball to baseball games there have been so many amazing memories that have happened at each event.

My Next Chapter

I will be moving back home and to figure out what the next steps are for me, whether that is in the workforce doing similar things I did at Saint Mary's or going back to school to further my education. With that being said I am very excited to see what the future holds!

Clubs and Activities

Gael Sisterhood
Gael Vision Production Assistant

Favorite Quote

“Being different isn't a bad thing. It means that you are brave enough to be yourself.”
— -Luna Lovegood

Ava Elyse Parashis

Bachelor of Arts: Communication

Minor

Digital Studies

Hometown

San Francisco, California

My Greatest Supporters

Throughout my time at Saint Mary’s, my greatest supporters were my parents, my sisters, and all of my friends. I could not have done it without their guidance, love, and support.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

It’s so hard to choose one! I am grateful for all the memories that I have made here at SMC, such as going to the basketball games, running into everyone in Dante quad, and studying abroad in Oxford, England for Jan Term. My greatest memory of all was spending time with my friends and roommates.

My Next Chapter

After graduation, I am looking forward to moving back to San Francisco, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and starting my career.

Favorite Quote

... And I know what I have to do now. I've got to keep breathing because tomorrow, the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?
— Tom Hanks, Cast Away