Welcome to Alverno

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Meet some of Alverno's newest undergraduate students, some new from high school, one a transfer student, another who is an adult returning to school. Each has graciously agreed to share her story, her hopes, her dreams and her fears.

Alejandra Salinas, Business and Management major

Why did you decide to come to Alverno?

My decision to attend Alverno College could almost be described as predestined. We have been living nearby all my life and every time we passed by, my parents would comment: “In the future, Ale, you'll go to school here.” Here I am, years later, attending Alverno. The campus visits I went on proved that I was definitely going to attend Alverno. Every visit, I felt at home. The girls were extremely open and welcoming. The aura I felt was like nothing I had felt at any other campus. My admissions counselor, Ruth, was there for me, answering questions at all times. I was able to connect with teachers even before I was a student in their classes. They all cared about my dreams and how I want to execute them. They are determined to see me succeed, and so am I.

Where do you hope your education will take you?

Ideally, I would like to work in the business sector here in Milwaukee after college, and I am sure my education at Alverno will prepare me well. However, my major goal in life is to travel. Whether that be through study abroad, job trips in the future or vacations, I am up for any new and exciting adventure! Honestly, I just hope my education will take me on an exciting learning extravaganza that will allow me to grow in every way!

What are you most looking forward to about this year?

The whole concept of college: making friends, staying up even later, in-depth discussions with professors, student activities and transitioning to college life.

What are you most nervous about?

I'm nervous about changing course. I usually set my mind on an idea and I have to accomplish it. Yet when it comes to career choices, I tend to fluctuate. I have a basic idea of where I want to go, but I'm afraid my path will change before I know it.

Kiara Calmese, Undeclared

Why did you decide to come to Alverno?

I decided to come to Alverno because everyone was so nice and welcoming. Also, I loved the idea of being evaluated on your own improvement as you travel deeper into your education.

Where do you hope your education will take you?

I hope that my education will take me to bigger and better things, like to a career that I absolutely love and to become the best version of me that I can be.

What are you most looking forward to about this year?

I am most looking forward to being challenged to expand my views and ideas, as well as sharing new experiences with amazing people.

What are you most nervous about?

I'm most nervous about giving myself time for things. Time management is a crucial part of being successful that I'm not necessarily the best at yet.

Donna Lewis-Taylor, Business and Management major

Why did you decide to come to Alverno?

Alverno's uniqueness in every aspect, its passionate faculty and empowerment of women is what led me here. However, after completing my first week of courses, I realized that Alverno has instead chosen me. It was more of a calling home.

Where do you hope your education will take you?

I hope that my education takes me to places far beyond what I can imagine. I would like to have an organization that provides opportunities and resources to low-income families and youth facing adversity. I want my education to lead me to a place where I can endlessly reach, while lifting others.

What are you most looking forward to about this year?

Self growth, building strong relationships and the college experience!

What are you most nervous about?

I am most nervous about the unexpected.

Hailey Krahn, Nursing major

Why did you decide to transfer to Alverno?

The staff and teachers are very involved in making sure you succeed.

Where do you hope your education will take you?

My goal is to earn my master's degree in Nursing and to open my own clinic.

What are you most looking forward to about this year?

Meeting new friends and excelling in my career.

What are you most nervous about?

The rigorous Nursing program.

Tracey Sparks, Music Therapy major

Where do you hope your education will take you?

I hope my education will take me toward a fulfilling career of using my talents and helping as many adults and children as I possibly can.

What are you most looking forward to about this year?

I'm looking forward to meeting many new and friendly faces and building lasting relationships.

What are you most nervous about?

I'm most nervous about the major step that I'm about to take with leaving my secure job and sacrificing a lot of things to return to school. Can I do it? Is it worth the sacrifice? I hope so!

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This article appeared in the fall 2017 issue of Alverno Magazine.