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Graduation Rite Discussion for First-Year Students

Reflecting on my initial year at Holy Cross, I am thankful for the diverse array of experiences – the positive and negative ones – that have molded my student life. I've stepped out of my comfort zone by joining new clubs and engaging in varied activities, and I am particularly grateful for the...

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Graduation Interview for First Year Students
Graduation Interview for First Year Students

Graduation Rite Discussion for First-Year Students

First-Year Students at Holy Cross Embrace Community and Personal Growth

For the Class of 2028 at Holy Cross, the first year of college has been a journey of self-discovery, community building, and academic success. Three students, Ashley Stracco, Michael Kieyah, and Matt Hollatz, have shared their experiences and insights.

Ashley Stracco, the president of the Class of 2028 in student government, has found her voice and improved her leadership skills. She advises her peers to put themselves out there socially, extracurricularly, and academically. Ashley has also become more of an extrovert, making many amazing friends and having wonderful experiences.

Michael Kieyah, the Vice-President, has learned about himself and what he wants to accomplish through college. He has also become more open-minded, finding support from his friends and engaging in the community by staying involved in clubs such as SGA and BSU. Michael advises not being afraid to try new unfamiliar things.

Matt Hollatz, the treasurer, has realised the importance of individual discipline and self-control for academic success and maintaining relationships. He has also learned to be more self-manageable and organized. Matt has a wonderful circle of friends who have supported him throughout the school year, and he has been involved in activities such as Choir, Theatre, Spud, and SGA.

The sense of community for first-year students at Holy Cross is fostered primarily through shared spiritual practices, structured community activities, and personalized support. Weekly communal Mass and prayer gatherings, retreat programs, regular opportunities for reconciliation and Adoration, religious studies courses, service-learning requirements, and the University's small size and low student-to-faculty ratio all contribute to this close-knit community.

Events like Battle of the Bands and Noche Latina have also made Holy Cross a community, bringing students together and creating unforgettable memories. The Class of 2028 has found their goals, place in the community, and rhythms in their academic and social lives through these transitions to college.

As they look forward to what the next academic year has in store, Ashley, Michael, and Matt are grateful for the people they have met through their involvement in student government and the experiences they have shared. Emily Carbone '28, the Features Editor at Holy Cross, captures their sentiments, "The first year at Holy Cross is a time of growth, learning, and community building. The Class of 2028 has embraced these opportunities and made the most of their college experience."

\n\n [1] Holy Cross Office of Mission and Identity. (n.d.). Faith and Community. Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/offices-services/office-mission-identity/faith-community

\n\n [2] Holy Cross Office of Mission and Identity. (n.d.). Student Life. Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/offices-services/office-mission-identity/student-life

\n\n [3] Holy Cross Office of First-Year Programs. (n.d.). Montserrat. Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/offices-services/office-first-year-programs/montserrat

  1. Ashley Stracco, the president of the Class of 2028 in student government, encourages peers to participate in various events, clubs, and academic opportunities to cultivate leadership skills and make lasting friendships.
  2. Being involved in clubs such as SGA and BSU, Michael Kieyah, the Vice-President of the Class of 2028, has embraced new learning experiences, broadened his mindset, and developed a deeper connection with the Holy Cross community.
  3. Matt Hollatz, the treasurer of the Class of 2028, has discovered the significance of self-discipline and organization for academic performance and relationships, and has cultivated personal growth through involvement in clubs like Choir, Theatre, Spud, and SGA.
  4. The close-knit community at Holy Cross is enriched by shared spiritual practices, community activities, and personalized support, which not only strengthen the bonds between students but also facilitate their personal growth and academic success.
  5. Events like Battle of the Bands and Noche Latina not only bring the community together but also create a series of unforgettable memories for first-year students, helping them acclimate to college life, find their goals, and build lasting relationships.

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