student ambassadors
The Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate student leaders to participate in various recruiting, public relations and marketing activities at Saint Mary's College. Ambassadors provide general admissions support by guiding daily campus tours, facilitating a telecounseling project and assisting with campus recruitment events, college fairs, and high school visitations. By developing a personal connection with potential future Gaels, Ambassadors assist prospective students in making an informed college selection decision. Ambassadors are one of the first contacts prospective students have with SMC, and hence serve as a very important college representative and pivotal member of the admissions team.
Adrian Owyong ’10
Undeclared Major
De la Salle Santiago Zobel High School
Muntinglupa, Philippines
As an international student, from the Philippines, I felt that Saint Mary’s College was a great opportunity to obtain a college education in a completely different environment. Meeting different people, learning from a different culture, and obtaining the experiences that a foreign college can give was very hard to resist. I must admit that it was a little scary at first, but after I got use to it and made friends, it became a lot of fun. As I have not yet decided on a major, what I find nice about Saint Mary’s is that students are allowed explore different fields and have the time to decide upon their majors. For now, integrating myself into my first year in the Student Ambassador Program and fulfilling core requirements while searching for a field of study is currently how I spend my sophomore year. However, I feel that with the help of professors, whom have become friends, I will be able to declare a major by the end of this year.
Alex Branch ’10
Integral & Economics Double Major
Columbia Falls High School
Columbia Falls, MT
I chose to attend Saint Mary’s for three main reasons. The first was the Integral Program, the source of my initial interest. My major, Integral, is a four-year classics program based in discussion and devoted to thought. After discovering Integral, I visited the campus, and the second reason for my coming to Saint Mary’s was born. The campus is tranquil and pristine: the perfect place to contemplate the problems of the Ancient Greeks in the company of good friends. The clincher for me was financial aid. Without Saint Mary’s generous aid awards, I could never have attended, but Saint Mary’s works hard to make college affordable.
Now that I’m here, I’m certainly staying. The niche I have found for myself at Saint Mary’s keeps me in contact with the community and at the reins of my college experience. It is almost impossible to not be involved on campus, and difficult to not over-commit. In addition to it being my first year in the Student Ambassador Program, my participation in Student Senate (ASSMC), Habitat for Humanity, The Collegian, and numerous other groups makes it so I know somebody anyplace I go, and really helps me to feel the presence of the community around me.
“You have to risk going too far to discover just how far you can really go.” – T.S. Eliot
Brianna Merihue ’10
Integral Major
Pre-Medical Track
Warren High School
Downey, CA
I chose to come to Saint Mary’s because I wanted to experience a different lifestyle. I lived in Los Angeles all my life so the Bay Area seemed like the perfect place for a change. I thought it would be perfect because it is a good distance from home; away from Los Angeles, but no too far. I also liked that Saint Mary’s is smaller and I knew I would receive the personal attention I wanted. I knew I would be able to get to know my professors in the Integral program and ask as many questions as I needed. Since I have been at the Saint Mary’s, I have gotten involved with different organizations on campus. This is my first year in the Student Ambassador Program and I am the current Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Gael yearbook.
Celine Miernicki ’09
International Studies Major
University of San Diego High School
Santee, CA
I knew Saint Mary’s College was a perfect fit for me because of its intimate atmosphere and beautiful campus. I felt right at home here and could easily picture myself studying at one of the outdoor tables. I love Saint Mary’s close location to interesting places like San Francisco and Berkeley. The small classes and multiple opportunities available produce a sense of belonging rather than being just a number. I enjoy attending intellectually stimulating speaker presentations, which encourage students to challenge their thinking while exposing themselves to fascinating topics. Working with Student Involvement and Leadership gave me the chance to plan on-campus events while club tennis and intramural sports provide me with an athletic outlet. Being a Weekend of Welcome Leader and a second-year Student Ambassador allows me to share my excitement with in-coming freshmen and prospective students. I want to take this excitement with me as I travel the world both while at school through the study abroad programs as well as in my career.
Derek Morgan ’09
Business Administration Major
Leadership High School
Daly City, CA
I knew Saint Mary’s was the perfect institution for me based on the level of support that is given to every single undergraduate. In addition, Saint Mary’s has sculpted me into a more socially inclined person to lead others on the right path. Saint Mary’s diverse and secure environment has created the foundations to become a more open-minded individual. Being a business administration major, I have been engaged in a rigorous yet rewarding curriculum that will help me to succeed in all of my future endeavors. Saint Mary’s dedicated professors and strong business program is constantly giving me the communication skills to build closer relationships with others. This is my second year in the Student Ambassador Program and I find that the most admirable aspects about being a Gael at SMC are the various clubs and student-run activities in which I can be involved.
Kaitlin Caruso ’10
Politics and Spanish Split Major
Saint Francis High School
Elk Grove, CA
I love going to Saint Mary’s for the individual attention from the professors, the variety and unique classes, and mostly: the ability to try anything you want. Whether it be rock climbing, taking a class on the California Prison System, or exploring the area, there is always something new and available that I otherwise would not have the ability to do. This is my first year as a Student Ambassador and I am involved in Project Green, the Lasallian Community, SMC Democrats, and Gay-Straight Alliance. After college, I hope to travel and help give back to the international community—especially to those who need it most. I always remember that “we are what we believe,” so make the most with what you are given and the opportunities around you.
Kristina Captein ’09
History Major
Christian Brothers High School
Elk Grove, CA
Saint Mary’s College has been such a pleasant place for me. The people are so friendly and that was a big factor for me when I was choosing a school. The Lasallian Tradition was also important to me because I am from Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, where I have come to really enjoy reaching out to others. At Saint Mary’s, I’m involved in a leadership group called the Lasallian Collegians, and we promote the Lasallian Tradition and perform a lot of community service. This is my second year as a Student Ambassador and after I leave this wonderful school, I plan on joining the Lasallian Volunteers and one day becoming a high school history teacher.
As an individual, I am fun-loving and I truly believe that life is short so I believe in living the best of your ability.
Kyle Bonderud ’09
Music Major
Philosophy Minor
Oceana High School
Pacifica, CA
I chose to come to Saint Mary’s College because I felt that the small size was an excellent fit for me. I had visited some large state schools and immediately felt lost. When I came to Saint Mary’s, it began to feel like home on my first visit.
I am involved in Project Green, SMC Democrats, Chamber Musician, Orientation, the Santiago Community, and my second year of the Student Ambassador Program.
I want to teach music after I graduate—maybe at a high school level at first, but I would eventually like to go to grad school and get a PhD before teaching at the college level.
Linda Hua ’08
Experimental Psychology Major
Thomas Downey High School
San Leandro High School
Modesto, CA
My favorite thing about Saint Mary’s College is our inclusive community; it leads to the closely-knits bonds we develop amongst ourselves. I love that we can get personal attention from our knowledgeable professors when we need it and that we can feel free to safely join a club half way through the year and still be welcomed. Saint Mary’s community is so interactive that we can easily get carried away with the amount of activities on campus. I, for one, have been known to over-extend myself as far as being involved around campus. Currently, I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Collegian, our weekly student newspaper; I am also the public relations officer of SMC Sports Band, in which I play piccolo flute at home basketball games; I am also a member of PsiChi, a national psychology honors society; this is also my third year in the Student Ambassador Program. In my free time, I enjoy playing RPG video games, watching CSI:, and shopping at Rasputin’s for discount DVDs.
Liz Noakes ’08
Social Psychology Major
English Minor
Grossmont High School
La Mesa, CA
My favorite thing about Saint Mary’s College is that everyday there are different activities and programs available to our students, the majority of which are sponsored by student organizations consisting of student leaders who truly want to give back to our Lasallian community.
This is my third year as a Student Ambassador, I am involved in PsiChi, the honor society for psychology majors, and I am treasurer of the Psych Club. I am also doing research in the field of Social Psychology with Doctor Zarnoth. I am very excited because I am also the student representative for Saint Mary’s College in the Western Psychological Association.
After college, I plan to attend law school and possibly pursue a joint degree program combining psychology and law.
Mandy Lung ’09
Politics Major
French Minor
Bishop Kelly High School
Boise, ID
I came to visit Saint Mary’s College in the spring of my senior year in high school and immediately fell in love with the campus. It is beautiful and quiet—a haven of peace in hectic California; however, I love the fact that San Francisco and Berkeley are so close if I want to find excitement. One of the other initial aspects that drew me to Saint Mary’s and that has turned into one of my favorite things about the College are the small intimate classes. I knew that I wanted to attend an institution where I would get a personalized education. Instead of being just a number among hundreds of other students sitting in a lecture hall, I wanted my professors to know my name and be aware of my personality. At Saint Mary’s, classes are small and tightly knit in which professors are able to cater to individual students’ goals and needs. I am always amazed at the level of intelligence and enthusiasm found among the faculty and student body alike, in addition to being kind, friendly, and outgoing. Through these characteristics and many others, Saint Mary’s is continually helping me to live by my motto: “shoot for the moon—even if you miss, you’ll still land among the stars.”
Michael Cullen ’09
Politics Major
Valley Center High School
Valley Center, CA
I chose to come to Saint Mary’s for the sense of community that the student body and faculty possess. The faculty members are there to help all their students succeed and are always willing to be of help outside of class. I also chose Saint Mary’s because of the Lasallian tradition, which has a large emphasis on community service. I am involved in the Jazz Band, Residence Hall Association (RHA), and Cycling Team. After I graduate from Saint Mary’s I plan to attend either law school or attain a master’s in political science.
Tera Gallegos ’08
Business/Marketing Major
Psychology Minor
Justin-Siena High School
Napa, CA
What I love most about Saint Mary’s College is the personal attention I receive from the professors. Since the school is smaller in size, I find it very easy to get involved in what interests me. There is a real sense of community inside and outside of the classroom. I chose to attend Saint Mary’s College because it is Lasallian, like the high school I attended, and I really enjoy being encouraged to serve others. I also really like the location, which is close to my home, but also close to other great places like Berkeley and San Francisco. This is my third year as a Student Ambassador and I am currently the Business Club President. After graduation, I plan on working at Clorox as a sales analyst, and eventually obtain an MBA.
