Whether you are looking for the inside scoop on Gael life or could use some help finding your way around campus, Student Ambassadors are here to show you all the ins and outs of Saint Mary’s. That’s the Gael way of “friending” someone.

Alana Armstrong, ‘12
Manteca, California

Major: Political Science
Favorite Seminar book: The Price by Machiavelli
Favorite January Term: Accelerated Elementary French
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: The sense of community on campus.
Student Involvement: CILSA, Dante Club and Rotaract
Hobbies: Painting and babysitting
Admissions Tip: Be as personable as possible. In the end, you are the one that is going to go to college
College tip: Save some stuff to buy with your roommate because that first time you get lost going to Target is a bonding opportunity.
Other schools considered: U.C. Davis, U.C. Berkley and C.S.U. Chico
Quote: “These don’t look like any Zombies I’ve ever seen”- Resident Evil 5  

Bianca Auble, ‘13
Mariposa, California

Major: Biology, Minor: Creative Writing
Favorite Seminar book: The Odyssey by Homer
Favorite January Term: Human Reproduction and Issues in Women's Health
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: Professors are able to set aside time outside of class to consult with students one-on-one answering questions, reviewing material, or just talking about how the semester is going.
Student Involvement: President of Rotaract Club, Honors Program Commissioner, and Liturgical Minister
Hobbies: Reading novels and running
Admissions Tip: Take a campus tour, meet a professor in your field of interest and talk to a current student from each school to which you are applying. That way, you will get to experience the school from many perspectives to determine if it is a good fit.
College tip: Get involved! Find your niche in the campus community and take advantage of your time here.
Other schools considered: UC Davis, University of Portland and Lewis & Clark University
Quote: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go” – Dr. Seuss

Matt Bell, ‘14
Rockwall, Texas

 

Major: Biology
Favorite Seminar book:

St. Augustine's Confessions
Favorite Jan Term: Science vs. Religion
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: I love how legitimately excited professors become when you talk to them after class and especially during their office hours. Coming in to see them during their office hours doesn't even mean you have to be there for tutoring. Our professors love to get to know their students on a personal level and go beyond the typical professor-student relationship.
Student Involvement: Percussionist for student masses
Hobbies: Percussionist for Student Masses and Gael Force
Admissions tip: When researching and visiting colleges, be sure to visualize whether you will be happy at those colleges for the next four years.
College tip: Find at least half an hour everyday to relax and do absolutely nothing to give your brain and body a break.
Other schools considered: University of Alabama and Pepperdine
Quote: "Showing off is a fool's idea of glory." - Bruce Lee

Shane Blunk, ‘14
Sacramento, California

 

Major: Integral (Intergrated Liberal Arts)
Favorite Seminar book: Aristotle's Metaphysics
Favorite Jan Term: Service internship in Kansas City, MO
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: I love the sense of community on campus along with the unique relationships each student can form with his/her professors. The academic opportunity is truly one of a kind.
Student Involvement: Club soccer and Gael Force
Hobbies: Playing sports, being active, and doing anything outside
Admissions tip: Do your research on schools you're considering and make sure you choose one that's right for you, because it will be home for the next four years.
College tip: Exercise good time management because you'll only have class a few hours a day. It takes self discipline to allot the time needed to complete assignments and study.
Other schools considered: UC Davis, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine
Quote: "The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." 

Jaycee Casalnuovo, ‘14
Fairfax, California

Major: Liberal and Civic Studies - Education Minor: Theology and Religious Studies
Favorite Seminar book: Dante's Inferno
Favorite Jan Term: Introduction to Japanese
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: Students and Staff at Saint Mary's are friendly and genuienly want to help you.  In addition, you learn how to help others through your time here.  There's not only a great sense of community on campus, but you are encouraged to apply what you've learned at Saint Mary's to better communities elsewhere, too. 
Student Involvement: Rotaract club officer, student photographer, honors program,
Hobbies: Hiking and photography
Admissions tip: Don't let anyone make or break your college decision for you. Ultimately, you're the one who's going to college, not your family or friends.
College tip: Bring cookies or candies to pass out to your new neighbors. It's a nice icebreaker, and you won't be forgotten.
Other schools considered: UC Davies and University of Puget Sound
Quote: "Be confident in your abilities to successfully succeed." - SpongeBob

Julie Cozzetto, ‘13
Yakima, Washington

 

Major: Integral Minor: Theology and Religious Studies
Favorite Seminar book: Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics
Favorite Jan Term: Along the Jordan River
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: I now consider SMC another home. Here you will meet professors who care about you as a person, friends who will understand and accept you, classes that challenge your preconceived beliefs, and an environment that pushes you to discover who you are meant to be and gives you the resources to pursue that dream. We're like a family here at Saint Mary's.
Student Involvement: Honor's student, orientation leader, student ambassador, resident advisor, and mission and ministry center
Hobbies: Talking to people, reading, music, cooking, and running
Admissions tip: Visit all the schools you're interested in. This helps you get a feel of what it will be like to live there for four years.
College tip: Get to know your professors and use their office hours. They like to know that you care as a student about their class. Get involved outside of your classes; this is where you will meet some of your best friends and mentors.
Other schools considered: Seattle University, Santa Clara University, and University of Portland
Quote: "You will never meet anyone who has done something great who waited for permission to do something great."

Melissa Dahl, ‘14
Bellevue, Washington

Major: Environmental Science
Favorite Seminar book: The Aeneid by Virgil
Favorite Jan Term: Precious Waters and Watersheds
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: The community feel of the college.
Student Involvement: (SUP)port justice, honors program, and project green
Hobbies: Reading, photography, and watching the Mariners and the Seahawks (hopefully win!)
Admissions tip: Listen to your parents, they give the best advice, and make sure you can see yourself at the college because it's going to be your home for the next four years.
College tip: Don't be afraid to talk to people you don't know, they always say the funniest things.
Other schools considered: Oregon State University, Gonzaga University, Santa Clara, Washington State University, and Western Washington University
Quote: "Learn from yesterday, live for today, look to tomorrow, rest this afternoon." - Charles M. Schulz

Sami Davison, ‘12
Livermore, California

 

Major: Communication Minor: Anthropology
Favorite Seminar book: The Prince by Machiavelli
Favorite Jan Term: Creating Theatre for Young Audiences
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s:  My professors know my face and remember my name when I come to class. They make me feel like I make a difference as a student here.
Student Involvement: Campus Activities Board Director, SMC Glee Club member, and member of Support Justice Club
Hobbies: Playing the violin, reading, cooking, baking, and traveling
Admissions tip: Be yourself. You are your own unique person that will shine so bright.
College tip: As a senior now, I've realized that it all goes by very fast, so don't take it for granted.
Other schools considered: UC Berkeley, Berklee College of Music and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Quote: "Jump first, fear later."

George Emmons, ‘12
San Ramon, California

Major: Integral (Liberal Arts Program)
Favorite Seminar book: Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
Favorite Jan Term: CIS internship to Kansas City, MO
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: I love the size and atmosphere of the College. When I walk around campus, I know people and can always strike up a conversation. Students and faculty at Saint Mary’s develop meaningful relationships and get to know each other on a deeper level.
Student Involvement: Resident advisor, orientation leader, and school's mascot
Hobbies: Juggling, playing pool and public speaking
Admissions tip: Tour colleges and find the one that fits for you.
College tip: Manage your time wisely.
Other schools considered: UCLA, Pepperdine, UC Santa Barbara, and Santa Clara University
Quote: “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” 

Mayra Flores, ‘12
Inglewood, California

Major: International Area Studies and Spanish
Study Abroad: Mexico - Spring 2011
Favorite Seminar book: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Favorite Jan Term: Ancient Mesoamerican Spirituality
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: Being from Southern California, I wanted a home away from home. When I stepped onto campus I knew this was the place. I am part of a community where everyone is willing to lend a helping hand and the professors are always available for questions or life advice.
Student Involvement: Co-Chair for Hermanas Unidas and Spanish tutor
Hobbies: Traveling and watching movies with family and friends
Admissions tip: Have a list with all the important deadlines and stay on top of them!
College tip: As soon as you get the syllabus for all of your classes take the time to write down when you have a big essay due or test for every class on your planner.
Other schools considered: UC Berkeley, University of Dallas and Gonzaga University
Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” – Winston Churchill

Gerardo Garcia, ‘12
Santa Rosa, California

Major: Sociology Minor: Psychology
Favorite Seminar book: The Prince by Machiavelli
Favorite Jan Term: 7 Great Operas; Viewing the 7 most popular operas
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: The fact that I am more than just a number to the faculty. I truly matter and valued for the person that I am.
Student Involvement: SMC club soccer, CILSA, and Mission and Ministry
Hobbies: Soccer and music
Admissions tip: Obtain a letter of recommendation from a teacher who knows you really well. Whether it's the school principal, manager, or a school teacher, if they know you, they can tell the college your outstanding qualities. Go for quality in the content instead of the signature.
College tip: Take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself. You never know what may come out of it.
Other schools considered: CSU Long Beach, CSU Fullerton and Sonoma State University
Quote: “Am not interested in perserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.” -Niccolo Machiavelli

Caitie Healing, ‘13
San Ramon, California

Major: Social Psychology
Favorite Seminar book: Jane Austen’s Emma
Favorite Jan Term: Around the World in 16 Days
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: 
Campus Involvement: GSA and Relay for Life
Hobbies: Reading, photography, traveling, and watching zombie movies
Admissions tip: Know yourself and the environment you would like to live and go to school in. Don't pick a school based off what you think you should like or what someone tells you you would like.
College tip: Study! Do the practice problems, even if they aren't required.
Other schools considered: UC Santa Barbara, University of the Pacific, UC San Diego
Quote: “Never underestimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world.”

Jennifer Johnston, ‘13
Reno, Nevada

Major: English 
Favorite Seminar book: Emma
Favorite January Term: 20th Century Science Fiction
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: The community on campus because I am very supported and prepared for any challenge I encounter.
Student Involvement: St. Luke's Pre-Med Society, American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and Gay-Straight Alliance
Hobbies: Reading, hanging with friends, watching movies, and traveling
Admissions tip: Be yourself in your essay. It is the best way for an admissions officer to gauge what kind of person you are; you are more than your extracurricular activities and your transcript.
College tip: Be as honest as you can on your roommate evaluation; if you’re messy then say that and you’ll find one of the best friends of your life.
Other schools considered: Saint Mary’s College only
Quote: "The harder you work, the luckier you get" – my dad

David Lobato Jr., ‘13
San Francisco, California

 

Major: Business Administration Minor: Accounting
Favorite Seminar book: Dante’s Inferno
Favorite Jan Term: Hip-Hop Politics
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: The welcoming environment.
Student Involvement: Student Ambassador, Carnival for Kids co-chair, and Semi-Gaels
Hobbies: Giants, Warriors, Niners, and movies
Admissions tip: Have a professional email
College tip: Before joining every club on campus, make sure you have "you time".
Other schools considered: Dominican University, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and San Francisco State
Quote: "Sky is the limit so never give up."

Ryan Lonergan, ‘13
Hughson, California

Major: Kinesiology
Favorite Seminar book: The Prince
Favorite Jan Term: Cafe Culture
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: A very welcoming, small community.
Student Involvement: Jazz Band, Republican club, and kinesiology club
Hobbies: Basketball, golf, coaching sports, and Camp Taylor
Admissions tip: Visit the colleges!
College tip: Go to class.
Other schools considered: Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Notre Dame, and San Diego State
Quote: "Be who you are, Where you are, When you are there."

Jazo Moises, ‘13
Vallejo, California

Major: Biochemistry with a chemical emphasis
Favorite Seminar book: Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas
Favorite Jan Term: American Television Criticism in the Post-Network Era
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s:  Being a science major, I definitely enjoy the small class size (25 students in General Chemistry). I get the one-on-one attention to succeed and the resources to gain more opportunities for the future.
Student Involvement: Art & Graphic Design Intern in Student Involvement and Leadership, resident advisor in Mitty Hall, and assistant detour editor for SMC Collegian
Hobbies: Exploring new music, graphic design, and watching hip hop dance
Admissions tip: In your personal statement, show, don’t tell. Admissions officers get a better look as to who you are if you explain things you’ve done that are important to you, rather than listing off all your involvements and achievements.
College tip: College is a new opportunity. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone whether it’s choosing elective classes outside your major or to get involved with something different!
Other schools considered: San Francisco State, UC Davis and UC Irvine
Quote: “Fifty years from now, when you're looking back at your life, don't you want to be able to say you had the guts to get in the car?” – Sam Witwicky

Joe Murphy, ‘14
Glendale, Arizona

Major: Physics Minor: Math
Favorite Seminar book: On the Nature of the Universe by Lucretius
Favorite Jan Term: German
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: I love the small classes and brilliant, approachable professors.
Student Involvement: Leadership in International Club
Hobbies: Indoor soccer, running to the cross, taking BART to San Francisco, eating at Mel's Diner and Nations
Admissions tip: We love to see students who are involved in high school. Play sports, join band, create a club, or serve your community.
College tip: Get involved in as many things as possible your first year in college. Better to be overscheduled and have options than to be underscheduled and bored.
Other schools considered: Santa Clara University, Gonzaga University, University of Arizona
Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” - Wayne Gretzky

Samantha Ruiz, ‘13
Wildomar, California

Major: Politics 
Favorite Seminar book: Emma
Favorite Jan Term: Choreography
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: I love that there are small class sizes and professors and students actually get to know each other.
Hobbies: Dancing and traveling 
Admissions tip: Stay organized and keep track of every requirement and deadline for each college.
College tip: Branch out and try new things.
Other schools considered: Chico State, San Francisco State, and Dominican University
Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined”- Henry David Thoreau

Sarah Woolston, ‘14
Sacramento, California

Major: Political Science Minor: Justice and Community
Favorite Seminar book: John Locke's Second Treatise of Government
Favorite Jan Term: Tool or Toy: The History of the Bicycle
Favorite thing about Saint Mary’s: My favorite thing about Saint Mary's is the inclusive community on campus. I love walking around our beautiful campus, seeing friendly faces and feeling like I belong.  
Student Involvement: Honors program, intramural basketball, flag football, soccer and softball
Hobbies: Swimming at our SMC pool, listening to music, and watching movies with my fellow Gaels!
Admissions tip: Choose a place you would want to not only call your school, but a place you would want to call home.
College tip: Get involved at whatever campus you choose to attend and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Other schools considered: Santa Clara University and UC Davis
Quote: “Heal the past, live the present, dream the future."