Academic Success: Ardelle Estoesta '17
Ardelle Estoesta’s decision to attend Saint Mary’s was an easy one; her two sisters came here and she was familiar with the small classes and access to professors. Upon arrival though, she was quick to make her college experience her own.
A biology major from Valley Springs, California, Ardelle plans to attend medical school and become a general practitioner in her medically underserved hometown. She spends her summers working as a medical scribe and medical assistant during the day and choreographing dance pieces at night.
Two professors have been instrumental in Ardelle’s Saint Mary’s experience—microbiology professor, Dr. Wendy Lacy, and molecular and biochemistry professor Dr. Jim Pesavento, whom she credits with solidifying her goal to study medicine. She will be spending her final semester taking advanced human anatomy, systemic physiology, the sociology of health and illness, and seminar. Collegiate Seminar has also been highly influential in her development; she has grown tremendously by hearing diverse opinions, learning to be open-minded, and sympathetic—all traits that will serve her well in her chosen career.
Like her sisters and everyone else fortunate to attend Saint Mary’s, she has very fond memories of Jan Term. Her experiences have varied greatly ranging from a choreography class to one called The Signifying Plague that studied the social and psychological factors that contribute to disease. This January, she spent her time teaching 4th graders at an underserved elementary school in Concord. The experience gave her a whole new appreciation for educators as well as for the quality education she has received during her time at Saint Mary’s.
Ardelle is excited to begin medical school and is extremely grateful for her Saint Mary’s education. “I would not have been able to obtain the quality education of Saint Mary’s if it were not for my Filippi Endowed Scholarship for Scholastic Excellence. My family and I are so greatly appreciative of donors who make scholarships available and provide so many opportunities on campus. Saint Mary’s has been hugely influential in our household and we are proud to be Gaels. Thank you to all who make a Saint Mary’s education possible.”