Senior Emma-Cate Rapose smiles with The Summit. Photo courtesy of Emma-Cate Rapose.
By Emma-Cate Rapose
I wasn’t expecting to ever have to write my final piece as opinions editor in my childhood bedroom. Frankly, I was expecting to write it in the Summit office, as Max, Stacia, and all of the copy editors patiently waited to look over the final product, likely frustrated that I had held off writing my piece until the last possible minute once again. This happened almost every layout night. Sorry to the Summit staff. I’ve been staring at a blank screen for far too long trying to write this, so I suppose it’s good we aren’t trapped in the office at 11 p.m. right now.
I’m sick of talking and writing about how coronavirus has impacted my senior year. Yes, I’m stuck at home, it has rained everyday, and it’s so unsettling to think that my undergraduate career will end by me shutting my laptop once I finish my final assignment, but there was so much more to my Stonehill experience than this unfortunate ending. There will be no more talk about COVID-19 in this piece from here on out.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I would change if I could start my Stonehill career over again. At the end of the day, the answer is nothing, and I’ve realized that some of the best things that happened over the last four years were spontaneous, last minute decisions that I would never go back and change.
I was never even supposed to take JRN 100: Reporting & News Writing. I added it to my schedule as a random elective the day before sophomore year began, and it was arguably the best thing I’ve ever done. I loved that class so much that I declared my Journalism minor the same week I declared my American Studies major that fall. I wouldn’t be writing this article if it weren’t for that class.
To Professor Maureen Boyle: thank you for pushing me to become the best journalist and writer I could be over the last three years, I’ll never stop asking the tough questions. Also, thank you for responding to all of my tweets, no matter what they were about, it always made me laugh. To the Summit staff: I had never done anything newspaper related until I was asked to be opinions editor. I am so lucky to know each and every one of you, and to call you all my friends. To Elizabeth: I cannot wait to see you take the opinions editor role by storm next year, I couldn’t ask for a better person to fill my shoes.
My choice to become a writing tutor for the CWAA was a spur of the moment decision after becoming recommended to apply. I didn’t know what I was getting into. I was scared. My experience as a tutor in the center not only made me feel more confident helping others, but also made me become a stronger writer. And… I had the best bosses in the world.
To Devon & Alicia: thank you for your constant positivity, and letting me vent in your offices about how busy I was every time I was on my way to a shift. To Maddy, Ally, & Meghan: I’m so glad I got to share my shifts with three of the most talented writers I know.
I didn’t get into Girls from the Hill the first time I auditioned. Feeling discouraged, I decided to audition again the next year, hoping I could win a spot in the group with my beatboxing ability. I had only beatboxed for two songs in my high school a cappella group. It was gutsy. I’m graduating as president of the group, and I am leaving the most powerful women behind.
To GFTH: you are the strongest, most talented ladies I know. I’m heartbroken to leave you all. And… good luck with the beatboxing now that I’m gone.
I didn’t even know what Student Alumni Association was until I received an email saying I was nominated to apply. I didn’t need to add anything else on my plate, but I applied anyway, not knowing what I was getting myself into. At the group interview, Emily Perriello and I met our best friend Brenna Kueter for the first time, and all three of us have taken SAA by storm. If there’s one thing I’m excited about post-grad, it’s being a Stonehill alum.
To Alex & Anne of Alumni Affairs: thank you for your constant support this year. To Lauren: thanks for keeping up with your SAAers even after you left Stonehill, never stop responding to my Instagram stories. To the SAA E-Board: thanks for putting up with all of my nonsense, especially at those 8:30 a.m. meetings. To SAA: this is me begging you to invite me to Alumnight and put me on the New Grad Panel next year.
Obviously, all of my decisions weren’t spontaneous. Joining the Relay for Life Planning Committee was a no-brainer for me during my first week of college - it’s something I’ve been a part of since eighth grade. I didn’t expect that I would ever be an Event Lead when I was looking up to Caitlin Hughes and her fellow leads my freshman year, but I’m so glad that the opportunity arose.
To Taylor, Julie, & Alexis: even though the Relay for Life of our dreams never came to fruition, we worked so hard to make the virtual event a success. I am so proud of us.
My freshman year roommate choice was one well thought-out as well. I was scared to live with someone else for the first time in my life, but after meeting Melanie Foster, I knew we were a perfect match. We have lived together ever since. To Mel & the Fun Ladies: thanks for the chaos, I couldn’t ask for better housemates. To Robert: you basically lived with me too. Thanks for being my best friend.
If there’s any advice I’d give to anyone starting at Stonehill for the first time, it would be to get involved in things that you wouldn’t originally think. You might find your best friends and mentors for life. Make those gutsy, spontaneous decisions.
And of course to Stonehill - thank you for teaching me to think, act, and lead with courage. I’ll forever be a walking advertisement for the place that has helped me find the lux et spes in every situation.
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