When Karina Syrota, an international student from Ukraine first applied to Marist, she found herself lingering over a photo on the university’s website, imagining herself on campus. Now a Computer Science major with a concentration in Programming and Game Design, Karina reflects on that moment with clarity. “A year later, I’m doing all the things I dreamed about, taking photos with friends, participating in extracurricular activities and exploring new opportunities,” she said. “I know that Marist is the right place for me.”

Karina was drawn to Marist’s strong computer science program but didn’t expect how quickly she’d start gaining hands-on experience. Early on, she began learning Python, and as she progressed through the program, she wrote code, worked on team-based projects and participated in hackathons. “Every lesson is a balance of practice and theory,” she said. She particularly appreciates how supportive the professors are “they’re approachable and willing to help and work with you.”

Her learning extended well beyond the classroom. Karina participated in her first hackathon, where her team developed a project focused on accessibility. She also took a leap by auditioning for Marist’s theater program and stepping onto the stage for the first time, just one of many new experiences she’s embraced. A defining moment came when she ran for class president, hand-delivering her campaign message and was ultimately elected as the international representative for the Student Government Association. “The experience of being a part of the SGA has taught me the importance of being a change agent and taking responsibility for our shared university life.” she said.

Karina credits Marist’s globally engaged culture for shaping her goals. “Marist is comprised of individuals who are not indifferent to global issues.” With the support of her mentors and advisors, she’s already planning how to use her skills in technology to help grow and rebuild her home country.

Her advice to prospective students? Take full advantage of everything Marist has to offer academically, socially, and professionally. Explore programs that align with your career goals, use the wide range of campus resources, and don’t hesitate to get involved. With its close proximity to New York City, Marist offers great access to internships at tech companies and other career-boosting opportunities. Whether it’s student government, coding competitions, ski trips, or Broadway shows.