Alyssa Mongroo is a senior from Poughquag, New York majoring in criminal justice while minoring in global studies and psychology. She is currently a member of the Emerging Leaders Program and Kappa Lambda Psi.

What made you choose Marist?
I live local to Marist so financially this was the best option. Also, compared to all of the other Hudson Valley School's, Marist had the best study abroad programs, most gorgeous campus, and I just felt at home once I came for the tour.

What internships have you done? 
I have had several internships. The first one I had was when I studied abroad in London. It was with the Hammersmith & Fulham Law Centre. There I helped immigration and housing solicitors. When I returned to Poughkeepsie, I was able to obtain an internship with the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission. I helped with the 100 Cups of Coffee initiative which served to promote transformative dialogue across the City of Poughkeepsie. Recently I just finished up an internship with the Marist Office of Title IX, which I gathered results of the Annual Campus Climate Survey and also worked with to ensure sexual assault awareness on campus.

How has Marist prepared you for life after graduation? 
Life at Marist has prepared me for life after graduation in many ways. I learned that punctuality is essential and I gained independence. In addition, Marist's Career Services has prepared in ways such as helping me with my resume, providing extra scholarship opportunities.

Did you study abroad? What was that program/experience like?  
I studied abroad in the Fall of 2016, in London, England. The program that I participated in was called FIE. There we had 6 weeks of courses all taught by British faculty, and as study abroad students, we had a unique experience.For instance, our art classes were usually held in museums throughout London, and our Shakespeare classes took weekly trips to the Globe. The following 6 weeks we were all given internships that pertained to our major. This abroad experience was the best experience of my life and I would do anything to go back.

Do you have any advice for high school juniors or seniors considering Marist? 
My advice would be to work your hardest during your last couple of months and not let the senioritis kick in. Marist is an amazing school and you can have the best time of your life, but you should also not take it for granted. Putting in that hard work starts now!

Written by Nicolette Muro '18