Hometown: Marion, MA
Major: Political Science

What skills did you develop through our programs?
My experience as both a Freshman League member and captain have increased my confidence in facilitating deep, important conversations. It has greatly developed my ability to foster rewarding connections and mentoring relationships. These intangible skills the program has taught me enable me to engage authentically within my communities.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
Through these experiences, I have been taught that community and leadership are important in scheduled meetings and events, but also about showing up for one another in everyday life. Lasting community, leadership, and connections are derived from a commitment to being there for others in real, meaningful ways.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
At our final meeting with our Freshman League group, my co-captain Brody and I brought the guys to get ice cream at White Mountain, which ended up being one of the most memorable FL experiences for me. We recapped their freshman year and it was truly special hearing the different ways they had grown, built new connections, and tried new things. Many of them shared how the Freshman League had played a meaningful role in their journey, which made me deeply grateful to have been part of it. It also brought back memories of my own freshman year and how impactful the Freshman League had been for me.

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Major: Psychology

What skills did you develop through our programs?
Leading a small group through Stride taught me valuable lessons in empathy and communication. I came to understand that everyone is navigating their own challenges (often unseen to others) and that each individual brings a unique personality and perspective to the group and has a set of individual needs. This experience helped me grow as a facilitator, learning how to lead discussions, encourage participation, and keep conversations meaningful and engaging for all group members.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
Stride taught me the value of having a strong, supportive community on campus—a space where people uplift one another, offer help when needed, and encourage personal growth. Through this experience, I learned that true leadership is rooted in collaboration. It means working alongside others, being willing to lean on them for support, and recognizing the value of every group member. A good leader empowers others, creating an environment where everyone can thrive and become the best version of themselves. I also discovered the power of vulnerability in leadership; by being open and authentic, leaders can help others feel safe enough to do the same. Most importantly, I learned that everyone’s path to growth is different—effective leadership requires understanding and meeting people where they are, offering the kind of support and encouragement that suits their individual needs.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
The Student Formation staff creates a warm and supportive environment for everyone involved. They genuinely care about each participant and go out of their way to encourage engagement and offer help whenever it's needed. When my co-lead and I struggled to get our Stride group more involved in discussions, Grace offered thoughtful advice and constructive feedback. She was enthusiastic and eager to support us, never making us feel inadequate for asking for help. Instead, she emphasized the value of seeking support and reminded us that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Hometown: Long Island, NY
Major: Applied Psychology & Human Development 

What skills did you develop through our programs?
Leading discussions and being on my feet. Even though you have guidelines and you prepare and prep discussion points, you never know how/where the conversations are going to go. There is an element of the unknown and surprise, so you have to be ready to pivot and continue to keep the first-year students engaged. In this process, I feel like I have also gained self-confidence, which has always been a back-and-forth struggle for me.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
I've discovered that being a leader involves more than just commanding and being in charge; it also entails listening, encouraging others, and fostering an environment where everyone is respected and feels safe and seen. I have also learned how meaningful and joyful it can be to help/support others when they need it.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
The most memorable part about participating in programs like Freshmen League and Stride as a lead/captain is the community you help build and all the young underclassmen you get to help in their BC journey. Through these programs, I was able to heal a part of my freshman year self because it allowed me to be the mentor/support system that I wish I had as a struggling, lost, and confused first-year student. 

There have been a lot of great, memorable experiences like outings to escape rooms, but for me the little moments for are the most special. One specific moment was when my Freshmen League mentee was going through something difficult, and his mom was wondering if he had someone on campus he could talk to, and he said yes, referring to me. Another one was when one of my other mentees was going through a rough patch socially with his friend group, as most of us do in our first year of college. He asked to talk to me outside of our one-on-one and weekly meetings, and we grabbed dinner and made that a weekly thing. When I told him I was sorry to not be able to resolve his problems, he responded by saying at least he knows I am someone he can talk through things with. To see and hear that they saw me as someone they could confide in, and being able to be there for them, was the best feeling ever. It made me feel like I was doing something right since my leadership motto revolves around creating safe spaces for underclassmen as an upperclassman, something I did not have when I was in their shoes.

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Major: Political Science and International Studies

What skills did you develop through our programs?
One key strength I developed during my time in the Ascend program was the ability to build meaningful relationships with a diverse group of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. I learned valuable lessons not only from my mentors but also from the girls I was surrounded by. Additionally, I strengthened my leadership skills by learning to take initiative in group activities and actively supporting my peers.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
Being part of the program helped me understand that community is built through sharing—whether that is through sharing experiences, perspectives, or general support. I also learned that a strong community thrives when everyone feels seen and valued. When it came to leadership, I realized it’s not just about guiding others, but about creating an environment where everyone feels included, confident, and comfortable. I found that the most effective leadership style is one that encourages collaboration and uplifts others.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
A memorable experience from my time in the Ascend program was during one of our group sessions where, even after our scheduled time ended, no one wanted to leave. We were so engaged in sharing stories, listening to each other’s experiences, and learning from one another that time flew by. It was a powerful reminder of how meaningful connection and open conversation can be, especially in a space where everyone feels heard and supported.

Hometown: Rumson, NJ
Major: Art History

What skills did you develop through our programs?
This year as an Ascend lead I was able to gain confidence as a leader and realize that I am capable of meeting every participant's needs, even if they differ, to ensure that they got the most out of the program. I learned how to adapt in group conversations allowing for prolonged silence and reflection when needed and pivoting the conversation to align with what the girls wanted to discuss and needed to hear! It was a beautiful experience gaining so much purpose and fulfillment in my life while being able to make a difference in the lives of first-year women.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
Leading an Ascend group this semester gave me the opportunity to actively build a community and be a part of it. As incredible as it was to watch the girls get so close and form a close bond it was so special to also be a part of the group, and it created a healing experience for myself and my co-lead. After this experience I understand that community can take a while to form as people in the group adjust but once it takes shape it can be so powerful and impactful. The safe space we created allowed every girl to grow and flourish to the point where they were completely different women from when they started in the program. It also taught me that leadership doesn’t have to mean you are always putting on a brave face—admitting your faults and pointing out when you didn’t feel confident or you fell short can be so impactful and relatable for girls going through the same struggle.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
The lead retreat we went on in the fall was one of my favorite experiences in my time at BC so far. It was such a positive, safe space that allowed everyone to be present and vulnerable. I’ve never felt more organically connected to the other women at the retreat and like I could form close connections in such a short amount of time. Grace was such an incredible leader and example for the other women present that weekend, sharing her own story and encouraging us to do the same.

Hometown: Norwood, NJ
Major: Economics

What skills did you develop through our programs?
I attended Halftime as a sophomore, and the retreat experience helped me think more maturely about my future. Through listening to BC faculty members speak, connecting with these faculty members, and conversing with peers, I learned that it is quite hard to plan out my future. I learned to be more content with taking my future step by step by leaning into what matters most to me, holding close to loved ones, and living presently.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
Halftime helped me understand that there is always more BC community to know and love. Even when you're halfway through your time at BC and think you're in a comfortable spot, an experience like Halftime refreshes your mind and soul and helps you see beyond the comfort zone you've settled into. I newly connected with faculty and peers and heard their life stories and learned from their wisdom. For that, I'm grateful for Halftime.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
I was grateful to connect with BC faculty members at my Halftime retreat. BC faculty are a key piece of the Halftime retreat experience, and the retreat helps break a barrier between faculty and students and the way the two parties perceive each other. I loved realizing that the faculty are human beings with beautiful and challenging lived experiences who care about us students and our growth.

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Major: Nursing

What skills did you develop through our programs?
Through programs and retreats, such as Halftime, Ascend, and Stride, I developed stronger self-awareness and reflection skills. Taking time to pause and think intentionally about my values, goals, and growth at BC helped me feel more grounded in who I am and what I want my future to look like. I also learned the power of community, encouraging mentors, and the importance of leaning on others for support and guidance. These programs strengthened my ability to listen deeply, engage in meaningful conversations, and offer support and perspective to others—making me a more thoughtful and empathetic member of my community at BC.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
Leadership was never a skill I had been able to focus on too much before these programs, but looking back, it’s one of the skills I’ve strengthened the most. Being surrounded by so many great leaders—Stride leads, Halftime facilitators, Student Formation coordinators, and mentors—I felt constantly inspired, supported, and encouraged. Watching how they led with care, vulnerability, and courage shaped my own understanding of what it means to lead. I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about listening, creating space for reflection, and being compassionate. These programs also gave me the chance to actively practice leadership within my own groups, deepening my appreciation for these leaders and showing me the community I want to build around me.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
One of the most memorable experiences I had was being part of my Stride group during sophomore year. What made it so impactful were our leads, Teddy and Perrin. They showed up each week with so much enthusiasm and intention, always ready to ask us thoughtful questions, create time for reflection, and knowing when to allow us to really just hear from each other. They shared advice and stories from their own time at BC, which gave me perspective and excitement for what is in store these next two years. Those conversations helped me feel connected, grounded, and reminded me of the importance of community and reflection—some of the core values of Stride.

Hometown: Wilmington, MA
Major: Economics

How have our programs shaped your understanding of community and leadership?
They helped me realize that no matter how diverse a group of individuals may be, there are always shared experiences and values that can bring people together. In my Stride group, we came from different backgrounds, but I quickly saw that community is built not by focusing on our differences, but by finding common ground. This understanding shaped my view of leadership as well. Effective leaders spark connection by creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and united by a shared purpose.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
At Halftime, I had the opportunity to listen to several upperclassmen share their personal stories. Their honesty and vulnerability deeply resonated with me and helped me understand that even those who seem to have it all together may be facing hidden struggles. I also came to realize that many of the challenges I was facing were more common than I had thought. Inspired by their courage and the impact their stories had on me, I decided to become a Stride lead so I could share my own experiences and offer support to underclassmen navigating similar challenges.

Hometown: Albany, NY
Major: Applied Psychology & Human Development

What skills did you develop through our programs?
Through Ascend, I really grew in my ability to mentor and support others. My co-lead and I developed a strong partnership as we planned and facilitated weekly meetings, which challenged me to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively. Being a mentor meant creating a welcoming environment where first-year students felt comfortable sharing their experiences, and that responsibility helped me become more empathetic and confident in guiding meaningful conversations. Overall, it was an experience that strengthened both my leadership and relationship-building skills.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
Ascend was one of the first places on campus where I truly felt connected to a group of people. As a freshman, Ascend introduced me to classmates I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise, helped me to understand the importance of building a supportive community, and created opportunities for people to be vulnerable. Through Ascend, I realized that many of the challenges I faced as a freshman were not unique to me, and it was reassuring to know that I was not alone. As a mentor, I witnessed firsthand how powerful it can be when participants feel safe enough to open up—often about things they thought they were dealing with alone. That experience showed me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers or being perfect; it’s about being present, fostering trust, and creating spaces where others feel seen and understood.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
The overnight retreat was definitely one of the most memorable parts of Ascend for me. There was something so special about being off campus, away from all the usual distractions, and just being in a space where everyone was open to real, honest conversations. I remember leaving that weekend feeling so grounded and connected—not just to the other mentors and participants, but also to myself. It reminded me how important it is to make time for reflection and community.

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Major: Applied Psychology & Communication

What skills did you develop through our programs?
Learning how to be uncomfortable and hold vulnerable conversations is a life skill that everyone needs to develop, and I was able to strengthen this through my involvement with the Student Formation programs. Being in an environment that encouraged openness and reflection helped me grow more confident in expressing myself, listening actively, and supporting others.

How did they shape your understanding of community and leadership?
I learned that leadership is a two-way street, in that yes you lead, but you also need to follow. Like any other relationship, leadership requires a give and take where both mentors and mentees are able to learn from one another.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?
There isn't one specific moment I can remember, but through the years working with CSF, I can confidently say there isn't anyone on campus who won't be welcomed with open arms.