Major: Fashion Merchandising with a concentration in Business

Minor: Business

Email: lea.sciancalepore@gmail.com

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

Shen definitely prepared me for college-level work so the transition to Marist was fairly easy workload wise! I was able to take a decent about of my major related classes my Freshman year which excited me. I found that some of my classes were challenging, but professors were very accommodating with office hours and extra help. At Marist, most classes never hold more than 30 students which I felt was a strong advantage because it made it easier to get extra help when needed, and to remain attentive during class time.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

I was able to study abroad twice during my time at Marist which I LOVED! I spent one semester studying Fashion in Paris, and a second semester studying International Business while traveling throughout Asia (the ASAP program). Marist has so many incredible opportunities for study abroad, and about 50% of students end up studying abroad during their four years. No matter where you attend college, I HIGHLY recommend studying abroad because it changed my life for the better in so many ways.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

As far as online classes are concerned, the college allowed us to all opt for pass/fail classes due to the disruption to the academic year. Additionally, I had extended/flexible deadlines for most classes due to major changes in our curriculum as caused by the pandemic.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

I was actually in Thailand at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Marist had to make the strategic decision of when to pull us from our study abroad program, and how to help us safely return to the United States. I felt safe the entire time even with the presence of the pandemic because I was with faculty and staff that genuinely cared about my safety and well-being. We were checked on a daily basis for COVID-19 symptoms and our individual travel was limited to prevent possible virus contraction. I feel that Marist will act with the same prudence in the future so students will feel safe in their chosen learning environment.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

Students interested in studying fashion should definitely get involved with the fashion clubs on campus! We have several including Marist Fashion INC, Marist Ethical Fashion Initiative, and the NRFSA. This is a great way to learn about scholarship and internship opportunities, as well as make friends with people in your major! Marist also offers classes you can take that allow students to gain hands-on experiences just like you would have during an internship or out in the industry. I am heavily involved with MPorium at Marist, which is entirely student-run retail entrepreneurship boutique. You essentially learn the ins and outs of running a small business by taking on positions such as buying, e-commerce, marketing, and more! There are also other classes such as the fashion show production class and the magazine class to get involved with as well.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

Most students choose to stay on campus for the weekends which I really enjoyed because it feels more community oriented. On the weekends, students like to go to Marist sports games, explore some of the towns near Marist, go hiking (or skiing/tubing in the winter), get involved with on-campus activities, or just hangout down by the river (trust me, the view is beautiful)! Something really cool that Marist also offers is $25 Broadway tickets to go down to NYC and see a show. Transportation is provided in that price.

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

I am involved with the Dance Ensemble at Marist! This is definitely not as rigorous as being a student athlete, but it presents its own challenges when it comes to balancing it all. I probably put in around 5-6 hours a week for Dance Ensemble (sometimes more leading up to our showcase). I find that I try to just plan my time around dance and get my work done before so that I am not up late after rehearsal. Also, if you are interested in Dance but don’t want a huge commitment, you can always opt to only do a couple hours a week!

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

Many students have on-campus jobs! I am a tour guide which I have LOVED doing. I make my own schedule and make sure to only take tours on weeks when I don’t have a lot going on. Many students also like to tutor or work in the library! It’s usually fairly easy to get a job on-campus which is what most students do if they want a job during the academic year.

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Be yourself! Our admissions counselors really respond to authenticity. Also if you are genuinely interested, show them that. Email your admissions counselors often to check in, and call when you have questions instead of looking them up online. Also, only submit test scores if they benefit you because Marist is test optional. (:

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What makes your college special to you?

I think Marist is special because there is a community feel to the school that I don’t think every college has. I feel that almost everyone I have met at Marist has been kind and welcoming and has truly made me feel like part of the family.

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

I wish I knew that your college experience is what YOU make it. If your college has a ton of amazing opportunities, you have to just go for it. With everything in college, what you put into an experience is what you get out of an experience. Do whatever makes the most sense for you and get involved in whatever inspires you!

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

Most freshman are on campus for their first year which I highly recommend because the freshman dorms is where I met most of my friends that I am still closest with today! Roommates are assigned, so don’t worry about finding someone random in a facebook group. During orientation, you will take a survey all about you and Marist matches you with a person they feel compliments you well.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

Marist offers lots of great scholarships to students both upon admission, and throughout your time there.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

It can definitely be hard figuring out which college to go to, but you just have to go with your gut and do what makes the most sense for you!

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