Home Institution: Oberlin College
Program:

I was the typical token male in the Siena School’s class of 2000. Back then the program had already established an intimate forum for students, faculty and residents of Siena to exchange ideas, collaborate on various community projects or simply hang out. There was lots of excitement in and out of the classroom, and the friendships forged were inspiring. So staying in touch with the Siena School was a no-brainer. The faculty and staff showed genuine interest in students’ ambitions that went far beyond a career services office, as well as a willingness to entrust former students with considerable responsibilities.

Every year the Siena School seems to expand its reach as a study abroad program and a center for community activities, and every year former students come back to get involved. I, for one, returned in 2003 to help create Verso, the school’s magazine, and wound up working on it for four years. The experience proved felicitous, invaluable and (I mean it) life-changing.