When people go into college they find their circle of friends, a club they want to join and try to stay on top of their work. But Casey Semenza is someone who surpassed that goal. Because of her high involvement and leadership roles on campus she is receiving the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
As a senior digital communication and social media major she has been a part of Loquitur Media as a news section editor and was a news anchor last year for LOQation News. She was also a contributor to the honors senior convergence website fixforaddiction.
On top of her involvement in her major, Semenza also worked as a resident assistant for the past two years and was a student ambassador for Catholic Relief Services. She was also a classroom coach for the Working for Global Justice Engagements for the Common Good 300 level course and a student blogger for Cabrini’s marketing department.
“I only ended up applying when the deadline was extended to January after speaking to my professor about it who encouraged me to apply,” Semenza said. “So I filled out my activities on campus, almost like a resume and added the different service and volunteer opportunities I took as well as achievements and honors I was given over the three years I was here at Cabrini. I also had to get a letter of recommendation from a professor so I chose Dr. Zurek since he knows who I am as a person the best out of anyone in the department.”
Two months later she received an email congratulating her on receiving the honor.
“I was overjoyed when I found out I was receiving the Who’s Who award,” she said. “I was actually scrolling through Facebook and my friend, Jerome Bailey had posted online that he was a recipient of the award and I was like oh! I should check if I received anything. So I opened my email and there it was! When I read it I immediately called my mom and celebrated. It was a really good feeling knowing that my hard work in and outside the Cabrini community was being recognized.”
Semenza’s family was also excited about the award and are very proud of her for all that she has done in her college career.
“They are my biggest cheerleaders and have pushed me to continue doing the things that bring me fulfillment in life,” she said. “They felt I deserved it after everything I have done since transferring to Cabrini.”
This award means everything to Semenza and validates everything that she has done in her time at Cabrini as well as off campus.
“This award means that I should never stop doing what I am passionate about,” she said. “No matter if I receive an award or not, I love helping others which is why I became an RA. Writing is my creative outlet which is why I became a journalist/editor. I’m passionate about social injustices which is why I am a CRS ambassador. I love devoting my time to those that need it which is why I volunteer with animals and the elderly. These are all my own choices and this award acknowledges that.”
Cabrini has left her mark on her and she has definitely done the same to the university. She and the other recipients will be honored at a ceremony on May 20th.
“I would say I am a transfer success story!” she said. “I found my purpose here and because of that I am grateful and ready to find my purpose as I start the next journey of my life.”
