I initially liked Holy Cross because it is a small, liberal arts college and I thought I could best succeed here, so I applied Early Decision. I have found Holy Cross able to provide me with many opportunities to explore my passion for learning.
Throughout my studies, I have become very interested in Human Rights and Ethics. I found these subjects to be at the intersection of Political Science and Religious Studies, so I decided to major in both. Then I found that a concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies would compliment these two majors nicely. The academics are rigorous but I have found that my double major allows me to apply my academics to both my extracurricular activities at Holy Cross as well to my experiences in the real world.
During my time at Holy Cross, I really have become a part of not only the Holy Cross community, but also the Worcester community that exists beyond the campus gates. During my first year, I joined SPUD-Student Programs for Urban Development. Through this organization, students can serve the Worcester Community through volunteering at a variety of sites such as those that provide tutoring, after-school programs or elderly care. I essentially worked my way up the “SPUD Ladder” to now be 1 of 8 interns in charge of over 600 SPUD volunteers. We have about 50 SPUD sites and I coordinate about 6 Program directors who are in charge of particular after-school sites around Worcester.
In addition to helping people in the Worcester community, I am also able to be a voice for students through my position on the Student Government Executive Cabinet. What I really love about the SGA, is how the organization exemplifies the camaraderie that exists amongst students at Holy Cross. For example, I am the Director of Health and Safety, but, really, I am on hand to help any of the other 20 Cabinet members when they need help with their own programming. Also, SGA fosters strong relationships among professors and administrators so they can know more about students and we can know more about them.
written by Mackenzie Horl ’17
