Name: Joseph Bellitti
Major: Psychology
Hometown and State: Basking Ridge, New Jersey
What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?
I fell in love with the campus community when I visited the school, and I was extremely excited to get involved in that community and help others to the best of my abilities through campus activities.
What are you going to miss most about Holy Cross?
The people here. The Holy Cross community is so unique in it’s thoughtfulness and passion that I think it will be difficult to find another place like it. The students, the faculty, the staff, every single person here is so friendly trying to do the best they can to help you do the best that you can. I will miss that so much.
Do you have any plans for the future?
I will be looking for Research Assistantships in the field of Clinical Psychology.
What did you learn at Holy Cross that you will take with you into the world?
Simple acts of kindness like smiling at people, waving hello, holding doors open, and paying compliments to people can have the most profound impact on people and their lives. One good deed leads to another, and there is no limit on spreading kindness. Holy Cross has taught me the importance and yet simplicity of genuine care for other people, and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.
How do you feel you’ve grown over your time at Holy Cross?
I feel I have matured a great deal from the time I arrived on campus. I have learned countless information about the academics I have studied, but also more importantly about life. The experiences I have had here in my liberal arts education have helped prepare me for my next steps in life, and I eagerly await the challenges they present. I think what Holy Cross taught me about growing up was that no matter how much I have learned in my 4 years here, there is still an infinite amount of things I do not know, and that it is important to acknowledge that. I still have so much to learn, and am excited to do so as I take on the rest of life’s challenges.
What is your favorite thing about HC?
My favorite thing about Holy Cross is what I will miss most: the people here. This is a very special community, and in all my time here I have been privileged to meet very amazing, compassionate, and inspirational individuals. Holy Cross has allowed me to surround myself with incredible people who have my best interests at heart, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Name: Clare Orie
Major/Minor/Concentration: International Studies, French, Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown and State: Sudbury, MA
What was something you looked forward to experiencing at Holy Cross?
I was excited at the idea of everyone knowing everyone and saying hi to each other, since it is a small school.
What are you going to miss most about Holy Cross?
Walking around and seeing everyone. Everyone is so busy, and you come to associate certain areas with certain people that you know will be there. I know who I can find in the Dinand stacks in the wee hours of the morning, who I can find sitting in the Hogan chairs during the afternoon, and the like. I’ll miss spending my days always running into people I love and am friends with.
Do you have any plans for the future?
I’d like to join the Peace Corps, and eventually hope to be equipped to teach in conflict zones and refugee camps.
What did you learn at Holy Cross that you will take with you into the world?
It would take me hours to answer this completely, but to put simply, I have learned that life will pass you by if you don’t slow down through the madness, spend your days with those who brighten your days, and genuinely care about what you are doing – be it homework, a Rehm event, or anything else. Don’t be indifferent – life is too short.
How do you feel you’ve grown over your time at Holy Cross?
Abundantly. I’ve learned how to prioritize the different aspects of my life when it seems everything is a priority. I love what I study, and I love what I am involved in, and this passion has been a journey from freshman year, where I sort of just had a check-the-box approach to my classes and extracurriculars.
What is your favorite thing about HC?
I couldn’t pick. Aside from the wonderful people who make it what it is, I love how everyone cares. Everyone is busy because they are genuinely investing their time into learning more, and making this world more just and inclusive.
