Name: Patricia “Tita” Feraud
Graduation Year: 2015
Major: Sociology with Peace and Conflict Concentration
Industry: Graduate student at UPenn’s Higher Education Administration Program and graduate assistant at UPenn’s Civic House
Favorite Class:
Too many to choose from, but the top would be any classes with Professor Hobgood.
Campus Involvement:
CASA, MPE, Women In Business, Sociology and Anthropology Committee, Peer Mentor, Odyssey Leader, Student Life Committee, SAFER facilitator, Let’s Get Ready
College Internship/Work Experience:
Volunteered at Worcester Roots Project and Working for Worcester, and worked as a summer camp counselor at South Worcester Neighborhood Center’s and Tabor Academy Summer Program.
What were some of the most defining events/opportunities/aspects of your time at Holy Cross?
Attending and participating in Multicultural events provided me a safe space to grow as person, learn from my peers, and appreciate my culture. These events lead me to my current career path to Student Affairs professional. Most of my applied learning happened outside of class, at these events.
What is one thing someone should be certain to do before they graduate?
I would advise that everyone should attend at least one social justice retreat. Even if one is not in the path of doing civic work, one should be informed about one’s identity and placement in the world. The social justice retreat provides a safe space for everyone to engage in great dialogue about identity. If one has a greater sense oneself, then one will have an easier time in figuring out if a career is the best fit for oneself.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
If you attended Holy Cross, you are more than prepared for graduate school. If you have time management, critical-thinking skills, and public speaking skills, graduate school will feel like home for you.
What skills have you found most useful in your professional life that you attribute from learning at Holy Cross?
I did not realized how much of Holy Cross’ values are ingrained in me and influence the ways I view the world. Holy Cross taught me a lot about how to analyze texts and form my own opinions, writing effectively, and cura personalis. I realized that if I do not take care of myself holistically, I cannot function professionally to the best of my abilities.
What is the most important advice you could give a student on obtaining an internship or a job?
I would advise a student to do what they think they will enjoy or not sure if they are interested in to determine what they want to do in the future. As a camp counselor, I learned that I did not want to go into teaching, but enjoyed my time as a counselor.
