Senior Spotlight: Stella DeMarco
April 17, 2024 |
Stepping outside of her comfort zone of home in Haddonfield, New Jersey, Stella DeMarco chose Xavier because she wanted to experience something new. She shares, “Xavier and Cincinnati as a whole quickly became a second home that I felt comfortable, safe, and happy in.” Xavier, being a college that is a short ten-minute drive from downtown, is the “ideal college,” explains Stella, and she enjoys, “being able to venture on the Wasson way for weekend walks while also exploring different restaurants, coffee shops, and museums downtown.”
While Stella will be graduating with a double major in public relations and communication studies, she shared that before coming to Xavier she did not have a specific plan regarding a major or a potential career. Her passion for helping others is what ultimately led her to her decision. She explains during her sophomore year, she decided that she wanted to attend law school to pursue a career in advocacy post-graduation, and says, “I knew that the COMM department would help prepare me and further my skills. . . More specifically, I wanted to learn how to write well, think critically, present strong persuasive oral arguments, and conduct and explain research.”
During her time in the communication department, Stella has had the chance to grow in these skills. She shares that, “Xavier’s COMM department has significantly enhanced these skills for me, as I’ve been challenged by my professors to think outside the box, consider all points of view, and communicate effectively.”
Outside of the classroom Stella’s most meaningful experience has been her time as a Residence Life Assistant or an RA. She has spent the last three years of her college experience as an RA and is currently in the role of a senior RA (SRA). Through this experience, Stella has had the ability to meet “hundreds of Xavier students, make lasting friendships, and have a positive impact on the lives of many.” She shares that “being an RA has been a life-changing experience that has connected me more deeply to Xavier and allowed me to learn about others’ life stories, experiences, hardships, and celebrations, and I feel grateful for it!”
After leaving Xavier, what Stella will miss most is the environment that is Xavier’s campus and the people that comprise it. She shares, "I’ll miss the familiar faces of my friends, residents, COMM professors, and I’ll cherish all the conversations and moments I’ve had with all the fabulous people I’ve met!”
Post graduation Stella says, “I’m headed home to the Philadelphia area and will attend Rutgers Law School in August! As someone who thoroughly enjoys helping others, I will use all the skills I’ve developed at Xavier, such as strong writing, oral arguments, and critical thinking to hopefully have a fulfilling career in advocating for others.”
Stella highly recommends a communication degree to anyone who is considering it. The advice she gives to future students is: “The COMM department allows students to embrace their values and interest in determining a career path, and it encourages students to not simply “major in a job” but rather to find a meaningful career that aligns with the students on a deeper level.”
