Student Spotlight: Maria Clinton '13
May 2011
Name: Maria Clinton
Hometown: Peekskill, New York
Class: 2013
Major: Double major in Communications and Television
I chose Fairfield because... it is far enough away that I don't feel like I never left home and close enough that when I miss the comforts of my cozy house and family I'm just a train ride away. The beautiful campus grounds also enchanted me while the welcoming small-sized classes made me feel very comfortable.
I chose my major because... I have always had a great interest in public speaking and the news and I felt that a major in communications would help to give me a great foundation in how to effectively present myself. I also felt that it would give me a more scholarly understanding of how the media is so pervasive in our day-to-day lives. I then declared my double major in television second semester of my freshmen year because I wanted to have practical understanding of how to work a camera. Being able to understand the logistics of a camera and taping is just as important as knowing how to effectively speak in front of it. Both of these majors have provided me with beneficial knowledge that I am able to apply, not only on campus, but also outside of it.
My favorite thing to do on campus is... is to attend basketball games with my friends and show my Stag pride.
My most memorable academic experience... occurred the first semester of my freshmen year. I took a public speaking course named "Argument and Advocacy," which focused on each student strengthening their skills in public speaking by giving speeches in front of the class. When I first saw the syllabus and what was required of me, I thought it was impossible to accomplish such a frightening task. I have always enjoyed public speaking but putting a grade into the mix added a whole other dimension of pressure. I was more nervous about remembering what I had written than anything else. However, in the end I realized that nothing is impossible and that facing what seemed, at the time, to be the most unreachable goal was in fact attainable. Ever since that experience, I have held onto that perseverance and it has really helped me to go for my dreams no matter what obstacles I may face.
Fairfield has so many wonderful clubs and programs... that are available for students to get involved in. I really enjoy groups that focus on social justice like the Students for Social Justice and JUHAN (Jesuit Universities Humanitarian Network). Clubs like these allow me to meet other students that are passionate about world peace. I get a lot of enjoyment out of working on projects that are focused on living in a peaceful community not only on campus but also in the world.
When I have free time, I like to... spend time with my friends whether we stay in our dorm, venture around the campus grounds, or explore the surrounding community or New York City. I also enjoy writing poetry because writing is the one time I am able to connect with my experiences and express them on a crisp, white page of paper.
I really wish i knew... how much ordering in food was such a big component of the campus lifestyle before I got to college. I thought most of my meals would be eaten in the cafeteria, or Barone, as we like to call it. However, I realized that I ordered in a lot more than I had expected.
Before attending Fairfield... I did not realize how strong of a connection I had with my Christian faith. However, through reflection and the opportunity to be a part of a faith-based community I realized what an important role my faith played in my life.
After I graduate... I plan to move to New York City and attend graduate school while furthering my career in broadcast journalism. I also hope to fit in some world traveling, while simultaneously creating documentaries about the new cultures I will interact with and learn from.
During my freshman year... I was on the cheerleading team. An experience that I will never forget is when we traveled with both the women and men's basketball teams to cheer them on at the MAAC Tournament. Seeing both teams play their hardest and watching the large crowd cheer on their favorite teams with such enthusiasm is a memory that will never leave my mind. Although I do not cheerlead anymore I am one of the fans in the stands cheering the Stags on with all my friends.