Cabrini University Story Contest Voting

 

There are four question categories and each has three short stories assigned to it. Read the stories and then select one from each category that you think best answers the question and captures Cabrini. Happy voting!

Today I stood in front of my first class at Cabrini as an instructor. The reason this is so epic is because I graduated from Cabrini in 1998.

Back then, I took a class called Video Production with Cathy Yungmann. The first day was exciting and scary at the same time. I still remember the first time I directed the whole class in a production. I’m sure I was shaking. It’s funny, because now I look back at that moment and wonder, why was I so nervous?

I had the script. I did the work, the planning, and even practiced on my own. After I finally was able to say “Fade to Black” signifying the end of the show, I breathed a huge sigh of relief, and after that made sure I signed up for every video class Cabrini offered.

Here it is, 2017, and I’m now teaching Video Production thanks to Cathy. And as I stood in front of that class, I was not the least bit nervous or concerned. But I can see some of the students might be feeling a little of that anxiety I felt so long ago. So I told them not to worry. 

That is what Cabrini taught me. I learned that I can do just about anything with the correct preparation, planning and work. And now I’m lucky enough to get to pass that knowledge on to a new generation.

Dennis F., Alumnus ('98)

Through the many service opportunities I was privileged to take part, Cabrini Campus Ministry empowered me to plumb the depth and beauty of Catholic Social Teaching. Through these powerful experiences, I caught a glimpse of the unseen forces of failed economic and societal pacts that inordinately harm the most vulnerable. These experiences propelled me to serve in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, where I gave a year of my life to work with young men from the most abusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. 

Because of my Cabrini education I have seen injustice in the unclothed children splashing in polluted puddles of the dirt roads in Ecuador; the tent cities of Skid Row; the impoverished former coal miners in forgotten hollows of West Virginia; I have seen it in the former gang members and abused high school students with whom I worked.

I have seen hope in the incalculable love of those who sacrifice everything to stand among these injustices and advocate for change. I have seen hope in the lives of those same high school students, abused and counted out of society, who gave up their time to serve the homeless in the neighborhoods from which they came, and fought and scraped to enter college.

I would have never experienced any of this heartbreak and beauty without my first spring break in West Virginia. My life has been forever changed by standing along the margins—and I will never stop fighting to be a voice for the voiceless. 

Timothy R., Alumnus ('12)

My story is really very simple—I was led to Cabrini.  For more than 15 years, I have taken the train to work from Montgomery County to the Eastwick section of Philadelphia.  Truth be told, I rarely notice anything because I am too busy trying to make sure I don’t run over anyone’s toes with my wheelies or bump anyone with my lunch bag.  But one day I looked up and saw a Cabrini poster – Accelerated Degree Completion Program and Bachelors of Arts In Leadership – the seed was planted but not fully developed.

I continued to see the poster on different train cars and after a week or two, I believed the universe was trying to tell me something, so I looked it up on line and sent an email.  Within days I heard back and made an appointment to see Pat Griffin.  From the moment I stepped off the Cabrini shuttle, I felt like I had come home.  Doctor Griffin and I talked for about an hour, and I told her about my desire to complete my degree. She shared her experience, outlined how it could be done, and all I needed to do to make it happen.   Everything not only looked right, it felt right.   Dr. Griffin even took me on a tour of the campus.  It was during the tour when it really felt like I was home in my neighborhood – everything was so familiar. 

Growing up, I had always told my parents that I wanted to go to Bloomsburg University for college. For some reason, my father’s alma mater was far more appealing to me than my mother's, Cabrini.

However, after touring Bloomsburg’s large campus amongst a group of dozens of other students and their families, I felt like a lost face in a crowded group and realized the school was not the right fit.

Visiting Cabrini ended up being the complete opposite. I felt completely welcome as soon as I walked into the admissions office, and my one on one tour with my parents and a student ambassador was by far the best I had throughout my college selection process.

My interest in communications and my communications alumna of a mother also lead me to receive a personal tour of the communications wing from an upperclassmen in the major and one on one time with Dr. Zurek, the department’s chair.

Now, as I major in digital communications and social media as a second semester sophomore, I can confidently say that I am more than content with my decision to attend Cabrini. Our university’s close knit size and accepting environment make me feel like I am at home and have also allowed me to make my mark academically much sooner rather than later.

I am forever grateful for all of the opportunities that Cabrini has lead me to thus far and cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Angelina M., Student ('19)

When I decided to make a commitment to attend Cabrini I was not as excited as one should be when taking such an imperative step in life. My idea of the perfect college at the time was the thought of going to a school where the class population was over 1,000 and going to football games with thousands of enthusiastic fans. However, my thoughts have changed completely. After only successfully finishing one semester at Cabrini, I can proudly say I am grateful to be a part of such an amazing university.

I was told by a faculty member that those who come to Cabrini are here because someone, somewhere wants them to be here. At that same time, I learned Mother Cabrini was born on July 15 and at that moment I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. July 15 is the day my oldest sister past away a little over two years ago, which is why that date is so significant to me. She was my biggest supporter and always told me to follow my instincts and I will become successful. She taught me to take risks and make decisions based on what I feel is right and so I did. Though attending Cabrini was not understandable to me at first, I am glad I followed my gut. With the help of the amazing staff and students here, I could never imagine being a part of any other university. Therefore, I will forever spread the love I have for Cabrini while encouraging others to do whatever they FEEL is right.

Noel F., Student ('20)