Category Archives: Professional Development

How To Make It Through The End Of The Semester

By Jillian Fiddler

Happy Sienafest Saints! I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am looking forward to a couple days of fun and festivities before our final stretch of the academic year. That being said, when the last event ends finals will quickly be upon us and the stress of the end of the semester is going to infiltrate our lives – if it hasn’t done so already. This is why I am dedicating this bLAb to techniques for working through possible burnout and finishing strong so the summer break is just as satisfying as we all deserve it to be. 

Set reasonable goals:

I am a chronic procrastinator, so I know about unfinished to-do lists and packed google calendars all too well. That’s why I am so aware of the importance of setting reasonable goals. When you outline a couple of things to get done during a time period instead of a never-ending laundry list of tasks, it helps motivate you to keep going. My suggestion is to make a to-do list for the day and list assignments or tasks that take no more than 3 hours to complete in all. Then, under these, start a new list of “extra” things that you can move on to ONLY if you finish the ones above. Keeping the initial list small makes you feel accomplished when you complete one and are ready to start the next instead of dreading beginning because you can’t see the end. Burnout is all about perspective, don’t set yourself up for failure when you can just as easily set yourself up for success. 

Switch up your routine:

It can be easy to find yourself trapped in the same schedule and routine every day, and sometimes this is the only way to guarantee that you find time to eat or get to sleep on time. Although routines can be comforting and helpful in many ways, it’s also just as important to keep your brain willing to follow through with these schedules and not dread doing the same thing over and over again. This is why switching up your routine can be helpful. I’m not telling you to throw caution to the wind and have a day of random activities and tasks totally skew your priorities. All I’m suggesting is to maybe switching where you go to eat on a particular day or if you usually study by yourself, maybe ask some friends to join you in your dorm and all do homework together. A switch can even be as simple as swapping when you do what assignment. Switching up your routine helps your brain stay active and feel like it is necessary to keep functioning instead of shutting down out of boredom.

Do something fun:

Hopefully, you all take advantage of Sienafest, and it serves as a helpful reminder that doing something fun every once in a while is necessary. It’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of academic and work responsibilities and push aside social events. However, these low-stake activities are exactly what your brain needs to keep going strong. If you just sat down and studied for multiple hours in a row, I know you probably want to go back to your dorm and take a nap or scroll through your phone. As enticing as this sounds, maybe consider grabbing some food with a couple of friends, going on a walk with your roommate, or even studying some more but this time in the bottom level of the library, where you can joke and laugh without getting shushed. The point is that socialization and bringing a little joy into your day in any capacity will strengthen your mind and prevent burnout from settling in. 

Learn to say no:

I’m going to be honest – I’m really, really bad at this. When you’re a college student, you sometimes think you’re invincible, meaning you tend to bite off way more than you can chew. I know it may feel like you always have to be doing something and staying productive, but it truly is okay just to be a student to take some time and only focus on your studies. This is why saying no is a crucial skill that I feel everyone should know exists. As long as you are kind, polite, and the world will not end if you don’t get involved, then it is okay to say no when someone asks for your help or participation. Extracurriculars are supposed to be fun, but there’s no way that’s possible when you’re a part of so many that you can’t even find time to breathe. Saying no is not a sign of weakness; it shows great strength and proves that you have your priorities set and are willing to establish boundaries. 

Reach out:

Sometimes burnout is just too strong, and it’s going to take more than a couple of quick tricks to help you to make it through the end of the semester successfully. That’s okay. This is exactly why Siena College has resources in place and at the ready – to help its students when they need a little extra support. Advisors and Professors are always great people to go to for advice, as well as CAs and the Friars. In addition, the campus has a very active office of Health Promotion where students can seek resources for counseling and any wellness and health concerns. No matter your question, there is someone on campus who can assist and support you as you find your way back to stability.

School is stressful but that doesn’t mean we should let this stress take away and ruin all the hard work we have put into this semester. Let’s finish strong Saints!

Ask the President

By: Jillian Fiddler

Chris Gibson has been the President of Siena College since July 2020. He has navigated our campus through a pandemic, out of debt, and into an optimistic community looking forward to planned advancements that will benefit everyone involved. Since President Gibson has been announced as the 12th President of Siena College, countless interviews and profiles have been done by both participants of the school and outside sources.

President Gibson with First Lady Mary Jo on his first day as Siena’s 12th President – Courtesy of @SienaCollege

When I thought of the idea to interview him, I knew I would have to do something different from the basic interview or question and answer piece he had already participated in. This is where the idea of “Ask the President” stemmed from. I wanted to create an opportunity for Siena students to use their voices and have their questions answered by the President. Below is a summary of the interview I held with President Gibson, separated by topics formulated by common questions sent in.

Plans to improve Siena’s campus:

Despite this current freshman class being well over one thousand students, the goal is to return the class size back down to the 900s. This is to keep the “liberal arts feel” of the campus while also allowing Siena the opportunity to become more selective to match the obvious growing interest. There are also plans for substantial Wellness Center updates to help promote positive life habits among all members of Siena College. This will come in the form of help with nutrition, yoga, meditation, and mental health support to aid in finding happiness and stability while learning coping techniques for stress.

All lights on in Cushing Village during the cold winter – Courtesy of @SienaCollege

Graduate and accelerated program plans:

Students seek out undergraduate schools with strong graduate programs so Siena is actively working to fulfill this demand. The Masters of Social Work (MSW) program is currently in the process of being established thanks to a very generous sponsor who is helping to fund the initiative. There are also plans to expand the current nursing program so the students and faculty can increase in size and gain more opportunities. The MBA program here at Siena is very popular and seeing as it falls under the growing interests of students, the decision has been made to add a concentration in health administration. 

Future remote class opportunities:

Before the pandemic, colleges and universities had a national baseline of 10% of their classes being asynchronous. Siena College was slightly below this with having only 6-7% of asynchronous class options. The goal after the pandemic is to return to a normal in-person class schedule with the asynchronous class availability now reflecting the national baseline by falling around 10%. This will hopefully provide for more flexibility among both students and faculty, in addition to introducing variations in Siena’s pedagogy. There is also an intention to allow for many online class options in graduate programs so students can share their time between coming to campus and working to gain experience in their desired field. 

Most challenging part of budgeting:

The President has a responsibility to acknowledge and be empathetic to all stakeholders of the budget. This includes three main subsections – the trustees, the students, and the alumni. The trustees have the goal for the college to be fiscally stable and uphold its values. The students want an inclusive community where they can get the best education at the cheapest price. The Alumni simply want their beloved college to flourish. There can be challenges with this because not all priorities can be addressed to the same degree. That being said, the school is doing phenomenal in multiple areas. This is the second year of a balanced budget plus a surplus of funds, enrollment is strong, and the college is scoring very high nationally.

Thoughts on the pandemic:

There has been controversy over how Siena decided to proceed into this academic year regarding masks. This decision was not made lightly and consisted of heavy consultation to evaluate policies that reflected data. This data demonstrates risk management and how best to proceed as a community. Fortunately, it was shown that our case numbers were the same, if not better, than surrounding schools that were either mask mandated or completely locked down. By remaining mask optional and increasing social interaction, there was a noticeable improvement in the mental health of all community members, which is something to be celebrated. 

The sun shining strongly onto Siena Hall – Courtesy of @SienaLiberalArts

Mental health support:

Mary Jo Gibson, President Gibson’s wife, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a strong mental health advocate. She has played a prominent role in influencing President Gibson’s perspective of how important a community’s mental health truly is. This view has changed to a holistic lens, with mental and physical health being of equal importance. Needing support during the pandemic has been increasing here on campus, which is why more resources are becoming available. Kate Kauffman Burns and the Wellness Center, the Counseling Center, Peer Mentors, Saints, and CA’s can all provide advice and support if individuals are struggling.

Diversity on Campus:

It should be noted that the current freshman class has the largest percentage of people of color in the School’s history. This number has doubled from last year and is expected to increase in the following years. To support these students in their success, there needs to be resources readily available such as financial, academic, and emotional support. Every single student at Siena should have the opportunity to flourish regardless of what they look like. This is why a campaign to strengthen the bonds of racial justice is forming. The core of this campaign is rooted in St. Francis’s lifestyle seeing as he is a strong representation of celebrating all life without biases. 

Most pressing concerns on campus:

There needs to be a stronger focus on everyone’s experience here at Siena. One of the best ways to learn how to do this is simply by listening to students. The students have some of the most important opinions on campus, and this is why they have intellectual insight into what should stay consistent and what needs to change or adapt. This can be done by conducting surveys, attending and listening in on senate meetings, and bringing up discussions during clubs and student activities. Siena College is not made up of individuals who are comfortable sitting still. The school is open to change – it just needs to know where it is necessary. 

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with President Gibson and share some of the students’ most pressing questions with him. Siena College is lucky to have a president dedicated to all members of the community and who will continue to support us during these difficult times.

As always, please feel free to interact with and share the bLAb to your friends and family. Here in the School of Liberal Arts we are excited to be involved and learn about how we can best help you use your voice so it is always encouraged to reach out with suggestions or ideas for the bLAb, which can be done by emailing lainfo@siena.edu.

Have a great Spring Break and I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Siena Alum Reports on Ukraine Crisis

By: Jillian Fiddler and Libby Kane

In 2014 Christopher Donato graduated from Siena College with an American Studies Major and minors in Broadcasting and Creative Arts. Today, he is an Emmy winning ABC News Field Producer and is currently reporting on the crisis in Ukraine from the Poland/Ukraine border. Donato has graciously taken the time to answer our questions and provide both his own pictures and insight into the tragedy that is unfolding in Ukraine, as well as how Siena has prepared him to be successful in this line of work.

What is your current role/title, and what does it entail? 

I am a Field Producer at ABC News, mainly covering breaking news. Wherever the story is, I get sent (and there are plenty of middle-of-the-night wake up calls). I work with a correspondent/anchor to pitch stories, to find elements for pieces (video, interviews, etc.), scout locations for us to be live from, and get the corresponde/guest on tv.

Christopher Donato ’14 in front of train packed with Ukrainian refugees

How long have you been in Poland? 

I arrived Sunday, Feb 27. I was actually supposed to head to London to fill in our office there, but was asked to change my plans at the last minute and reroute to Poland.

How long do you plan to stay in Poland? 

Great question! We’ll be here for as long as we’re needed to be here.

Do you have any safety concerns for yourself?

No – everyone in Poland has been extremely welcoming.

How has what you learned and the skills you developed at Siena helped you in your current work? 

One of the main things I learned at Siena was to listen and show empathy. When we’re talking to the refugees, it’s so important to listen to them and show them empathy. Some of the people have told us their homes have been bombed – so they really only have what few possessions they carried with them to Poland. Some have told us about their husbands/brothers/fathers/sons staying back in Ukraine to fight and protect their homeland.

Children playing with donated toys to Ukrainian refugees

Is there anything that we can do to help the Ukrainian people? 

The head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has asked that people donate to big organizations instead of donating small items; he said that by sending money to the organizations, they can purchase what is actually needed and have it brought to the locations easier than private donors can. We’ve seen several aid organizations here helping – the Polish Red Cross has been at several of the refugee reception centers and we’ve seen World Central Kitchen (a non-profit that sets up kitchens and distributes food at disasters) at the border crossings and reception centers at all hours of the day handing out tons of warm meals. For many of the refugees, this is the first warm meal they’ve had during their journey…which for some people, has lasted 5+ days.

What has been the most challenging thing for you to witness while in Poland? 

The second night we were here, we went to the border crossing in Medyka and we watched as refugees came across the border into Poland from Ukraine. There’s no way to really describe it…some people were just so exhausted from their journeys, that they could barely walk. It wasn’t a limp. It wasn’t a walk. There really is no way of describing how their exhausted strides looked. Some told us they walked 20, 30, 50+ kilometers (12, 19, 30 miles) to get to the border. They had a look of confusion on their faces too. Greeting them in Poland were all these volunteers with hot meals and donated clothing, but they didn’t realize it was all free for them. The other challenging moment to witness was just last night; we went to the Ukrainian House – it’s typically a cultural and arts center in a town near the border that puts on programs introducing people to Ukrainian culture. It’s been turned into a temporary housing shelter for refugees. They brought us to one room where kids are in the back playing and laughing, but in front of them were their mothers/grandmothers/aunts sitting at a table with a total look of despair on their faces. They brought us to their auditorium which, just 2 weeks ago, would be home to plays and shows. Well, now it’s filled with cots for refugees to spend a night sleeping. One of the organizers almost started to cry when she told us about the refugees and her fears: she said during the first wave at the beginning of the fighting, refugees came with several large bags and their pets, but over the two weeks refugees have been coming with less and less. Those who arrived yesterday came with just a backpack each. She said she was really worried about those coming from Eastern Ukraine in cities like Mariupol where the fighting is very strong. She worries that those refugees are going to have absolutely nothing with them.  

Ukrainian refugees boarding buses in Poland

While you were at Siena did you ever expect to see yourself working on a job like this? 

No – I actually had no idea I wanted to go into journalism when I got to Siena. I wanted to either become a pediatrician or a high school history teacher (I know, they are so similar!). Once I realized I wanted to become a journalist, I thought I would be at the local level in a large city in the United States. I never thought I would be working at a news network traveling to big stories around the world.

Do you think that by being at Siena and learning about Social Justice, you are better equipped with an understanding of these kinds of situations? 

*The social justice courses were instituted into the core curriculum after Christopher graduated*

It’s important to learn about social justice through Franciscan lens because you really never know when you’ll be faced with a situation like this. I never thought I’d be across the world talking to refugees fleeing war in their homeland and having the empathy to understand them and help them.

Anything else you would like to add? 

We cannot undersell how amazing the Polish people have been. I would say 98% of all the work we see being done for the refugees has been from volunteers. Usually you would expect a majority of the work to be from the government with a small fraction from volunteers. Totally opposite here. And people are coming from all over Europe to help. Yesterday we met three volunteers who filled a truck full of donations in Germany and drove 10+ hours to drop it off here. People hold signs at refugee reception centers (large areas where refugees are brought to by bus once they are processed at the border) with cities listed on their sign. That’s where they are offering a free ride to refugees…some as far as Sweden, Amsterdam, cities across Germany, Poland…I think the furthest we’ve seen is about a 15-20 hour drive. It’s really incredible seeing the best of humanity in the worst of circumstances.

We appreciate everything Donato is doing over in Poland and are very proud that he is a member of Siena’s wonderful Alumni community!

To donate and aid in help for the Ukraine crisis click here.

You can follow Christopher Donato’s experience in Poland @chrisdonato04

Rachel Jones, Director of Dining Services, Cooks up Campus Positivity

By: Kiera Mitru

There is no better way to celebrate the recent observation of Women’s History Month than by expressing gratitude for the women in our lives and the lessons they teach us. At Siena, our community is made stronger and more vibrant by the hard work and intentional connection fostered at the hands of the strong women that surround us. 

Rachel Jones is the Senior Director of Dining Services at Siena, and is a true Saint among us. Her patience, warmth, thoughtfulness, and passion for cooking are woven into the work that she does, and her impact could not be more resounding. One of the most important aspects of one’s college education is the experience one participates in outside of the classroom, and Rachel Jones is someone that each of us can learn a great deal from. 

Good food and great company is what SienaFresh is all about – how could you not smile? Photo courtesy of Rachel Jones.

Starting as a restaurant hostess and working her way up to a serving position in her early twenties, Rachel came of age in an industry that is known for its misogynistic managers and oppressive business practices. Along with the guidance of her best friend and mentor, Julia Philippone, she learned lessons throughout his period of her life that still inform her work ethic to this day, the most important being:

  1. Always dress for your next position.
  2. No crying at work.
  3. Emails and texts are a record, not a conversation.

During her career as a restaurant server, she recognized that many of the people that she worked among were women and gay men. Witnessing the lack of support that was granted to herself and her coworkers, she became inspired to step into a managerial position as soon as the time was right. Showing up for herself and her coworkers is exactly what she did day in and day out for years, working at an Applebee’s in Atlanta, Georgia until she became the manager of the restaurant location. 

When returning to her hometown, she recognized the need to change her career path as a single mother. Work hours in the restaurant industry are often long, unforgiving, and irregular. Looking for consistency, she began a virtual position working to advocate for teachers in Chicago, Illinois. This position took place at UAlbany, where she gained experience in Human Resources and Administrative Tasks. While looking for her next position, she knew wanted to stay in the college atmosphere, but a piece of her missed working in the restaurant industry. At the time she applied to work at Siena, she was hired as the Office Manager for Siena Fresh, and within four months she was promoted to the position of Director of Operations. 

(Dining) service with a smile! Rachel loves chatting with students and ensuring that their dining experience at Siena is well-rounded. Photo courtesy of Rachel Jones.

Her position at Siena has celebrated a marriage, of sorts, of her career interests so far. She is able to flex her administrative muscles, organize budgets, get creative in the kitchen, and empower the people she surrounds herself with. Some of the most important connections she has made at Siena include her close friendships with Beth DeAngelis, Director of the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women, and Kate Kaufman Burns, Director of Health Promotion. Through these connections, she has found support and empowerment – two superpowers she shares with the students and colleagues she works with.

Rachel shares that while the restaurant industry has come a long way in the past 20-25 years, there is a lack of intersectionality present among those in managerial positions across the board. There are more and more women in positions of influence, herself setting a glowing example of that. Jones shares that, “Women can be successful, independent, strong, and unique. A college campus is the perfect place to embrace that.” 

Cooking up connections: Rachel’s student-focused work with SienaFresh fosters positive and intentional relationships. Photo courtesy of Rachel Jones.

As she continues to forge her path forward, Rachel shares that she only has her Associate’s Degree. While the position she currently holds would normally require a Bachelor’s Degree, she got where she got because she works hard. Jones firmly believes, “There is no substitute for hard work. If college is not in the cards for you, hard work can and will get you to a similar place.” As she worked toward her Associate’s Degree, she was guided by professors who believed her lived experience played into her degree. Looking into the future, Rachel hopes to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree at Siena, completing a walk across The Stage at commencement that will bring everything full-circle.

When discussing the impact cooking has had on her personal journey, she mentions how cooking and baking have been grounding for her, especially through the challenges that have come with this past year. When asked who her favorite chef is, Jones responds, “I am my favorite chef. I love the way it makes me feel.” Her go-to dishes are her meatball and vegetarian lasagne. While she shares that they take a while to construct, putting them together is a labor of love. She doesn’t refer to a recipe because she knows that, “Recipes taste the best when they’re written in your heart.”

Rachel uses baking as an outlet, a way to clear her mind after long weeks. Here, we witness her culinary expertise via this gorgeous Frasier Layer Cake. Photo courtesy of Rachel Jones.

Jones wishes that, above all, more people understand that food service employees are people too. These people are the moms, wives, sisters, brothers, and best friends that keep our world turning and our bodies nourished. On campus, SienaFresh employees greet each day and each student with optimism and respect – they care about the work that they do and continue to show up for the community that they serve. Rachel hopes that her hard work and that of her dynamic team translates to the community that she cares for. 

SienaFresh employees are halftime heroes! Photo courtesy of Rachel Jones.

Food is a universal symbol for community and acceptance. On a college campus like Siena’s, these themes could not be more harmonious with our Franciscan values. Rachel Jones is a bright light in our community, and her work continues to feed us in both a literal and spiritual sense. We thank Rachel and the SienaFresh team for all that they do; Saints cannot march forward without them!

Employers Beware: Saints Prepare for the Fair

By: Kiera Mitru

Spring has sprung and along with it are budding opportunities for your future. Join the Career Education and Professional Development office at their annual Spring, the Career, Internship, and Graduate School Fair. While offered in a virtual format this year, the Fair still presents promising employer turnout and ample opportunity to make your mark!

I sat down with Ashley Dwyer, CEPD’s Assistant Director of employer relations to chat about the importance of the Career Fair and how it can prove to be beneficial for both employers and students. If you don’t know Ashley as a fellow Saint from the class of 2008, you may be more familiar with her infamous email blasts, speaking to the masses via adwyer@siena.edu, being sure to keep Siena’s student body informed on all things career preparation. During our conversation, Ashley noted that, more than anything, the Fair is the perfect opportunity to work on networking skills. 

“While nobody wants to deal with networking, it’s the elephant in the room that never goes away.” Ashley shares that while networking can sometimes feel tedious, it’s crucial to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” After speaking with an employer’s representative, it’s a great idea to connect with them on LinkedIn and reinforce the initial conversation you have with them. In this case, it is important to reintroduce yourself and discuss how you would like the connection to benefit you. Ashley advises against using the generic “fill-in” examples provided by LinkedIn, as those are less personal. Instead, she encourages students to be specific and personable, tying in connections from the conversation you shared. An example being:

“Hello Sheila, my name is Kiera Mitru and I enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with you about Bard College’s graduate course offerings surrounding sustainability. As I look to continue my grad school research, I will be sure to reach out with any questions!”

A message like this communicates your interest in the conversation with a nod to the topics you discussed. This form of communication will also provide your new connection with insight on how you visualize your level of contact going forward. 

The Fair has something for everyone! Photo courtesy of Siena College CEPD.

While it may be easy to go into the Fair with low expectations, Ashley Dwyer shares that companies participate in Siena’s Career Fair specifically to hire Siena students. This is because they have done so in the past and are pleased with the products of the “Education for a Lifetime.” It is rare that a company will participate in a Career Fair if they don’t have open positions, and if they do, it’s likely that they will have positions open for the following fall or spring. 

This fair is just as important for underclassmen to check out, since it’s wise to start making connections early. In this case, students can maintain their network and have a strong list of references to utilize when it comes to seeking internships. Even if you don’t hear about the position of your dreams opening up right after graduation, you enter the Fair with an open mind and leave with contacts and information that could prove to be helpful in time. 

Don’t forget to check out this week’s CEPD events to Prepare for the Fair! Photo courtesy of Siena College School of Liberal Arts.

Many students know that the Fair typically leans toward having more opportunities for business majors than any other major, but this does not mean that it won’t be helpful for students of all fields of study. As an English major in her undergraduate career at Siena, Ashley Dwyer understands the flexibility of a Liberal Arts degree. She recognizes that many Liberal Arts degrees like English, philosophy, and history are ambiguous and don’t have the same linear tracks that an accounting major may have. While this sounds daunting, it can also be seen as liberating. As Liberal Arts students, we have options. Dwyer shares that “Companies want someone with strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills. This is what Liberal Arts majors excel in.” Additionally, experience in Liberal Arts internships and research settings is impressive in the job market. It is important to communicate the value of your experiences in and out of the classroom. For example, maintaining a personal blog online, growing a social media following, writing for a small student publication, or developing your hobby into a small business is crucial to mention in an interview. This showcases ambition and leadership which are necessary to project in a professional setting.

Since the Fair is in a virtual format this year, I would like to share some tips for those that may be a bit apprehensive about interviewing online. While the job search via Zoom may feel awkward, the following tips are sure to make your interviews successful:

  • Look into the camera when you speak. This will feel more personal to the interviewer, making it seem as if you’re making direct eye contact with them while answering their questions. 
  • Pick a well-lit space with a professional background. The study rooms in the library are great for this. There is plenty of light, lots of quiet, and few distractions. If you book a study room for the time that you plan to attend the fair, you can give yourself the space to focus and nail your interviews!
  • Since it’s likely that you’ll be speaking with a number of potential employers, the safe way to go is to avoid clothing that may be revealing. Choosing a top that you feel comfortable and confident in will translate well to the people you interview with. If you are wearing a dress shirt, the Fair is a great opportunity to break out those ties you got as a gift for some past holiday or birthday or graduation long ago. Not to mention, this will tie your outfit together and present a polished look to the employers.
  • Be yourself when you meet potential employers or network connections! Your individuality is what makes you stand out, and in a virtual format it is important to foster a strong connection with the person or people you talk to. Your skills and experience are something to be proud of! In the job search, conveying confidence is about 50% of the work. If you can promote your personality in a positive way, odds are that this optimism will be contagious. You will come across as motivated and driven toward success – who wouldn’t want to work with that?

As you look forward to this Friday’s Spring Career, Internship, and Graduate School Fair, feel confident in yourself and your passions. With support from campus resources like the CEPD office, the Office of Internship Programs, the SASE office, and countless others, your unique story will lead you toward success and countless opportunities to live a life driven by the desire to never stop learning. Looking into the future calls you to stand up and stand out as you seek to forge a path for yourself. As Friday’s fair approaches, know that you are capable, accomplished, and prepared to get your career on.

Brianna Brown ’20, G’21 is Letting Creativity Pave the Way for the Future

By: Kiera Mitru

Growing up in Guiderland, New York, Brianna Brown ‘20, G’21 found herself expressing her ideas and exploring the world around her through art. From art classes in high school to creative hobbies on the side, Brianna would bring her ideas to life through crafts and conversation. 

While interning with CAP COM, Brianna bridged photography and analytics to market the mission of the local Credit Union. Image courtesy of Brianna Brown.

When entering college, Brianna had initially sought out schools with engaging art programs, but her parents had advised her in a more practical direction. Looking at Siena, Brianna found that the school of business, specifically the marketing program, offered her a unique opportunity to bridge her two interests, art and business.

Brianna has taken full advantage of her Siena education, graduating with a major in marketing, with a concentration in digital marketing and communications, while also picking up a creative arts multimedia minor. Now a graduate student in Siena’s MBA program, she is following a concentration on a strategic management track in order to further “march forward” as a Siena Saint. Since starting her education at Siena, Bri has realized that business can be about more than balance sheets and watching the stock market. Infact, she has successfully integrated her artistic background into the world of business. 

Brianna’s perspective expertly communicates the importance of art to those that are business oriented, as well as the influence of business to those that are more artistically-oriented. “There’s a lot more to marketing than people think”, Brown shares, noting that her view of a traditionally rigid field of study takes on more meaning and artistic liberty. “Marketing is the most vital part of a business because no one is going to understand what a balance sheet is or what an annual report is, but they will recognize your logo and what you stand for, which is the aspect of marketing that calls to me the most”. 

A lot of how a person or a business is perceived is in how they market themselves. Brianna is fascinated in curating the image one projects among their audience. In her Digital Marketing course, MRKT 327, Brianna reached a turning point. In this class, Brianna recognized just how much we collectively underestimate the role that digital media plays in our spheres of communication and representation. Siena’s liberal arts mission allowed Brianna to get a more holistic education, stressing the importance of the real-world applications of the lessons she is learning every day.

If there is anything the past year has taught us, it is that not all learning happens within the bounds of the classroom. Now with online learning, the social and cultural relevance of the global pandemic, and a renewed focus on racial justice, it is impossible to “learn in a vacuum”. During the summer of 2020, the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others sparked the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. The activism and conversation that took place over the summer motivated Brianna and millions of others into action. 

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Driven toward justice, Brianna Brown gets creative for a cause. Art courtesy of Brianna Brown.

As a young Black woman, Brianna felt the need to tell her story, because she is not sure how much time is left. In writing this article, Brianna exposed some of the harsh truths of her childhood and her continued lived experience. While Brianna’s piece was supported by friends, family, and community members, she found that some had changed their perspectives. In putting her face and name to some of the pains of microaggression and racial tension, Brianna was forced to reckon with specific moments she has experienced – many of which she thought she had forgotten. 

In her article, Brianna shares, “Throughout my life, I have been grateful to not have to endure the hardships that many other people of color have had to. I’ve never personally lost someone to police brutality, I’ve never been harmed by law enforcement, I’ve never witnessed a trauma happen in front of me. This doesn’t mean that I haven’t experienced micro-aggressions or hatred.”

Brown shares that her experience just scratches the surface of those other Black individuals live from day-to-day. Driven to participate and lead discussions surrounding the African American experience, Brianna contributed to a platform that continued the conversation sparked by the events of summer 2020. She has since “decided to take a step back in order to focus on other opportunities and projects in my life at the moment.” 

Since stepping back, Brianna has recognized that she misses having that creative outlet and sharing her work with others. Recently, she has been organizing and working on a new project that more specifically embraces her creative talent and motivated activism. With her extensive business background, Brianna can utilize her strengths in order to further mend her creative vision into a message she can share with others.

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Brianna, a recent Siena graduate focuses her “2020 vision” on the Siena MBA program following her graduation. Image courtesy of Brianna Brown.

As Brianna looks ahead to a new project and a new semester, she is excited to greet the new opportunities that will continue to shape and impact her learning journey at Siena. Her ability to mix and match her college courses has allowed her to create an educational mosaic in which she sees herself and her interests represented. Just as Brianna believed that the final semester was a culmination of all that she had accomplished, she found new ideas and avenues along which she can continue to collaborate, create, and pave the way for the future.

The Days Are Long, But the Time is Short: Siena’s Extended Winter Break

By: Kiera Mitru

There’s a saying that goes something like, “the days are long, but the time is short”. This saying takes shape in many chapters of our lives, but the sentiment has never proved to be more true than it does during one’s time in college. While there are days and assignments that feel eternal, the end of the semester always rolls around before we know it. We all know that moment when our hearts are heavy with a bittersweet feeling, carrying our bags to the car, returning home for yet another break. Even if waiting for time to pass in your hometown feels like it will last forever, the days pass in the same “wow that was fast” way that reminds us of what we may or may not have accomplished during our time away from school.

For each of us, every semester poses new challenges and opportunities to learn from, this past semester being no exception. Both on campus and off campus, the Siena Community engaged in conversation discussing the importance of voting, following safety measures put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and the obstacles posed by virtual classrooms. Learning communities across the world have had to make substantial changes to even the smallest details of their campuses in order to safely accommodate their students and faculty. Here at Siena, one of these changes is most directly reflected in the length of our Winter Break. 

Instead of taking the traditional 4-week pause between semesters, Siena announced that our Winter Break would last from Thanksgiving through mid-February in order to prevent the projected second wave of the COVID spread. As the scheduling change was announced, I began to dread what would add up to almost 3 months away from school, but quickly changed my tune after settling in at home. 

While a trip to the Jersey Shore in December sounds frigid, the warm colors of the sunrise make the cold weather worth it. Photo courtesy of Kiera Mitru.

For the months that we would be home, I was hired at a local supermarket and worked full-time in order to keep myself busy (and also to save some money). Having worked in the same store during the summer, returning to the strong workplace team I had grown close to was a sort of homecoming. Amidst a global pandemic, my coworkers have never failed to bring optimism and intention to their work, which translates into our essential service to the community. Some days have been harder than others, but each day has proved to me that essential workers are named appropriately, due to the fact that their service is not only necessary but vital to our society as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outside of work I engaged my culinary talent with new cookbooks and flavor combinations. While I didn’t get around to cooking and baking as much as I would have liked to, I kept my Instagram page @CookingUpSomethingFun updated with new treats I had been experimenting with. Some of which included French puff pastry, eggplant parmesan, homemade granola bars, traditional focaccia bread shaken up with some beet root powder, Ina Garten’s classic shortbread, pecan brittle, countless pots of beans, homemade dumplings, and so much more. My work over the stove offers a creative and intentional space to bring my ideas to life. Since most of my family members are working from home, I could always count on them to give a quick taste test of whatever I constructed in the kitchen, none of them sparing their brutally honest reviews.

I impressed myself with my Won Ton folding forte! Photo courtesy of Kiera Mitru.

In my few spots of free time I also turned to music as a creative outlet. I have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, and finally set out on that journey over the course of our long Winter Break. In my case and in millions of others, music has played a crucial role in our movement through the pandemic. In a time where we have to remain physically separated, music brings us together as we celebrate traditions, reminisce on brighter times, connect to lyrics, and enjoy the artistry we find in our favorite songs. Thanks to the pandemic, my Spotify account is now riddled with specific and engaging playlists to share with friends or enjoy in the background of those more quiet moments.

I also had the opportunity to present my English capstone thesis, “Viewing Audre Lorde’s Uses of the Erotic by the Light of a Biblical Blaze” during the virtual Capital District Feminist Studies Conference hosted by Russell Sage College. Alongside some of my fellow Siena Saints, I had the opportunity to record a presentation of my culminating paper and engage in a Q&A session with conference attendees. Throughout the day of the conference, the audience actively participated in presentations hosted by local feminist scholars for insight and empowerment. As a college student and a passionate advocate for Social Justice, this conference was a celebration of the work that has been done in this field, as well as that which has yet to be completed in the fight for Social and Racial Justice.

Above is a snapshot of the discussion I start in my English capstone paper. Photo courtesy of Kiera Mitru.

As my mind is framed in terms of semesters, at the end of every 3-month-long chunk of time, I enjoy reflecting on the lessons, connections, and inspirations that fill the days as they pass. It’s fair to say that the past year has challenged us to consider time in a new and intuitive way, calling us to appreciate positive moments above all else. As I watch the final grains of sand sifting through the Winter Break hourglass, I find myself cherishing these same moments of kindness, of intention, of shared joy, of meaning, and so on in the context of my time away from school. Somewhere between those days where I could feel the minutes as they passed and those days where the sunset prematurely washed over the sky, I came to realize that moments of rest and solitude are necessary. There is no telling of all the opportunity for refreshment and inspiration bubbling under the surface of a moment of free time. Looking forward to greeting the beginning of the Spring 2021 semester this month, may we continue to cherish moments of positivity even on our busiest days, and incorporate intentional rest into our deepest routines.

Our snow-covered campus awaits! Photo courtesy of Siena College Admissions.

Siena’s Fall Semester Success Story

By: Kiera Mitru

They say home is where the heart is, and for many of us, a piece of our hearts will always rest at Siena. Not only is Siena home because we live here, it’s home because this is where we pull all-nighters, meet our closest friends, travel abroad, overcome our fears, excel academically, laugh, cry, love, and explore. 

Our campus is green and gold by nature! Photo courtesy of Kiera Mitru.

While the Siena experience was uniquely altered this semester, many of us found joy in the small things like the colors of the leaves changing, the Siena Squirrels Instagram account, games of Among Us with friends, and informal check-ins with professors at the beginning of Zoom classes. To say the least, it’s been strange to experience the same place in such a drastically different way. While this semester was challenging, it allowed space for students and faculty alike to hold their memories of Siena a little bit closer, and inspired us all to continue setting goals in pursuit of a more “normal” future. 

One thing that was consistent among almost completely new policies was one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Some days, after being cooped up on Zoom all day, there was nothing more comforting than navigating the place I have come to know like the back of my hand. During past semesters, I never really took the time to intentionally walk around campus, since my different obligations called me all over the place anyway. This semester, I jumped at every opportunity to eat or study outside, which helped me to develop a deeper appreciation for our campus and the beautiful backdrop that surrounds us. 

Nothing beats a Siena Sunset! Photo courtesy of Kiera Mitru.

Due to the unconventional structure of this past semester, many students had to organize alternative plans for their extracurricular activities. Some clubs met virtually, while others hosted speakers and panelists to campus via Zoom in order to ignite the educational flame on campus, and I’ve never seen it burn brighter. 

During the Fall of 2020 there have been some massive headlines, many of which have had to do with the recent presidential election. This year, students and faculty alike helped the Siena Community as they registered to vote and detailed an endless amount of voting plans. This community organization was enthusiastic and crucial to the civic engagement of our campus and alumni network. There were election town halls hosted by the Political Science Department, registration form and absentee ballot dropboxes throughout campus, and a ton of student activism both on and off social media. This excitement was contagious and encouraged Saints to cast (what was for many) their first vote in a presidential election.  

Outside of the classroom, the election and the pandemic combined provided a completely separate, but just as important learning opportunity for each of us. These global and political circumstances required an abundance of patience and listening to one another. This year has felt like it might never end, and as we round the final corner of the Fall semester, we’re greeted with the promise of a new year. While there is just as much uncertainty in the air as there was in August, our community is rising to the occasion as we carry forward the same optimism, respect, and care that we bring to each semester. As we set our sights on the next horizon, may we apply diligence, kindness, and healing to the goals we set today, and all the days to come.

Yet another Siena sunset over the tent-speckled quad. Photo courtesy of Kiera Mitru.

Writing, Fighting, and Striving for Justice

By: Kiera Mitru

There are few things more electrifying than sitting in on a live poetry reading. One would think that sharing poetry in an online format would dull the experience, but that was not the case on the evening of October 14th, as Siena’s Latinx Student Association and the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center extended a virtual welcome to the Adios America team, Melania-Luisa Marte and Angélica Maria Aguilera.

The poetry duo hosted events for two nights in a row, each of them encouraging reflection and creativity. On Wednesday evening, the duo shared a powerful poetry reading performance and on Thursday evening, they organized an interactive poetry workshop for students and professors alike.

Through the medium of poetry, Angélica Maria and Melania-Luisa addressed themes of allyship, racial justice, microaggressions, the exoticization of women, and the necessity of decolonizing literature. One poem that was especially powerful had to do with rethinking the power and influence that modern literature has granted William Shakespeare. One of Angélica Maria Aguilera’s iconic lines was, “Methinks it’s time to flip the script, Shakespeare”. Looking at canonical literature through this lens, it is clear to see that there is a lack of representation in the work that is deemed “classic”. These works continue to be required readings for many literature and writing courses however, with all due respect, they don’t hold a candle to topics that are important to explore and discuss in the year 2020.

The poetry duo, Melania-Luisa Marte (Left) and Angélica Maria Aguilera (Right) are currently on a performance tour entitled “Adios America” on which they share poetry and insight into the work of intersectional feminism, anti-racism, and advocacy for justice. Photo courtesy of themujerista.com.

During Thursday night’s event, Angélica Maria and Melania-Luisa addressed topics including common microaggressions, how rest is a form of resistance, and guided their virtual audience through a series of writing prompts centering around identity. Participants started a conversation about beauty politics, anti-racism work both on and off campus, exotification, racialization, and their personal experiences either witnessing or receiving microaggressions in their lives. 

Another powerful moment of the evening came through a small meditation, where Melania-Luisa invited those tuned in on Zoom to visualize their happy place and write down where they found it, what was in it, what they felt, what they saw etc. The Poet then encouraged viewers to think of how one’s community would navigate this space. Is there room for collectivity? Is there visibility and celebration of our individuality and differences? These thinking points resonated with the audience, who engaged in discussion following this reflection activity. 

While asking essential questions regarding anti-racism work both inside and outside one’s immediate locality, Angélica Maria and Melania-Luisa stressed the importance of community and collectivity in this work. Melania-Luisa stating that, “We need community. Our ancestors survived through their connections to community and collectivity”. As students seeking to carry forward the Siena’s intentions of diversity, optimism, respect and service, these words could not be more crucial. There is power in numbers; Siena Saints host the intention, dedication, and commitment to service that is necessary to enact sustainable change.

In times as unprecedented as these, the Siena Community is stronger together. We must respect, serve, care, and share compassion for those around us now and always – it’s ours to do along the road to restorative justice and peace for all.

Even in the Face of a Global Pandemic, the FCSA Finds a Way to Spread Tidings of Comfort and Joy

By: Kiera Mitru

Photo courtesy of the Siena College Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy.

Each year, Judy Doughterty leads the team at the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy in collecting gifts and donations for their annual Giving Tree event. Typically, there is a tree stationed in popular spots on campus including the chapel, the atrium of the Sarazen Student Union, and the Foy Hall lobby. 

Due to campus-wide COVID restrictions, hosting this program in the traditional format is not possible, so Judy and her team got to work. 

It only took a matter of weeks for Judy’s virtual Christmas tree vision to come to life with the help of her student officers. She spent ample time fine-tuning the details of the virtual atmosphere and wanted to ensure that it was accessible to all that wish to participate.

The FCSA’s strong tradition in Franciscan Service and Advocacy has fostered a sense of community both on and off campus. The team in the Mission Office has sought out ways to continue creating connections during a time where we’re encouraged to stay distant from one another.

While the Giving Tree programming looks a bit different this year, the sentiment is just as genuine and now has the capacity to pull from a larger group of donors. Not even a pandemic can keep Judy and her team from spreading tidings of comfort and joy during the holiday season!

Visit the Virtual Giving Tree here: https://dailydigest.siena.edu/students/2020/10/11/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas-2/