Marian recently hosted a panel featuring young alumnae who shared their collegiate experiences and offered invaluable advice to current juniors. 2023 Distinguished Alumna of Tomorrow Anna Beck '23, Maria Bieciuk '20, Sydney Collins '21, Catherine DuBay '23, Marylin Kowalewski '21, Mairin Mott '23, Claire Murphy '21, Tori Raczkowski '22, Grace Sellke '22, 2022 Distinguished Alumna of Tomorrow Meghan Sharkey '22, and Emily Wells '19 returned to Marian to reflect on their journeys from high school to college. The program was part of Marian's four-year counseling program, which guides students to a college or university that complements their interests, aspirations, abilities, and personal sense of community. 

The panelists, representing a diverse array of colleges and majors, delved into various facets of the transition from high school to college life. From navigating the complexities of college applications to thriving in the collegiate environment, each alumna shared personal anecdotes and practical insights. One recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of resilience and adaptability. 

The panelists also offered valuable insights into navigating the social dynamics of college life. Several of the panelists emphasized the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and forging meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds. Maria Bieciuk '20 echoed this sentiment, highlighting her experience traveling abroad. 

As the discussion unfolded, the alumnae shared anecdotes from their respective college journeys, offering a glimpse into the myriad opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. From pursuing passion projects to overcoming academic hurdles, each alumna illustrated the exciting journey ahead for future Marian graduates.

About the Panelists:

Anna Beck '23

• College: University of Notre Dame
• Major/Minor: Applied Computational Mathematics and Statistics, Political Science; Minor in Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy
• Activities: First Year Class Council Head of Class of 2027 Wellbeing Initiatives, Lewis Hall Senator, Student Union Board Content Curator, Lewis Hall Wellbeing Exec
• Future plans: Government & Civil Service

Maria Bieciuk '20

• College: James Madison College at Michigan State University 
• Major/Minor: International Relations with minors in Business and European Studies 
• Activities: Empowering Women in Law [Law Club], Study Abroad in Budapest, Russian Club, & Internships 
• Future plans: Currently applying to a masters program in Poland to further my concentration and then upon returning to the US I’ll be entering law school

Sydney Collins '21

• College: Indiana University 
• Major/Minor: Management
• Activities: Study Abroad in Rome, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for Employment Law and Intro to Law & Public Affairs, Club Lacrosse, Real Estate Club, Indiana University Dance Marathon, A Kid Again IU, Past Internships
• Future plans: Moving to Nashville, Tennessee to intern at Crowe LLP as a Microsoft Cloud Solutions Consultant

Catherine DuBay '23

• College: University of Notre Dame
• Major/Minor: Economics Major; Computing and Digital Technologies & Foundations of Business Minors
• Activities: Student International Business Council (SIBC) → Marketing and STEM divisions, Jubilee Initiative for Financial Inclusion (JIFFI), Hall Election Commissioner

Marylin Kowalewski '21

• College: Michigan State University 
• Major/Minor: Human Development and Family Studies, and a youth and society minor as well as a health promotion minor
• Activities: Greek Life, Ele’s Place grief facilitator
• Future Plans: Become a Child Life Specialist  

Mairin Mott '23

• College: Marquette University 
• Major/Minor: Nursing
• Activities: Club Swim, Greek life, Student Nurses Association, Campus Ministry 
• Future plans: (finish school), work for a couple of years, and go back to school to become a CRNA 

Claire Murphy '21

• College: Michigan State University
• Major/Minor: Elementary Education, Minor in International Studies, TESOL Focus
• Activities: Study Abroad in Europe, Student Teaching, Aspiring Educators Club, Club Soccer, GECP, Horticulture Club.
• Future plans: Internship year, get certification to teach internationally or at a school for international students, get my Masters. 

Tori Raczkowski '22

• College: Temple University 
• Major/Minor: Film, Television, Media Production with a Concentration in Directing as well as an Advertising/ Communications Minor, Education Minor 
• Activities: ActiveMinds TU, Temple University Community Service Association (TUCSA), Wandering Studios (Temple’s premier film club made for students, by students), TempleTalkTV, Best Buddies Temple University 
• Future plans: Next Summer I will head to Los Angeles, CA to intern for studios such as Paramount, Warner Bros, Sony, and Lionsgate Studios.  After Graduation in 2026, I plan to head back out to LA or work in Philadelphia, New York, or Atlanta. 

Grace Sellke '22

• College: The University of Alabama
• Major/Minor: Nursing major & psychology minor
• Activities: Greek life, B+ Foundation, admissions office representative
• Future plans: Nursing school & later grad school for DNAP

Meghan Sharkey '22

• College: University of Notre Dame
• Major/Minor: Biology and Spanish Majors
• Activities: Army ROTC, Club boxing, Music is Medicine, campus ministry, dorm leadership
• Future plans: med school

Emily Wells '19

• College: Kettering University 
• Major/Minor: Mechanical Engineering 
• Activities: Professional, Greek Life, Robotics Mentor
• Future plans: Grad School

Related Links:

>> Explore Alumnae Involvement Opportunities 

>> Explore Marian's Four-Year Counseling Program