A liberal arts education offers countless advantages to an education bound to one particular subject. Just ask Fran Boshell, an alumnae of Chestnut Hill College (class of ‘09). After working towards a degree in Political Science for four years, she realized her calling was far from Capitol Hill. In fact, it wasn’t far from the Hill of Chestnuts: she learned, after spearheading several initiatives on campus, that her calling is to work in the field of higher education.

I sat Fran down to ask her a few questions over some tasty Wawa hoagies. If you take anything away from our short conversation, let it be this: knowing what you want to do with your life by age 18 is so last year, and what you study for four years doesn’t mean it’s what you’re stuck with.

Name: Fran Boshell
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Major: Political Science
Minor: Human Services
Year of graduation: 2009
Involvement on campus: Senior class president, Students’ Political Science Association president, Resident Assistant, Americorps Scholars in Service member

Why did you choose to study Political Science?
When I was in high school, I was involved in the Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) and I loved history classes and I love government. I thought that was the perfect major because that’s what I was very interested in.

If you had the opportunity to, would you change your major?
I guess I wouldn’t have been as closed-minded when looking at other majors. I would’ve looked at international business as a supplement to it, but I’m happy with what I chose. I had a great experience and learned a lot.

Do you feel like your degree limits you in terms of your career options?
I don’t think it does. I think you have to be more assertive and more careful about how you market yourself when you go on job interviews. Depending on the job you’re interviewing for, you need to tailor your skills and resume to what the job is looking for.

What were your career aspirations when you began college? Have they changed?
When I first started at CHC, I thought I’d go to DC and have some sort of career in politics, looking at lobbying… some sort of political involvement. I spent a summer in DC and really liked it, but I wasn’t sure it was the right move for me. My interests developed and changed over time.

What are you doing now?
Right now, I’m working in finance for small, independent brokers. I miss working with students, and that’s why I’m looking to change my career goals to work in the higher ed field.

What advice do you offer incoming students who are unsure about a major?
The best way to know if something’s for you is to do it hands-on. That’s the only way you’re going to know whether it’s what you want to do. If you’re interested in law, intern or work at a law firm part-time. Do a Career Connections early in your CHC career so you have time to explore. [Career Connections is a program through CHC's Career Development Office which requires you to shadow a CHC alumni or another member of your field for a day]

Fran Boshell, class of 2009

One suggestion I have for you camp-goers is to think ahead and make reservations a couple weeks (or in some cases, a couple months in advance) before your trip.  My friends and I wanted to go camping at Assateague Island this summer but it turns out it is always fully booked even before the summer months begin.  Also, check the forecast before you head out, and plan accordingly!  When I went camping last weekend the temperature ended up being almost 110 degrees.  The beaches were packed and it was way too hot everywhere so we ended up bailing a day early because we couldn’t stand the heat.  Also, do some research on your campsites to see what activities are offered.  A lot of places have fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, swimming, and more.  Find a place you can do what you like.

If you’re not a camper, you should obviously be able to find things to do closer than 1.5 to 5 hours away from the area.  Check out VisitPhilly.com for some ideas!

A liberal arts education offers countless advantages to an education bound to one particular subject. Just ask Brian Lackman, an alumnus of Chestnut Hill College (class of ‘09). After working towards a degree in English Literature for four years, he discovered his calling is mentoring students in higher education.

Name: Brian Lackman
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Major: English Literature
Minor: Religious Studies & Psychology
Year of graduation: 2009

Why did you choose to study English Literature?

I grew up loving literature.  When I was in high school I had teachers that made me fall in love with it.  At Chestnut Hill College professors like Dr. Lonnquist & Dr. Del Gizzo furthered my love of the subject.

If you had the opportunity to, would you change your major?

Even though I realized once in college that I did not want to further a career in English, I knew it would be very important.  It helped me develop a strong literary and grammatical base that would provide a lifelong skill set.

Do you feel like your degree limits you in terms of your career options?

Not by any means. Much of the job market involves marketing your skill set.  An important aspect of the job interview is being confident in your abilities and talents.  It is important to be able to articulate the skills that you have develped as an undergraduate and how they can help you succeed.

What were your career aspirations when you began college? Have they changed?

When I first started at CHC, I thought I’d become a high school English teacher.  I realized that I wanted to work with students, but outside of the classroom.

What are you doing now?

I am beginning my second year of graduate school at Oklahoma State University.  I am pursuing a Masters in Educational Leadership Studies while holding an assistantship in the office of Campus Life working with student organizations, student activities, and more.  I am looking to pursue a career in higher education.

What advice do you offer incoming students who are unsure about a major?

Do not be afraid to try something new.  Talk to your professors and advisor.  They want to get to know you and can be one of the largest and most important assets in your college career.  Additionally, do not be afraid to get involved and take ownership of your college experience.  You never know what or who can help inspire and help you grow.  Having a mentor can be incredible and you never know where he or she will come from.  Take a variety of classes, explore different majors, and consider what careers can be associated with majors.  Work with Career Development and don’t be afraid to do a Career Connections early in your experience.  Embrace your experience and push yourself to grow and evolve.

Parting words?

CHC can help you grow spiritually, personally, professionally, and academically. We call it a holistic education… you’ll have a real understanding of what it means when you arrive.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

As you know one of the great perks of Chestnut Hill College is its close proximity to the city of Philadelphia. There is no better way to spend your summer than enjoying some of the great attractions in the city. The Arden Theatre Company is hosting the production, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.  The play is based on the on the book by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond. This bestselling book comes to life when an innocent boy generously offers a cookie to a demanding little mouse. This singular action triggers a series of escalating requests that result in mayhem – and a lot of fun.  In addition, the Coatesville Area Arts Alliance is hosting the 5^th annual Grounds for Music Outdoor Festival. The festival is located on a gorgeous rural property with gardens and outdoor earthArt. The main stage acts include folk, jazz, bluegrass, and rock performers. Artists performing include: Fontane/Cooley, Jazz/bluegrass Instrumentalists Charlie Phillips Band, Poppina rock Ken Meyle Trio, Bluegrass Al Bien and his many talented Friends, Folky country by a tri-county musical institution Faye Hoek, Young blues phenom singer á la Janis Gus Compson and Friends, Bluegrass and folk by Soulfolk. Furthermore, there will be artisan vendors and BBQ food. The festival is rain or shine, BYO chairs and/or picnic food. So when you are looking for something fun to do this summer, don’t look further than your own backyard!

I will never forget my first morning in Tanzania.  I walked outside of the hostel, the team was living in, and before me was this great mountain. I stood in complete awe at the magnificent sight before me. If there was ever any evidence that there is a God, that mountain, the trees, the beautiful flowers, the vast, bright blue sky, and the monkeys playing in the trees all proved it. I was completely overwhelmed and the only word that I could utter was…WOW.

***

Class began two days after our arrival. I was nervous, but the students received us so warmly and were open to what we had to teach them; that calmed some of my anxiety. The team was divided into two groups and we worked with two different classes.  Some of the team worked with Form V and the other half worked with Form VI. These were the oldest students at Bigwa; I had the privilege of working with Form VI.

One the first day of class we gave the students an English pre-test so we could see the strengths and weaknesses of the students, and see how we could best help them. I was anticipating the worse in what they knew about written English; however, these students exceeded my expectations and they knew much more than I thought (That shows me to never underestimate people).  After the pre-test we handed the students out work books we brought with us from the states, and gave them notebooks that we collected as well.

We focused most of our attention on English grammar like run on sentences, fragments, commas, and past and present tenses. Also, at the end of each class the students wrote an essay, so that we could go over proper essay structure with them. We also read some African literature and had discussions about the images, symbols, and the overall theme of the works.

I had the privilege of directly working with four students named Helen, Gift, Nancy, and Flivanna. They were so sweet and eager to learn. At the end of the first class we all became best friends and exchanged e-mail addresses.

Along with helping the students improve their written English skills, we also helped them with their computer skills (ASEC the organization, that helped sponsor the trip, provided a computer for the students at Bigwa). I had the opportunity to help some of my students set up e-mail accounts, and teach them how to use Microsoft word and Microsoft PowerPoint. We also spent some of our computer classes going on Facebook (Yes, they have Facebook!) and looking at pictures, and laughing and giggling at one another.

After the first day of teaching and the days to follow, I was amazed at how dedicated the students were to learn and to receive a good education. Many students told me that with no education they had no life and no future; therefore, working hard at Bigwa meant everything to them and their families. The sacrifice for many to come to Bigwa was great, so the devotion I witness from the students regarding their studies was inspiring, as well as challenged me. To have the opportunity to receive an education is not uncommon in the United States; but to see these eighteen and nineteen year old girls fight for something we take for granted made me realize how much God has truly blessed me.

Movie Night

In addition, the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center and Fairmount Park host different Saturdays throughout the summer for Art in the Open Philadelphia. This summer will consist of Family Kite-Making. Families are invited to gather on the decks of Fairmount Water Works to create, construct and fly their own kites, using the Schuylkill River and all her inhabitants as inspiration.

Family Kite Making

After my friends had graduated, I started wondering what was going through their minds. I wanted to know what emotions THEY were feeling. So, I said to myself, why not ask them!? I ended up asking four of my friends a couple of questions related to graduation. Those people are: Brigiette Gordon, Ashlinn Steele, Mark Urmson, and Charquinta Sullivan. Below here are the questions that I asked, and their answers. Hopefully you will find the following to be interesting and insightful, just like I did.

Me: How do you feel after just having graduated from Chestnut Hill College?

Brigiette: “I feel accomplished, but I’m still in disbelief. It happened so fast that I have not totally digested that I have a bachelor’s degree.”

Ashlinn: “It still hasn’t quite hit me that I’m a college graduate, so I just kind of feel like I’m home for the summer. I think once August comes, and I’m not moving back to CHC, it will all hit me.”

Mark: “I feel like it’s not real quite yet, but I think it is starting to settle in.”

Charquinta: “I have to admit, as a new graduate from CHC, I am in disbelief that I am no longer in college. CHC has helped prepare me for graduate school and to become a top competitor in other programs that I have applied for.”

Me: What thoughts were running through your mind at the graduation ceremony?

Brigiette: “My main thought prior to receiving my degree was: can the ceremony hurry up and get to the conferring of the degrees?”

Ashlinn: “Honestly, the only thing that was running through my mind was “Is it over yet?” The ceremony itself was SUPER long and actually getting my diploma was SUPER quick. It still doesn’t seem like it actually happened.”

Mark: “I was thinking: I can’t believe I am actually sitting here, in this gown, listening to everyone speak about the past four years, and what is to come for us in the future.”

Charquinta: “Some of the thoughts running through my head during graduation were, ‘Is this happening?’, ‘This can’t be real’, and ‘I feel like doing a victory dance across stage’.”

Me: What will you miss about Chestnut Hill, or simply college in general?

Brigiette: “I will definitely miss my friends and college life in general. I will also miss the persons who have truly impacted my life during the past four years, such as faculty and staff.”

Ashlinn: “I will miss the people. The friends that I’ve made over the past four years will be lifelong friends, I know, and not seeing them day in and day out is definitely something I’m going to have to get used to.”

Mark: “I will miss the people. The good thing is that I live close to CHC, so those relationships hopefully won’t be ending. I will miss performing for the college and the music hall. Most of all, I will miss the professors and all their guidance.”

Charquinta: “I will miss the friendly and helpful environment at CHC. I will miss the benefits of being a student in college, such as the many opportunities to learn and put your ideas and dreams out there for others to listen to, and guide you through. I will miss all of my internships and volunteer work because they helped provide me an outlet from weekly classes.”

Me: What are your future plans?

Brigiette: “In the fall, I will be attending Loyola University in Maryland for school counseling, furthering my goal in becoming a school counselor.”

Ashlinn: “I have applied to graduate school for human services in Delaware. I plan on going to school at night and working during the day.”

Mark: “My plans can only be best said with a musical term, ‘I plan to play it all by ear’.”

Charquinta: “My future plans after college are to apply to the Peace Corps and to see where life will take me in the following years. Life is the greatest adventure!”

Well graduates, congratulations! Best of luck to you all!

The Chestnut Hill College baseball team ended their season on a great note. The Griffins concluded their third season with the program’s first trip to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Championship Tournament. Chestnut Hill College finished 16-22 overall and 11-9 in the CACC with three student-athletes garnering all-conference status. Junior outfielder Dan Etherton (Princeton, N.J.), junior catcher Bryan Henry (Columbus, N.J.), and sophomore second baseman Jesse Daywalt (Phoenixville, PA) headlined the lineup and earned all-conference selections. Etherton batted .324 (44-for-136), carried a .493 slugging percentage, knocked in 18 runs, and stole 14 bases en route to a First Team All-CACC selection. Henry received the team MVP and Daywalt was awarded the Coach’s Award.

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