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My name is Emily Zbaraschuk, and I’m in my final year of an English and Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies degree.

As I’ve approached the end of my program, I’ve been reflecting about the things that have brought me joy these past few years.

I didn’t start out my degree as an STM student, but the College happened to be the first building in which I took an in-person class. It was winter 2022, and the pandemic had subsided enough that the university felt comfortable returning to in-person instruction. At first I assumed it was the months of online courses that made this weekly English class seem so special. But as things shifted back towards normalcy, I noticed that it wasn’t just class schedules that drew me through the doors of STM. There was something alive and life-giving in this place that I couldn’t find elsewhere on campus.

As the years went on, I became more involved in the STM community and soon declared as an STM student. I joined in medias res (IMR) as the Layout and Design Editor, and I loved working with other students who shared my same passion for writing and art. It was at an IMR painting event where I met some of my best friends. I still remember that day as being the first time I truly felt I was part of a community, not just by virtue of sharing the same space or having the same classes, but because
I was seen and valued by others.

I am now the Editor-in-Chief of IMR, and I enjoy leading a team of thoughtful and dedicated students as we create beautiful magazines of student writing and plan events that help students feel connected to others.

What I have found at STM is a community of people who choose to see the humanity of those around them, regardless of differences.

The professors here genuinely care about not only student success but about our well-being. Likewise, the staff seek to guide students through the tumults of student life and finding our way in a world that sometimes seems overwhelming. I sometimes joke that I can no longer study in the College because I am distracted by other students who stop for a brief hello that never remains brief.

For the past two years, I have been fortunate to receive scholarships from STM that have supported
me on my journey. I am so grateful for those who made those scholarships possible, both for my sake but for the students around me who have also received scholarships or bursaries that reduce some of the stresses of affording school. Personally, the scholarships I was given last year have made it so I can start saving for grad school, but they also helped me afford a study abroad course in Hereford this past spring. Working with centuries-old documents and exploring medieval churches and castles was an experience I will never forget.

At the moment, my goal is to be a professor of medieval English literature. I have learned so much from the people at STM — whether staff, faculty, or fellow students — about creating spaces where healthy discussion can flourish and seeking to serve and love those around me. I hope that wherever I end up in the future, I will live out the beautiful lessons that these past few years at STM have taught me.

 

With sincere gratitude,

Emily Zbaraschuk
STM student

 

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Emily’s success is possible with the generosity of donors like you! The cost of tuition and living expenses continues to outpace students’ incomes. While STM strives to give each student with financial need some support, there’s more need than we can cover. With your support, more students can focus on their studies and like Emily, participate in  the STM community and extracurricular activities that give our students a holistic educational experience.

Thank you for being a part of STM’s mission to provide a Catholic liberal arts education to our students. Please consider making a gift today to support student success at STM!