Ready for the World

Ready for the World

When senior Sarah Testa transferred to Saint Mary's during the fall of her sophomore year, she was looking for a school where she would receive individualized attention. She also wanted the opportunity to work closely with faculty, administration, and other students on a personal level. She found that-and more-at Saint Mary's. "The professors are all amazing, especially those in the history department," says Sarah, who is a history major. "The faculty are never afraid to challenge you and I know I have received an excellent education because of them."

The Cleveland native says that she took a literature of social justice class with Professor Jeanne Rodes, and as a result developed a great relationship with her. "I always go to her for her perspective on an issue I might have or a decision I have to make. Her insights have been very helpful." She feels the same about history professor Dr. Dave Stefancic. "It is always very evident how much he cares about his students."

In addition to her classes, Sarah is the founder of the White Rose Society on campus, an organization dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and genocide awareness. "We recently expanded our mission to focus on all issues of hate-the factors that, if left unaddressed, lead to human rights crises like the Holocaust," says Sarah. "When one group is discriminated against, that opens the door to allow discrimination of all other minority groups. Historically, students have been very vocal regarding human rights issues, which is why I think organizations like the White Rose are important."

This past fall Sarah and other club members distributed over one thousand white roses in remembrance of those who died in the Holocaust. "When I walked through campus and saw hundreds of Saint Mary's women carrying these roses, I became overwhelmed at the sight and thanked God for directing the path that led to my attendance at Saint Mary's." Sarah has also been a resident advisor, a peer minister, and she has worked at Campus Ministry's Spiritual Leaders summer camp, which she describes as "one of my most treasured experiences to date."

Sarah says that with her general education classes, she feels that her education was well rounded and full, and that she is prepared for real-life experiences. "I've always known two things about myself-I like to write and I care about people who are oppressed or marginalized. In an ideal career, I would combine both of those things and have a career that is both meaningful and creative."