Emily Kalberer
Staff Writer
Senior year of college looks different for everybody. While some students remain laser-focused on grades and perfectly curating their resumés in order to apply to graduate school, others continue to build their connections and work ethic outside of the four walls of a classroom.
For Senior Eryn Duffy, hard work and service to her community are some of her most valued skills. Business management major, Duffy is constantly pushing herself both inside and outside of the classroom.
As a Stroudsburg native, Duffy has spent almost her entire career balancing two jobs while still managing to give back to her community.
Duffy has been an official member of the Pocono Irish American Club for 6 months, being able to join officially after she turned 21. Despite the club having an age requirement of 21, Duffy has been tagging along with her parents and helping at community events for the past eight years.
Through membership in The Pocono Irish American Club, Duffy has been able to find her own way of developing skills that will benefit her far beyond graduation.
“In the Pocono Irish American Club, we help raise money for a lot of different nonprofit organizations. The club really helps teach a sense of community, empathy and leadership,” said Duffy.
Working with The Pocono Irish American Club provides Duffy with valuable experience for her post graduation plans. Duffy plans to move to South Carolina to open her own Western Boutique.
While volunteering provides Duffy with giving back to something greater than herself, working two jobs gives her the discipline that is required to run one’s own business.
“When I am not working, I am always wearing western style clothing. This helped me realize that is where my heart lies with designing,” Duffy said. “I want to help women find cute and affordable western wear that makes them feel comfortable and confident.”
With graduation approaching quickly, Duffy is very excited to turn the page to the next chapter. Although her college experience is coming to a close, the relationships and experiences gained along the way will have a lasting influence on what comes next for Duffy.
“I am excited to get out in the real world. I think that my experiences and skills learned from my time volunteering and working are going to serve me well,” said Duffy. “I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish throughout my time in college. I’ve built quality friendships, learned how to give back and how to push myself all at the same time.”
Duffy encourages not only underclassmen, but everybody to put themselves out there, and to get out of the comfort zone.
“Put yourself out there, talk to everyone. You never know who you might meet. Making connections is so important,” said Duffy.
While most people enter college thinking that everything has to be about what is going on inside the school buildings, that might not always be the case.
Community involvement, dedication and perseverance are all things that matter just as much, if not more than a grade on an exam.
Duffy is a prime example of how getting involved, helping others and being willing to take every opportunity is the perfect path to owning a business in the future.
Duffy is set to graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management in Spring of 2027.