Emily Kalberer

Staff Writer

What does it mean to make the most of the college experience?

Between balancing classes, relationships and extracurricular activities in college, it can be difficult to excel in every area. Senior Tanai Lovaglio has embraced college as not only a pursuit to get her degree, but as an opportunity to uncover how much a single student can discover, learn and lead.

The biochemistry major has found seven different university clubs and organizations that feel like home to her.

“I try to be involved in as many things as possible on campus. I am in the Women in STEM Club, Biotech & Medtech Club, Generation One Club and African Students Association Club,” said Lovaglio.

Lovaglio feels that she is lucky enough to have found opportunities to join organizations that not only explore her academic interests, but also connect with communities from all parts of her identity.

“I am also a member of the Jazz band and choir. Additionally, I am a part of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and am on the Panhellenic Executive Board,” said Lovaglio. “Each position prepares me for post grad by offering resources for success, forcing me to navigate time management, and allows me to build relationships with people I can network with in the future.”

With graduation looming in the distance for Lovaglio, her emotions feel like a roller coaster, reaching the final stop.

“My emotions about graduating are just about everything. I am most of all excited and ready to be done with my bachelor’s, but also sad to end this chapter of my life. These four years have gone by so much faster than I could have imagined,” said Lovaglio.

Just because she is graduating, Lovaglio is not done learning. In the future, she plans to attend medical school.

“My top goal is to attend medical school. This is something I’ve gone back and forth with for years due to doubt, but these last few semesters I have been drawn closer to it.”

“Once I started taking the right steps towards medical school, such as volunteering and joining those clubs, I felt more eager and confident towards my decision. I’ve always dreamed of becoming an M.D., so I hope I can accomplish that,” Lovaglio said.

For underclassmen, Lovaglio has one huge piece of advice.

“Get involved. There are so many clubs and events I have been a part of, even if it was only temporarily, that have completely enhanced my experience here at ESU. I met so many of my closest friends just by putting myself out there. I ended up learning things that I normally would not have and I have also received so much support from my peers,” said Lovaglio.

Support from those around us is one of the most important ways to feel included and part of the school community while in college, and for Lovaglio, that support came in a plethora of different ways.

“Whether it was studying, help with homework, career advice from upperclassmen or even just spending time together, the people I met from being involved helped me in a million ways. We are all here to advance our education, so why not do it together?”

Lovaglio is set to graduate in May 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.