Alumni Profile

Different Chapters

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:35:34 +0000

Different Chapters BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 08/22/2025 - 13:35

Alumnus has two jobs – educating children and writing for them

August 28, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Nathan Couto, ’10, enrolled at Bridgewater State to study creative writing. He graduated with a degree in elementary education but never abandoned his passion for the written word.

Now, the school administrator is blending his personal and professional interests by writing children’s books.

“Working in education, it made sense,” said Couto, who was a third-grade teacher before moving into administration. “I was constantly reading children’s books to students and planning lessons around children’s books.”

Drawing on his own life experiences, Couto infuses his four children’s books with lessons on integrity, peer relationships, kindness, respect, and the need to look beyond someone’s appearance. Couto, who writes under the pen name Casanova Couto, includes ideas for how teachers can incorporate the books into their classrooms.

He has also published a fantasy novel, which he began while a Bridgewater student. The school, Couto said, offered everything he wanted in a college.

“I just love the community at Bridgewater,” said Couto, who also majored in geography. “When people leave Bridgewater State programs, they feel prepared for whatever career it is they end up pursuing. Bridgewater is a place that builds a strong foundation in its graduates.”

Couto credits his elementary education classes (especially hands-on activities such as student-teaching) with preparing him to enter the classroom as a teacher.

Today, Couto is the curriculum, data and assessment manager for English learner education for the New Bedford Public Schools, and focuses on serving students for whom English is not their native language. He supports the district’s teachers and ensures compliance with regulations.

Whether working in education or writing children’s books, Couto is driven by the opportunity to make a difference in young people’s lives.

“The reason I fell in love with elementary education was really the children,” he said. “They’re learning about the world and to contribute to that learning is really meaningful to me.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I just love the community at Bridgewater. When people leave Bridgewater State programs, they feel prepared for whatever career it is they end up pursuing. Bridgewater is a place that builds a strong foundation in its graduates.

Nathan Couto, ’10

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Alumni Profile

Recipe for Success

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:04:24 +0000

Recipe for Success BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 08/05/2025 - 12:04

Executive chef uses business skills learned as an undergrad

August 7, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Andrew Pereira, ’18, arrived at �� with a culinary arts degree in hand. But the chef knew he was missing an important element: business savvy.

Bridgewater, he said, was the perfect university to help him become a well-rounded culinarian.

“There’s so much more to it than being a good cook,” said Pereira, who earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, management and operations from Bridgewater. “�� gave me the background I needed to be a good manager and make good business decisions.”

Now, he frequently relies on knowledge from his �� classes as an area executive chef for Sodexo, the company that holds the food-services contract on campus. The job requires him to monitor and evaluate purchasing, staffing and inventory to ensure efficient and effective operations.

Pereira oversees cooking at Bridgewater and several other New England universities served by Sodexo. He enjoys returning to his alma mater, where he began his Sodexo career as a student employee at the grill station in Bear’s Den.

Academically, Pereira drew satisfaction from acing a tough course and the plethora of supports, including tutoring through the Academic Achievement Center.

“They helped me get ahead in class and learn more,” he said. “Having those secondary resources is something I always loved about ��.”

Pereira, who worked at New Bedford restaurants as a teenager, enjoys infusing campus cuisine with elements of his culture. Sodexo encourages its staff and even �� students to add their family recipes to the menu.

During the spring semester, Pereira cooked his grandmother’s Azorean recipes for tuna melt and pulled pork melt for a meal at Flynn Dining Commons.

“I love working at universities. That has always been the most fun for me,” he said. “The best part is being creative and innovative.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

�� gave me the background I needed to be a good manager and make good business decisions.

Andrew Pereira, ’18

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Alumni Profile

She's Got Game

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:24:41 +0000

She's Got Game HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 07/28/2025 - 15:24

Recent graduate gaining career experience as intern with the NCAA

July 29, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

A year after leading the �� women’s basketball program as team captain, Caroline Tripp, ’24, traded in her jersey for some NCAA credentials, stepping off the hardwood of the Adrian Tinsley Center onto the national stage at the association’s Division I women’s basketball championship in Tampa, Florida.

Tripp was one of 33 interns from across the country selected to participate in the NCAA’s year-long postgraduate internship program.

Shortly after graduating from �� with a degree in communications, Tripp packed her bags and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. Her internship involved promoting the NCAA Division I women’s basketball program, that included working the championship game where UConn beat South Carolina in Tampa, 82-59.

“Being able to say in my first year as a working professional that I played a hand in executing one of the biggest events in sports, it’s been a really cool experience,” Tripp said.

Over the past year she’s worked on many projects leading up to the championship game. Tripp traveled to South Carolina to help organize a high school skills tournament at the NCAA college basketball academy and spent a week at the University of Arizona to learn first-hand how a Division I basketball program is run.

“It’s a lot different than ��,” Tripp said, but appreciates her time as a Bear and playing at the Division 3 level. “We filled Tinsley every home game, you don’t always get that sort of environment to play in (Division I).”

She is also grateful for the sense of community Bridgewater offers, even at the top levels. It’s not uncommon for Tripp to check in with President Frederick W. Clark Jr. and Athletic Director Mary Beth Lamb when she comes back to visit the campus.

“At Division I, you wouldn’t be able to reach most presidents or athletic directors, but there is a sense of camaraderie at Division 3,” Tripp said. “It means a lot to me that I went to ��. It gave me the ability to stand out. It gave me the opportunities to do what I want to do.”

As an undergraduate, Tripp also secured an internship with the Matt Light Foundation, founded by the former New England Patriot. Working out of the organization’s Sharon office, she gained experience in social media management, blogging, and developing proposals for donors and fundraising efforts.

Tripp is set to begin a new endeavor next month in Brunswick, Maine, where she will serve as Bowdoin College’s assistant director of athletic services.

As she continues to build her impressive resume, Tripp said her time as a student-athlete at �� has contributed to her early career success.

“When I applied for this (NCAA) internship, I was up against kids from Clemson, Villanova, Louisville, LSU…all the big schools and at first was like, I’m not sure if I should be here,” Tripp said. “But don’t ever count yourself out. Don’t discount the degree you have because it’s from a smaller state school. I am very proud of ��, we can do just as much as those who are at the big-name schools.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Don’t ever count yourself out. Don’t discount the degree you have because it’s from a smaller state school. I am very proud of ��, we can do just as much as those who are at the big-name schools

Caroline Tripp, ’24

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Alumni Profile

Going to Hollywood

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:21:04 +0000

Going to Hollywood HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 07/07/2025 - 13:21

Recent alumna sets sights on a career in filmmaking

July 15, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Taylor Desjardins, ’25, dreamed of enrolling at UCLA to study film. Despite hearing California’s siren song, the New Bedford native found a way to achieve her filmmaking goals at ��.

“I admit �� wasn’t my first choice, but what I found there were connections, professors who were avid about working in film, who were professionals and helped me get my foot in the door,” Desjardins said.

Even though larger schools boast bigger names, Desjardins said there is something uniquely special about learning at a smaller university.

“The thing about a state school is the professors really understand the struggle. They can really help you get where you want to go,” she said. “Don’t discount the experience you will have at a state school.”

The desire to study film started as a child, when Desjardins witnessed her grandfather always walking about with a camcorder in hand.

“Every family gathering, he would have it ready to film our story as a family. He recorded everything. It was as if my family members were in a movie but without a script,” she said. “He is definitely my number one inspiration for becoming a filmmaker.”

She brought her passion to �� and was happy to find the school offered tools that helped her hone her skills in screenwriting, directing, music and cinematography. Ultimately, Desjardins created films that focused on storytelling.

“I have always been interested in the visual elements, how camera placement changes how a story is told. How lighting changes things. What it takes to create emotion in a film,” she said.

Desjardins also found support from professors like Dr. Christina Hodel.

“Professor Hodel really helped me. She’s an industry professional…when I needed advice for job searching or networking, she was there,” Desjardins said. “She really pushed me to submit to film festivals and helped me to get interviews.”

Her completed film Suspended Frequencies, about two characters with different life visions, garnered attention after being entered into various film festivals.

The film was nominated at the 8^th annual California Music Video Awards for Best Student Production Music Video or Film. It was also screened globally at festivals in Greece and France, and will be entered in other film festivals this summer.

Desjardins will next take her talents and work ethic, along with her dual �� degrees in communications and psychology, to California this fall where she plans to pursue her dream of filmmaking full-time.

“I’m taking life one step at a time and not giving up,” she said. “Nothing will come to you if you give up. You have to finish small goals to get to the big goals. I just have to just keep working toward it and not stop.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

The thing about a state school is the professors really understand the struggle. They can really help you get where you want to go. Don’t discount the experience you will have at a state school.

Taylor Desjardins, ’25

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Alumni Profile

Punching His Own Ticket

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:43:05 +0000

Punching His Own Ticket HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 06/30/2025 - 11:43

Recent alumnus enjoys dream job working for Red Sox

July 8, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Jesse Frazier, ’22, still remembers what it felt like the first time he walked into Boston’s famed Fenway Park. He recalls special moments of seeing the vibrant green grass, the iconic Green Monster in left field, and absorbing the energy of the crowd.

Today, he gets to recreate that experience for Red Sox fans visiting the historic ballpark as a ticket service associate.

“Being a small part of someone’s day, whether they are from Boston or another part of the world, there’s nothing like it. I always remind myself, this could be someone’s first time here today, so I want to make it the best experience for them,” Frazier said.

Frazier always knew he wanted to work in sports, but it wasn’t until he went to �� that he gained clarity in terms of a career path.

“Bridgewater was great, especially where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” he said. “But I got the guidance to get where I am now.”

For his first two years at ��, Frazier was undecided concerning a major, but after taking some classes he opted to major in communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in writing studies.

“The small class sizes and the professors were really key. I was exposed to real-life situations that prepared me for the real world,” Frazier said. “Whether it was a business class that taught me how to be a better communicator or a public relations class that taught me how to write a press release, Bridgewater had the resources. What I learned there has been applicable to my career.”

For four years he also worked for the school’s newspaper, The Comment, even serving as editor-in-chief his senior year. He also participated in intramurals.

“Being involved really helped to create a sense of belonging. It’s important to build relationships with people and you never know what your involvement will lead to,” Frazier said.

An internship with the Cape Cod Baseball League also helped to open doors.

“That was a huge help for me, making those connections. Networking is huge, I encourage (�� students) to reach out, especially to alumni. I’ve found they are always willing to help,” Frazier said.

Through all his experiences at ��, he developed confidence that has helped him navigate what can be a competitive field.

“I felt comfortable going to career fairs, approaching people, and putting myself out there to get where I wanted to go,” Frazier said.

Eventually, his persistence paid off and he was hired to work as a sales representative with the Red Sox organization. Once there, his work ethic made an impression, and he was quickly promoted to serve in his current role this past April.

“Every time I walk into work, I still can’t believe it. I’m a huge Sox fan, so that fandom is a key part, but I have a passion for what I do,” Frazier said. “At times I didn’t think I’d get here, at times I was worried I was making the wrong choices but stayed persistent. I think that’s the key, never waiver and don’t let the fire that drives you die out.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Whether it was a business class that taught me how to be a better communicator or a public relations class that taught me how to write a press release, Bridgewater had the resources. What I learned there has been applicable to my career.

Jesse Frazier, '22

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Alumni Profile

Exchanging Views

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:41:02 +0000

Exchanging Views BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:41

Alumna uses letter-writing project to teach about different cultures

June 26, 2025

Brian Benson, G’23

After traveling to the Dominican Republic on a study tour, secondary education and Spanish major Megan Lenza, ’25, came home with more than a new worldview. She also found inspiration for an engaging project for her future students.

“It’s so different from here and those students were so excited to learn and meet everyone,” Lenza said of teaching English at a high school in the Friusa section of Punta Cana that lacks resources commonly found in American classrooms. “I knew I wanted to try to find a way to continue working with that school.”

Now a Spanish educator at Bourne High School, Lenza developed a letter-writing exchange between her students and their peers at Liceo Vetilio Alfrau Durán High School. The American students wrote letters in Spanish and the Dominican students responded in English.

Students learned about each other’s cultures while practicing communicating in a foreign language. They wrote about their classes, leisure activities and favorite television shows, among other topics.

“This is something I would hope to do year after year,” Lenza said. “It was a unique experience. We were so excited to get letters back and read the responses.”

Lenza’s �� professors are not surprised by her commitment to international collaboration.

“Megan is an example of a �� student who was impacted by something she’s done and wants to take it further,” said Dr. Sarah Thomas, a secondary education professor who helps coordinate the ��-Dominican Republic partnership “She sees the importance of making those connections.”

College of Education and Health Sciences staff member Beth Gracia, who frequently travels to the Dominican Republic, forged the initial connection. The first group of students traveled in 2019. Students have brought books to give to school while the university has donated projectors, laptops and other equipment.

Students learn to embrace other cultures and teach diverse groups of students while broadening their horizons beyond their corner of the world – skills that their professors said will be invaluable throughout their careers as educators.

“Even though it’s a short time, they build relationships with the school and have a lot of fun and learn a lot,” said Dr. Emily Spitzman, an associate professor of TESOL and a coordinator of the partnership. “They talk about how much they miss the students after they leave.”

Lenza is grateful for the opportunity to travel somewhere she may have never otherwise been while gaining new insights into her profession.

“I think it says that Bridgewater cares. They want students to succeed and have all of these valuable experiences,” she said. “It opens up so many opportunities.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

(Having the chance to travel abroad) says that Bridgewater cares. They want students to succeed and have all of these valuable experiences. It opens up so many opportunities.

Megan Lenza, ’25

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Study Abroad

Alumni Profile

Nick's Knack

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 13:42:51 +0000

Nick's Knack HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 06/16/2025 - 09:42

Alumnus living the dream as featured actor in Marvel series

July 1, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

As a theater major at ��, he was billed as “Nick Ryan.” Today, the 2012 graduate is building a career in film and television under the name Nick Jordan, and his growing resume includes a recurring role on the hit Disney series Daredevil: Born Again.

“There was another actor who had the same name,” Jordan explained, “So, I took my mother’s maiden name. My grandfather had all girls, so he’s thrilled.”

In Daredevil: Born Again, Jordan plays Nicky Torres, a confidential informant with the New York City Police Department. But before the Marvel Universe came calling, Jordan put in his dues, including homing in on his craft while at ��.

He worked both on stage and behind the scenes on several student productions.

“The biggest thing I took from Bridgewater was the wealth of time awarded to people who want to work on the stage,” Jordan said. “The opportunities I had allowed me to work those (creative) muscles, to experiment and play with things. I was exposed to so much at Bridgewater, it really laid down the foundation of my work.”

Jordan knew before coming to �� that he wanted to pursue a career in acting. He discovered his passion at age five, when he was cast in a community play organized by Marshfield’s Green Harbor General Store.

“From what I can remember, it was a crazy play about orphans shipwrecked on an island. There was a Christmas angel, and at one point they wheeled out a big puppet…and I played a little boy. That’s my origin story,” Jordan laughs.

In high school he starred in productions such as Little Shop of Horrors. As he continued to develop a love for the craft, acting revealed additional benefits: it helped him overcome his shyness.

“I was pretty nerdy, I could not talk to girls,” Jordan said.

One play required him to kiss a fellow actor.

“I didn’t have to do anything. All of the fear and effort was taking out of my hands,” Jordan said. “It’s around this time I realized that people did (acting) for a living and thought, maybe I could potentially do this.”

While at ��, Joel Thayer, who worked in the university’s theater department as a set-designer and director, encouraged Jordan to pivot from stage and musicals into film and television.

“He told me I had a really good look for film and TV, that I was a good actor,” Jordan said. “At first it was a hard pill to swallow because I wanted to do theater. But he was right.”

After graduating from Bridgewater, Jordan moved to New York City. He completed the NY Conservatory for Dramatic Actor’s training program and has since worked steadily, building to his resume.

He’s worked on Law & Order, The Night Nurse, City on a Hill, and played a main character in Hallmark’s Mystic Christmas movie.

“It’s a difficult business and there are a lot of letdowns, you have to have unshakeable confidence in yourself,” Jordan said. “I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mom, who encouraged me at a young age to pursue it.”

For �� students looking to get into the business, Jordan said don’t discount the things being taught at his alma mater.

“You hear about actors coming from Julliard or Yale, but you don’t have to do that. The best experience you get is doing the work, being on set, being on stage,” he said, adding that Bridgewater State produces many plays and that the opportunities are there.

“Get involved where you are. If you take it seriously, whatever you’re doing, whether it’s a small play or student film, or a big production, you will develop that muscle and work ethic to enable you to do the bigger things,” Jordan said.

Is there a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

The opportunities I had allowed me to work those (creative) muscles, to experiment and play with things. I was exposed to so much at Bridgewater, it really laid down the foundation of my work.

Nick Jordan, '12

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Alumni Profile

Family Honors

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:25:19 +0000

Family Honors HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 06/13/2025 - 14:25

Father and son share the spotlight during graduate commencement ceremony

June 17, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Sure, parents are often on hand cheering when their child graduates from college, but how many can say they walked the stage with their child, collecting their own diploma at the same time?

Bryan Stewart, ’08, G’25 received an early Father’s Day gift last month when he and his son, Shawn Stewart, ’23, G’25 , both accepted their master’s degrees during ��’s graduate commencement ceremonies, held at Gillette Stadium.

“It was really special,” Shawn said. “Education is a pathway to all sorts of things and being able to do it with the people that you love, it’s something you can’t trade for the world.”

For both men, the journey at �� started when Shawn was still in elementary school. That’s when Bryan, a first-generation student, was enrolled and studying as an undergraduate at what was then Bridgewater State College.

“Some of my earliest memories are being at ��,” Shawn said, recalling he had his first Starbucks beverage on campus while his dad was in class. “It’s a journey that’s spanned two decades and came to a close at Gillette. Being able to share that, and for our family to watch us both do it at the same time, not too many people get to do that.”

For Bryan, having that moment with his son was magical.

“I believe everything happens for a reason. We couldn’t have planned it any better,” he said. And like any good father would, he added, “I’m so proud of him.”

The double, or quadruple Bears pursued different paths at Bridgewater. Shawn earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work, while Bryan has a bachelor’s in computer science and Master of Business Administration degree.

Working toward their graduate degrees, the two leaned on each other for support. Shawn helped his dad outline essays, while Bryan guided his son in math-related courses.

“We were able to use our strengths to help balance out the other’s weaknesses and accomplish what we were trying to do. It was really helpful,” Shawn said.

Since graduating, Shawn is already working in mobile crisis intervention at Riverside Community Care and Bryan recently switched jobs, accepting a managerial position at BlueVoyant, a cyber security company.

Both agree their time at Bridgewater has helped them navigate their careers.

“I feel lucky in that every situation I’ve come across I’ve felt prepared for,” Shawn said. “Bridgewater definitely prepares its students for the real world.”

Will the two return to the classroom in the future?

“To be determined,” Shawn said.

“My thought is, you’re never too old to go back to school and if you can do it with your kid, just do it,” Bryan said. “It was an amazing experience.”

Shawn knows of one way to get the father-son duo back on campus.

“�� should add doctoral programs, then we can come back,” he laughed.

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Education is a pathway to all sorts of things and being able to do it with the people that you love, it’s something you can’t trade for the world.

Shawn Stewart, '08. G'25

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College of Graduate Studies

Alumni Profile

Outdoor Leader

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:33:41 +0000

Outdoor Leader BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 06/11/2025 - 16:33

Alumna serves as CEO of Northern California Girl Scout council

June 12, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

As a first-year student living in Shea Hall, Mary-Jane Strom, ’96, often kept her residence hall room door open to foster connections with her peers. Three decades later, the practice still works for the Girl Scout CEO.

“Leaving my (office) door open is something I do today,” said Strom, who earned a degree in fine arts and now leads the Girl Scouts of Northern California. “I talk to everyone. Bridgewater taught me how to create a supportive community.”

For Strom, Bridgewater State stood out for its academics and athletics. She competed on the swim team and club rugby and water polo squads. She lived on campus throughout college, forming close friendships with her roommates that persist to this day. She also worked at the circulation desk at Maxwell Library.

“I think it was the perfect school for me,” Strom said. “It definitely taught me how to make friends, how to prioritize and get the work done. It set you up for success.”

Strom initially planned to major in education but switched to art after taking a few classes in that department. She particularly enjoyed the faculty and strong sense of camaraderie among students working on projects in the Art Center.

“Art is very meditative and helps me in my everyday life,” Strom said. “I still do a lot of drawing on weekends and after work.”

Art also led Strom to a post-graduation job as an art teacher and outdoor educator at a Nature’s Classroom camp in Rhode Island. She went on to serve Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts as a program specialist and director of camps. Since 2017, she has worked for the Girl Scouts of Northern California in roles such as chief mission delivery officer, chief program officer, and now CEO.

Strom grew up as a Girl Scout and earned the Gold Award, which is the organization’s highest level of recognition. She found her passion creating the same positive experiences for others that she enjoyed as a child.

Today, she manages the fifth largest council in the country, with approximately 50,000 members stretching from the San Francisco area to the Oregon border. Northern California boasts extensive outdoor resources, and Strom enjoys helping girls connect with nature and grow their leadership skills.

She sees her job as building community, just as she did at Bridgewater State.

“Like Bridgewater, the Girl Scouts is a sisterhood where you can find your friends and people who will support you in your life and career,” she said.

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I think (Bridgewater State) was the perfect school for me. It definitely taught me how to make friends, how to prioritize and get the work done. It set you up for success.

Mary-Jane Strom, ’96

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Alumni Profile

Change of Plan

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:45:34 +0000

Change of Plan HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 06/04/2025 - 10:45

Recent graduate finds her dream career after years of perseverance

June 10, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

School was always somewhat of a challenge for Emily Aronson, G’25. Because of this, she experienced a lack of confidence.

“I’m not a good test taker, I struggle with time management and have a hard time studying,” Aronson said.

Despite the obstacles, she was able to persevere and earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from another university in 2014. She thought that was the end of her academic journey. But then came the COVID-19 pandemic. The forced isolation gave her time to reflect.

“Like a lot of people, I found that time to be depressing, but it created a space for me to think more in depth about what I wanted to do,” Aronson said.

Her experience helping to support a loved one with addiction left her with a strong desire to help others. Because of this, a career in social work was appealing, but given her previous educational experience, she wasn’t confident enough to take the leap.

Still, a voice inside her head told her to seek out options, and she discovered the master’s in social work program at ��. Nervous, she filled out the application and waited.

When the day came that she learned of her acceptance, it was life changing.

“I was like, this is it! I can create an entire life for myself. It really boosted my confidence. For the first time I thought, I can really do this,” Aronson said.

The journey to the commencement stage wasn’t always easy. The initial plan was to graduate within three years of enrolling, but it took a little longer than expected. As a working professional, trying to juggle it all was difficult at times, including an internship that didn’t pan out.

“But looking back, having to leave that internship was a blessing in disguise. Even though it didn’t work out, I still walked away with knowledge. Nothing you do is never really a waste of time,” Aronson said.

The support received from her �� professors also helped guide her, especially on days when she questioned herself.

“I’m usually an introvert, a reserved person, but the small class sizes allowed me to engage. The professors really get to know you and I was able to get out of my comfort zone,” Aronson said.

Having the right support, paired with her determination paid off. This past May she earned her master’s degree in social work from �� and currently works as a behavioral health counselor at the Boston Medical Center, Clinical Stabilization Services in Brockton.

“For so long, I really felt lost but knew I wanted to help others,” Aronson said. “For so long I pushed myself down, and didn’t think I could do this, I settled for less.”

And even though things felt out-of-reach at times, the newly minted �� graduate said all the doubts and triumphs help her to better relate to those she now supports.

“Things may not always go as planned, sometimes life works in other ways,” she said. “But even though things are sometimes delayed, do not let that deny you of the things you want.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Things may not always go as planned, sometimes life works in other ways. But even though things are sometimes delayed, do not let that deny you of the things you want.

Emily Aronson, G’25

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Alumni Profile

College of Graduate Studies