Name: Vienna Stivala
Hometown: Cranford, NJ
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Music Industry
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Vienna since freshman year and now we’re finally seniors (crazy)! Vienna is always smiling and spreading happiness everywhere she goes – whether she’s working as a Hawk Host or making her way to class! Plus, she’s an amazing singer and songwriter. Read all about Vienna below!
HC: What activities are you involved in on campus?
VS: On campus, I’m a Tour Captain for the Hawk Host organization, which has held some of my favorite memories here at SJU. I also recently joined Club Softball! Other than those two clubs, I participated in APEX last year and perform at events on campus like Agape Latte.
HC: What do you like to do in your free time?
VS: I spend a lot of my free time songwriting. I’ve written about 20 original songs to date and I am hoping to record them in a studio soon!
HC: Since the holiday season is upon us, what is your favorite thing about the holidays?
VS: My favorite thing about the holidays is spending time with my family. Coming from a huge Italian family, I love the holiday traditions that we uphold every year. And you can’t forget about the delicious food. That’s definitely up there for me too.
HC: What is your favorite spot in Philly?
VS: My favorite spot in Philly is Old City. I love how gorgeous its old brick buildings are! It’s also home to a few of my favorite restaurants.
HC: Most memorable experience at SJU so far?
VS: My most memorable experience at SJU so far was the day I recognized a freshman on campus that I had given a tour to the previous year. The student approached me and told me that my tour was the reason why she chose SJU. That moment was the proudest moment I’ve had as a tour guide, and definitely one I’ll never forget.
HC: Favorite spot on campus?
VS: My absolute favorite spot on campus is Barbie Beach. My friends and I study and hangout there whenever it’s nice outside and I’ll miss that gorgeous view of Barbelin a lot once I graduate.
HC: Favorite quote?
VS: “She believed she could, so she did.” I live by that quote. As a feminist, I believe that quote is extremely empowering and that young girls across the world need to hear it. That quote has gotten me through a lot of tough times and it’s made me who I am today, and I’m proud of that.
HC: What are three things you can’t live without?
VS: Three things I couldn’t live without are my family, my friends, and music. My family and my friends mean everything to me and without music, my life would be dull.
HC: How was your experience studying abroad? Any advice to those interested?
VS: Studying abroad was by far the best decision I’ve ever made. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy last fall semester and loved every single second of it. I traveled all over Europe, learned a new language, and created friendships that I’ll cherish forever. My advice to anyone who is interested in studying abroad is to just do it. Just go for it, because you may never get an opportunity to live in another country for four months again.
HC: As a senior, do you have any advice for current freshmen?
VS: I would advise freshman to try new things and go outside of the box. College is all about starting a whole new chapter and finding yourself. Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone!
HCXO,
Alyssa