Meet the one-and-only Megan Poyntz. If you’re lucky enough to know Megan (which you most likely are because only a miniscule sector of the Marist population doesn’t know her) then you know that she can usually be found in the Admissions office. Megan is the President of the Marist College Ambassador Program, one of the campus’ largest student organizations. The program is comprised of student leaders who represent the Red Fox community when speaking with prospective students. They are sure to be spotted with welcoming smiles on their faces, working hard in relaying to prospective just how wonderful a place Marist is.
Major: Business Administration (dual-emphasis in Human Resources and Information Systems)
Minor: Spanish Language Studies
Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey (yes, she is a Springsteen fanatic and claims that “no, the real Jersey Shore is nothing like the show”)
HC:What is it like being the president of one of the largest student organizations at Marist?
MP: So. Much. Fun. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a lot of hard work and I’ve had my days. You “grow up” pretty quickly in terms of professionalism, and you’re exposed to so many management-like situations that most twenty-one year olds aren’t. But, as cheesy as it may sound, it’s one big adventure! No day in the office is the same, which I absolutely love. I’m always meeting new students, collaborating with different offices and organizations across campus, and working on a handful of new initiatives to help the college grow. It’s a position where you are constantly working, but as long as you have fun with it, then it doesn’t feel like work at all!
HC: What is the biggest challenge you face as president?
MP: By far, the biggest challenge I face is getting caught-up in a bunch of great ideas. Not only does the Ambassador program have over 200 outstanding Marist students, but I also have an executive board of 11 incredibly talented and creative Ambassadors who are the backbone of this program. Between the two groups, I am constantly amazed by how often they come up with such wonderful ideas. Whether it’s figuring out how to grow the program, or creating ways to better help prospective students, there’s always a new idea being thrown around. We only have so much time and so many people, so it’s quite difficult to decide between what we’ll be able to do and what we’ll have to wait to accomplish in the future!
HC: What is the most rewarding part of your position?
MP: I like to call it “the moment” (for lack of a better term). It’s when Ambassadors (literally) have a moment where they realize the impact they have on this program, and remember why they work so hard. As president, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing an Ambassador say “this is why I’m here,” or “it was all worth it.” It usually happens when a prospective student tells them “you’re the reason I want to be a Red Fox”, or when one of their ideas comes to life and helps Ambassadors grow in ways they didn’t think possible. I’ve found that, no matter how often you tell someone how important and appreciated their work is, they need to have a “moment” for themselves to truly believe it. Leading a program of over 200 students, I’m always hoping they have their “moment” and that they’re getting something out of it, recognizing what an integral part they are to the Ambassador program.
HC: Do you remember your first tour of Marist?
MP: I remember it like it was yesterday, and this is one of my favorite Marist stories to tell! Similar to a lot of Marist students, I got that “feeling” when I walked onto campus – I knew I had to come here. But it was really my tour guide, Kelsey, who showed me that Marist was the place I was meant to call “home.” Kelsey was an Ambassador herself, and from the get-go you could tell she had a passion for helping prospective students. To put it simply, Kelsey was extremely inspiring and helpful, and after the tour I thought, “maybe that could be me.” Kelsey and I kept in touch after the tour, and, fast-forward two years later, I was a freshman at my first Ambassador meeting, with Kelsey as the President. From then on, she served as a mentor and role model, and still does to this day. It’s funny to think how the first person I met turned out to be the person whose footsteps I followed. The best part about it all is that this story is not unique – it happens all the time here at Marist, which is why I love working in the Admission Office so much!
HC: How did you get involved with Ambassadors?
MP: Kelsey was the reason I knew of Ambassadors and wanted to get involved. I interviewed my first week of freshman year, got accepted into the program, and the rest is history!
HC: What is your favorite thing about Marist?
MP: The people. I truly believe that my four years wouldn’t be as memorable if it weren’t for everyone I’ve met along the way.
HC: Tell us a little bit about your abroad experience!
MP: In the Fall 2014 semester I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to study abroad in London. My favorite part about my four months in the UK was that it was spent with some of my closest friends from Marist. We got to live like Brits in beautiful South Kensington and we traveled all over Europe together. I also had a full-time internship, allowing me to truly immerse myself in British culture. It was such a unique and fun experience and I miss it all the time! I always wonder what would happen if I spontaneously bought a one-way plane ticket to go back. London definitely stole my heart and I cannot wait until I’m able to visit again!
HC: What are you most excited for this semester?
MP: Three words: second semester senior. Everyone enjoys each other’s company and there’s always something to do no matter what time of the semester it is. First semester of senior year was amazing, and I’m sure second semester will be nothing short of that!
Want to learn more about Megan? We recommend sitting down and catching up in the cab! She will never say no to a burrito from Marist’s own Wholly Habenero.