Talking to Olivia Synoracki now, you would never know how shy she was as a kid. These days you can find her actively involved at Millersville University in ACMO (All Campus Musical Organization), the SHARP (Students Helping Admissions Recruiting Program) team, and intramurals. Olivia is a senior Communications major here at Millersville and is making the most of her experiences and opportunities in her remaining time as a student.
Why did you choose Millersville?
I chose Millersville for a few reasons. Not only is it a beautiful campus with a picturesque pond but it has a great Communications program that I felt good about when hearing the department and students speak about it. I also loved how welcoming the campus was the first time I set foot on it; I didn’t get that feeling at other schools so this just seemed like home.
Why did you choose your major?
When I first started my college search I had no idea what to study. One thing I knew was that there was no way I was going into mathematics or sciences. I had always been stronger in creative areas and was very social. My sister was a Communications major at her school and I saw that she absolutely loved it. That’s why I chose to go the same route and major in Communications myself. Because I have a variety of interests, I also decided to take on two minors, one in English and one in History. I couldn’t be happier with my choices.
What is your favorite thing about your time at Millersville?
I’ve had some incredible experiences at Millersville but all of my greatest memories have revolved around the time I spend with my friends. Whether it be a movie night, going out for dinner, or traveling to Philly I always have a fantastic time. These moments are so important to me because I know that they will be relationships I will keep for the rest of my life.
What made you decide to join ACMO?
I joined ACMO my sophomore year because of my love for music and performing. In high school I had always been involved in the theater productions and not having been in that environment my Freshman year at Millersville made me really miss that scene. Each year since I’ve joined the organization I have participated in the Fall Showcase. This is probably my favorite part of ACMO’s season because of the versatility in songs and the diverse group of individuals who join at the start of each semester, introducing you to many more students.
Are you involved in anything besides ACMO on campus?
Besides ACMO I have been involved with a few other clubs and organizations on campus. For three years now I have been part of the SHARP Team, giving tours to prospective students and their families. I have also written some articles for The Snapper, mostly for the Arts and Culture section. Another club I have participated in a few times is soccer intramurals.
Olivia pictured in ACMO’s 2013 production of Legally Blonde
What is your favorite aspect of Millersville?
My favorite thing about Millersville has been the SHARP Team. Being a part of this team has been a huge part of my college career. It’s been great working with such incredible people. I’ve made so many friends through this job and they’ve all been like a family to me. The SHARP Team has also helped me grow professionally and has even led me to consider working for a university after I graduate, needless to say it’s made a huge impression on me.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus or downtown?
My favorite thing to do downtown is going to a Fulton show and eating at Prince St. Cafe. Unfortunately, I haven’t been to many shows but whenever I do go for some reason the two always seem to go hand in hand. I can never go to a Fulton show without going to the Prince St. Cafe before or after. Last year I got to see the Fulton perform Singing in the Rain, which has always been one of my favorites.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I’m not really positive what I will do after I graduate. I know that I would love to live in or near Boston but I’m also going to look around Maryland/D.C. area. When it comes to what kind of job I want though that’s where I become uncertain. I have so many interests that there’s not one job I’m set on. I am very passionate about the arts, so working for an arts organization would be great. I also love history so working for a museum would be cool. And like I said before, I have thoroughly enjoyed working for admissions during my time here at Millersville so working for a college or university would be great.
What is your dream job?
My real dream job is to be a novelist, or at least to write a few novels. I have always had a passion for writing and it has been one of my stronger suits throughout my education. In fact, I would much rather write a paper than take a test. I know that this is a huge dream but it’s one that I feel is worth pursuing for myself, no matter how long it may take.
What will you miss most about Millersville when you graduate?
I’m honestly going to miss my friends the most after I graduate. I have met some of my best friends at this school and not being able to see them almost every day is going to be weird. But I have high hopes for the future of us all visiting each other and having get togethers.
Olivia poses with her friends by the pond.
What is something you want to do before graduation?
Before I graduate I would like to get a picture with all of my favorite professors. These individuals made my time here at Millersville worthwhile and I learned so much from each of them. They truly have my upmost respect and I would like to take a piece of them with me wherever I go, for inspiration.
What is something you have learned here, or some way your time at Millersville has influenced you?
Overall I would say that Millersville has really given me the opportunity to grow as a person and become stronger. The classes that I’ve had, the organizations I’ve joined, the opportunities I’ve been given, they have all been a huge part of my experience and education, not just academic, but personal. When I go home for breaks my dad will often comment on how I’ve grown as a person and for me that is a great compliment.
What are some of your favorite TV shows?
Currently my favorite TV shows include: How I Met Your Mother, Downton Abbey, Parenthood, Scandal, and Parks and Recreation.
What is something someone would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know that when I was younger I was one of the shyest kids in the class. I would never talk to anyone sitting next to me, I would never raise my hand, and was just a nervous wreck when it came to public speaking. I have changed so much over the years. I am a Communications major who performs in front of others, gives campus tours, and is a social butterfly. So I’ve definitely changed for the better.
Do you have any special talents?
Some of my talents include singing, painting, drawing, juggling, and spinning a basketball on my finger.
Where would you most like to travel?
If I could travel anywhere in the world it would be all over Europe. My dad has actually been to Europe many times for his job. When I was a kid I would always ask if I could travel with him and since I couldn’t I would just dream about traveling there when I was older. I’ve also always had a strong interest in European history which is another reason why I would love to travel there.