Jenna Solari ’07
B.A. in Early Childhood Education
Lebanon, CT
“Concordia College is a place where anyone can blossom into a person of integrity and confidence. I wanted to go to a school where I could make a difference—and I have here at Concordia”
Has Concordia met your expectations? I wanted to go to a school where I would not be an ID number in a class of thousands. I saw this potential at Concordia, and it has rung true in the fact that I’ve been so involved in academics and our campus community. This is a place where you can make someone’s day with a simple “hello,” and that’s a great feeling.
Have you been challenged academically? I’ve been encouraged to pursue excellence in all of my classes. I’ve always been one to go above and beyond the expected—and I’ve been able to set high standards and achieve them in my course work at Concordia. Through our core classes, and education and fieldwork requirements, I’ve been exposed to a broad spectrum of ideas and disciplines that will give me a well-rounded perspective on society and life when I enter my teaching career.
What do you like most about your program? We have so many opportunities to apply what we learn in our classwork inside a real classroom. Our fieldwork takes place in a variety of schools in the New York City area. Our professors are experienced teachers and bring anecdotes from their own careers to our lectures.
What’s it like to have so many professors living on campus? It’s great because they are aware of campus events, so they participate in our lives outside of the classroom. And, it reinforces the fact that they are always here for us—whether it’s during offices hours to begin planning career goals or just bumping into them on the Quad for a quick chat. Although I haven’t needed to take advantage of this yet, it’s nice to know you can drop off an assignment on their front doorstep because they literally live steps away from us.
How have you changed during your years at Concordia? I have gained an enormous amount of self-confidence and respect for others. And, I have learned that my voice and my opinion matter.
What has been your most memorable experience? Having the lead role in the Concordia Players production of Plaza Suite. It was produced and performed by Concordia students. The Concordia Players is planning an active calendar of on campus events as well as outreach in the community. It’s been a wonderful surprise to be able to express my love of theatre while in college.
What do you like best about going into New York City? I love walking around Central Park and visiting Times Square. The city is so alive and exciting. And, since I also love the theatre, I enjoy going to Broadway shows. I’m still waiting to meet someone famous, though!