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"I decided to
come to CNR when I
realized that of all the schools I had visited, CNR offered me what I
wanted most of all, a college that would be small, quiet, and
safe. "
Blanca Pacca
Class of 2008
Biology Major
School of Arts & Sciences
The College of New Rochelle
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Where
are you from, Blanca?
My
family and I live in Norwalk, Connecticut. However, we come from
Ecuador, a small and beautiful country in South America.
How
did you hear about CNR?
I heard about The
College of New Rochelle from my high school counselor. She put me in
contact with Eileen Harrington, a CNR alumna. Since my parents were not
able to help me because they do not know how the college process works,
Mrs. Harrington became like a parent to me and helped me get into
college. She was able to bring me to visit the campus (which I like
very much) for overnight visits, for interviews, and much, much more.
Because of Mrs. Harrington, I became aware of the Student Faculty
Research Program that I applied to, and now I am part of that special
program for undergraduates.
What
other colleges did you consider and why did you pick CNR?
I applied to the
University of Connecticut, Manhattanville College, Fairfield
University, Sacred Heart University, and The College of New Rochelle.
All of the colleges accepted me, and all of them offered me financial
aid packages, so it was hard to select the college I wanted to attend.
I decided to come to CNR when I realized that of all the schools I had
visited, CNR offered me what I wanted most of all, a college that would
be small, quiet, and safe.
Although my parents
did not like the idea of me leaving home, they were happy to know that
I was going to attend a Catholic women’s college. They wanted to make
sure that I would be concentrating on my studies and not partying all
the time.
What
is your major, Blanca?
I am majoring in biology. I think my
minors will be chemistry and business.
 ...I
love the city. I try to go to Manhattan as much as possible. The
city is not far from campus and I just hop on a bus to get downtown. I
usually go to the city with my roommate or with a few friends. I also
go to Glen Island Park, which is within walking distance of the
College. Glen Island Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit,
and I go there just to relax and reflect.
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Tell
us about some of your favorite professors.
I have
many great professors here at the College, and having them has made my
first two years a real joy. Dr. Lynn Petrullo, Professor of Biology, is
one of my favorite professors. She was my professor for General Biology
II during my freshman year, and she is my mentor in the Research
Program. Dr. Harasym is another one of my favorite professors. I took a
microbiology class for Dr. Melanie Harasym, Associate Professor of
Biology, last semester and that, too, was great fun. Dr. Harasym has a
way of making her class very interesting and when it was over, I knew I
had learned a lot.
Do
you belong to any clubs on campus?
I am a member of the
L.A.W.S. club, S.A.M.S. club, CNR Drama, and
recently I was selected for the Honors Program, which I think is a
great honor. I am also involved on campus as a Peer Minister.
Do
you go into New York City often?
Yes, I love the city.
I try to go to Manhattan as much as possible. The
city is not far from campus and I just hop on a bus to get downtown. I
usually go to the city with my roommate or with a few friends. I also
go to Glen Island Park, which is within walking distance of the
College. Glen Island Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit,
and I go there just to relax and reflect. It is a great place to visit,
especially if you are a nature lover, as I am.
Did
you have a job while you were a student?
I have two on-campus
jobs. I work in the Communications/Publications
Department and in the Biology Lab. During the winter and summer breaks
from college, I also work in the library in my hometown, and I have two
other small part-time jobs.
Blanca,
what are your career plans after you leave The College
of New Rochelle?
I hope to go to
graduate school in the natural sciences and someday I
plan on teaching at the college level, maybe here at CNR! Wouldn’t that
be wonderful?
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To
find out if CNR is the right choice
for you, please contact:
School
of Arts
& Sciences
Office
of Admission
The College of New Rochelle
29 Castle Place
New Rochelle, NY 10805
914-654-5334
email: admission@cnr.edu
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