Manresa: Student Stories of Transformation and Growth
![Linda & Osa](https://www.lemoyne.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/graduate-1-300x169.jpg)
At Le Moyne, education is about more than earning a degree—it’s about uncovering what inspires you and finding your path forward. The Manresa Program, inspired by the Jesuit tradition of purpose and reflection, offers our students a unique, four-year journey to explore their passions, values, and professional goals. We asked our students share how Manresa has shaped their college experience, from uncovering new opportunities to fostering personal growth and resilience.
Voices of Manresa: Personal Journeys
Say Yes!
"Manresa has challenged me to grow personally and professionally. It has invited me to consider how I fit into my current communities, and how to translate my values into action as I prepare to build my life as a young professional. Over the course of my time in the program, I’ve learned that opportunities arise in ways that are not immediately clear, and sometimes are wholly unfathomable. Because of Manresa, I've come to recognize the importance of saying yes to opportunities, especially when the gratification is not instantaneous. The program has also opened some really incredible doors for me. I was invited to travel to Washington D.C., with a group of my peers to explore professional opportunities. My experience in Washington would not have been possible if it weren’t for Manresa. My biggest take away from the program is saying yes! This will prove essential in my life as I work to affect positive change in the lives of others through the practice of law." Henry ’26
Strength to Persevere
"Manresa is truly an impactful program. It has provided me with strategies to ensure that I have time to focus on my school work and enjoy my life. My biggest take away from Manresa has been to never stop. Never stop moving forward. Never stop praying. Never stop reciting positive affirmations. Since I’ve kept that in mind, school has gone much more smoothly and it has been easier to cope as a first-generation college student. My plan for the future is to become a traveling nurse. I want to help people, the way that nurses have helped me throughout my life, and to explore the world and interact with different people. Since joining Manresa, I’ve learned that it’s OK to start over. I was a biology major before switching to nursing. I’ve never been happier with a decision in my life. My passion for nursing is strong and I’ve noticed a significant change in my attitude and happiness. I also want to let it be known that it’s OK to fall, dust yourself and start again. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, but we have the strength to persevere and push through." Tnes ’26
Together We're Better
"No one person can do everything on his or her own. We need to surround ourselves with other people who want the best for us and who are invested in our success. That is one of my biggest takeaways (so far) from my time in the Manresa Program. Manresa has helped me to build a solid support system made up of other Le Moyne students and faculty members. I have discovered how critical networking is, and that the relationships you build and carefully nurture can take you a long way. This summer I worked in Washington, D.C., as an intern at ACG Advocacy, a bipartisan organization that advises Fortune Global 500 corporations, states, municipalities and nonprofit organizations. In the future I plan to attend law school. I hope to use all that I have learned throughout the course of my education, including my experience in Manresa, to serve as an advocate and a voice for others." Michael ’25
Join a Career Trek
Our Manresa students recently embarked on a Career Trek to New York City (one of many that happen throughout the year), where they connected with accomplished professionals and explored new career possibilities. We’re incredibly grateful to our alumni for their willingness to share their time, expertise, and career journeys.
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Susan Madden ’84, Vice President for Philanthropy, and Betty Etheridge M.S. ’21, Associate Manager for Philanthropy, from the Manhattan School of Music, shared invaluable insights about following your passions, interests, and intuition. Their advice and stories really resonated with our students.
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The group also trekked down to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the heart of the Financial District. Casey O’Neil ’15, Lead Digital Channels Specialist, and Heather Daly, Head of Economic Education, provided an engaging tour of the museum and a rare glimpse into the underground gold vault!
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Andrea Lamendola ’90 hosted our students at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus before the group headed to Columbia Teachers College. Both experiences offered valuable insights into graduate education and included engaging tours of each institution. Andrea emphasized the importance of being open to career paths and opportunities, working hard, and always being prepared.
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Ready to discover who you are and who you're meant to be?