Observations from an Atypical Mount Student

Kandace Fernandez

As someone who doesn’t quite fit the typical mold of a Mount St. Mary’s undergraduate student I came to the Mount with a mixture of enthusiasm, hope and a fair amount of skepticism.  

Most of the students here get admitted with an average GPA of approximately 3.4, around 80% live on campus, graduate when they are 21 years old and most commonly major in Business, Criminology and Biological Sciences.  

My GPA is higher, I commute from an hour away, 21 was a decade ago and I decided to study the broad topic of communications. Knowing this, I came into the Mount with a desire to gain a degree. I wanted to gain knowledge, understanding, direction and reassurance. 

What I found here has pleasantly surprised and inspired me to give—and it’s not just the scenic campus or the academic programs that make this place special. It’s the people and the culture.  

There’s a maturity and calm reasonableness among the students here that stands out. Unlike some college environments where competition or social pressures overshadow learning the students at the Mount have a laid-back, grounded demeanor.  

There’s an ease to the way they interact with each other and with the world around them—that’s refreshing. Many seem to approach their education not as a frantic race but as an intentional journey and a surprising number remain confident even when they feel unsure.   

Learning alongside brave students like Michael Lemishko, an honors student and water polo athlete graduating in a couple of weeks is eye-opening. Lemishko shared some of the highlights and the struggles during his four years here at The Mount.

Even after attaining all the right experiences to enhance his resume, he comfortably confessed that his career track was still a bit vague.  

In the next breath, Lemishko confidently expressed his high regard for being able to work with people from the Bahamas to Serbia, while working in the operations department at The Arc. The depth of some of the students here is impressive.  It’s something I appreciate deeply, especially having lived a bit more life before landing here myself.  

On many occasions I look around the classroom at my cohorts quietly praying that these students realize what a rare and valuable environment they’re in. Mount St. Mary’s offers more than just lectures and assignments—it offers opportunities for deep and meaningful learning both inside and outside the classroom.  

There’s so much intentionality behind campus events, talks, service projects, leadership workshops, invitations for reflection, engagement and growth. These are more than extracurriculars—they're extensions of the Mount’s mission to educate the whole person.  

What enables all of this to thrive is the incredible support structure surrounding the student body. It’s tough to pinpoint the real heartbeat of the Mount. In my brief experience I’ve met professors who are not only experts in their fields but who seem genuinely happy to share knowledge. Their doors are open—literally and figuratively. Their office hours aren’t just scheduled obligations—they’re invitations.  

If I could say one thing to my fellow students, it would be this: take them up on it. Go to those office hours, ask the questions and let them see you care. Because here’s the truth that I’ve learned the hard way: out in the world you’ll often have to fight for attention, for opportunity and for mentorship.  

Many workplaces no longer offer long-term security or pathways for growth.

Increasingly, it’s your responsibility to stay sharp, to keep learning and to adapt. But here at Mount St. Mary’s you’re surrounded by people who want to invest in you. Professors who will challenge and guide you, staff who will cheer you on, and peers who will collaborate with you. It’s a gift—don’t take it for granted.  

Whether you're a freshman trying to find your way or a senior counting down the days to graduation I encourage you to dig deeper. Say yes to the learning opportunities that come your way even if they fall outside your major or comfort zone.  

Make time for meaningful conversations, build relationships with your professors and most of all remember that education is about more than earning a degree. It’s about becoming the kind of person who is ready to meet the world with confidence, curiosity and purpose.  

Know that here, you have the chance to become that person. Don’t miss it.