Student Spotlight

Center Stage

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:36:39 +0000

Center Stage BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/29/2025 - 11:36

Music major feels at home in stadiums, classrooms and beyond

September 30, 2025

Brian Benson, G’23

At the end of high school, Delaney Hughes, ’26, was relegated to playing the flute over Zoom amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Just a few years later, the BSU student performed a solo near the 50-yard line of an NFL stadium.

Delaney is a member of the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps, which played at LucasOil Stadium in Indianapolis for the Drum Corps International world championships. She credits her music-related experiences at BSU with providing the confidence to excel on such a large stage.

“I feel like I’ve grown a lot,” said Delaney, a music education major from Franklin. “All of the faculty and my peers are so supportive. They’re looking at your potential, not how good you are at the start. It’s a very growth-focused environment.”

Flutes have not historically been part of competitive drum corps, which are highly advanced marching bands that emphasize brass and percussion. Thus, Delaney learned how to play percussion when she joined the Hurricanes a few years ago. However, a recent rule change allowed corps to include woodwind soloists, opening the door for the Hurricanes to feature Delaney playing Evanescence’s “Hi-Lo” on her flute.

The Hurricanes “really strive to be an educational drum corps, but we also have really high expectations competitively and we do well in our class,” she said.

That encouraging atmosphere reminds Delaney of life at BSU, where her performance resume includes concerts with the Wind Ensemble and Flute Choir and football games with the Bear Band. She also leads the BSU chapters of the National Association for Music Educators and International Alliance for Women in Music. The latter organization focuses on presenting songs by women composers, and Delaney studied female flute composers through BSU’s undergraduate research program.

Delaney aspires to use her broad musical experience to teach music to elementary students, where she can instill a lifelong love of the art form just as her early music teachers inspired her.

“I really love working with the littler kids,” said Delaney, who worked as a nanny during a gap year between high school and college. “Just to get them excited about music at such a young age so it sticks with them into adolescence and as adults.”

Delaney praised the support and individualized instruction of Donald Zook, who teaches the flute at BSU. In Dr. Sarah McQuarrie’s music education classes, she enjoyed hands-on lessons where students practice teaching each other, making them more prepared to lead their own classrooms.

“I feel more connected to my peers and faculty than a lot of people at other schools might,” she said. “I’ve made lifelong friends and professional connections that I will have with me as a teacher.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I feel like I’ve grown a lot. All of the faculty and my peers are so supportive. They’re looking at your potential, not how good you are at the start. It’s a very growth-focused environment.

Delaney Hughes, ’26

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Student Spotlight

Arts

The Curious Kind

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:22:47 +0000

The Curious Kind HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/29/2025 - 11:22

New student trustee brings to the board an inquisitive mind and desire to do good

October 9, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Dhareen Jean-Michel, ’28, takes 51�Թ��’s motto, "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister" to heart, especially in his new role as student trustee on the university’s 11-member board.

“I really want to serve people and work for the people as our motto states,” Dhareen said. “I am in a position where I can listen to and help students. I look forward to hearing the ideas they want to see implemented and hopefully set those plans in motion.”

After serving as student government senator last year, he knew he wanted to continue representing his peers. Specific areas Dhareen hopes to highlight during his tenure include mental health initiatives, community outreach and expanding connections on campus.

Since being appointed in May, he has received support from all board members, something Dhareen said he is grateful for.

“We have a group of phenomenal people running our university. They have helped me understand what is happening not only at the administrative level, but also within the community, as well as the state and federal levels,” he said.

Growing up in Stoughton, Dhareen often found himself looking up at the stars, and questioning how they got there.

“I’m a curious person and love to learn. Space is one of those things you never stop learning about, you can spend a lifetime studying the cosmos and barely scratch the surface,” he said.

He also has an affinity for biology.

“I’ve just always enjoyed it, it’s always come easy to me,” Dhareen said, which is how he came to major in the discipline, with a concentration in cellular physics. His goal is to pursue a career in astrobiology.

His sense of curiosity will bring valuable perspective to the board and help him strengthen his own communication skills.

“Learning how to communicate with different people from different cultures and being aware of that, and to be able to connect with so many people, these are skills that will be applicable in all I do,” he said.

During his year-long term, Dhareen ultimately wants to make a difference.

“I am a curious person who loves to help people and serving in this role will help me understand a lot and give me an idea of how I can help people even more,” he said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I am a curious person who loves to help people and serving in this role will help me understand a lot and give me an idea of how I can help people even more.

Dhareen Jean-Michel, ’28

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Student Spotlight

Research is on her Plate

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:38:20 +0000

Research is on her Plate BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 09/04/2025 - 08:38

Chemistry student studies ancient food artifacts

September 4, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Mackenzie Cobb, ’26, is using modern scientific techniques to gain insights into how people lived thousands of years ago.

The West Bridgewater resident is studying pieces of pottery with the goal of determining what these ancient people ate. Along the way, she’s gaining new perspectives on her own future.

“I don’t think I would be able to explore this potential avenue for a career if I didn’t have the ability to research and experiment,” she said. “It gives me insight into what it is like to do this work fulltime.”

With a major in chemistry and minor in anthropology, Mackenzie is pursuing the right degree to continue conducting this type of research. Her current project, supported by BSU’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work, involves pottery used by Pocomtuc indigenous people 500-2,000 years ago in what is today western Massachusetts.

Working under the mentorship of chemistry Professor Sarah Soltau and anthropology Associate Professor Michael Zimmerman, Mackenzie extracts lipids from the pottery samples. She conducts chemical analyses on these lipid residue deposits with the goal of determining if the vessels once contained animal fats or plant fats. While her work cannot be generalized to the entire Pocomtuc people, Massachusetts Archaeological Society officials hope it will provide lifestyle clues and lay the groundwork for using this methodology to conduct additional research.

“We hope Mackenzie is able to learn more about this past population and their daily lives,” said Jessica Munkittrick, a society board member. “It’s a collection that might not otherwise be looked at in-depth.”

Munkittrick and society President John Campbell, ’11, identified the pottery as ideal material for an undergraduate researcher, and Dr. Zimmerman connected them to Mackenzie.

Campbell, who completed undergraduate research when he was a Bridgewater anthropology major, is impressed with Mackenzie’s dedication.

“What stands out about Mackenzie in this research is her drive to try to find out how the methodology will work and the results themselves,” he said. “She is a student who is clearly not afraid of rolling up her sleeves to get the job done.”

Mackenzie, who is also minoring in Irish studies, said she is driven by a desire to learn new things about the past and showcase how chemistry is important in humanities research.

“I’ve met a lot of different people,” she said of the project. “It’s really helped me grow. Going into Bridgewater, I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Now I have more answers than I did before.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Going into Bridgewater, I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Now I have more answers than I did before.

Mackenzie Cobb, ’26

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Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Soaring to New Heights

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:44:22 +0000

Soaring to New Heights BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:44

Math major earns NASA grant, aims to break new ground in photonics

August 21, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Evaneida Fortes, ’26, G’27, has always enjoyed math because it allows her to flex her brainpower. As a BSU student, she realized how far her love of numbers could actually take her.

This summer, Evaneida is contributing to the development of devices that could one day be used by astronauts in space.

“This is an opportunity that I’m very grateful for,” said the first-generation math major who grew up in Cabo Verde and Fall River. “BSU has allowed me to go for it and achieve things I never thought I would have achieved.”

With funding from the NASA Space Grant program, Evaneida is applying mathematical optimization and data analysis skills from her undergraduate courses to the design of integrated photonic devices. The devices would utilize particles of light called photons to help monitor astronaut health and study exoplanets, which are planets located outside our solar system.

Evaneida collaborates with Dr. Samuel Serna, an assistant professor of physics, photonics and optical engineering, and his students to understand how her computer-based modeling could play out in the real world. As she refines design algorithms to develop feasible concepts, Evaneida works with MIT material scientists to understand the extreme environments in which these devices must operate.

“I like problem solving and I like to be challenged,” she said. “Math can be applied in many different fields. I’m having so much fun doing that in this research.”

While Evaneida’s project is confined to a computer, she hopes to see the designs eventually built, potentially in collaboration with MIT scientists. The research also improves her coding and troubleshooting abilities, skills that will be invaluable as she eyes a career in data analysis.

Evaneida is also taking part in BSU’s 4+1 program, through which she can complete her bachelor’s degree while beginning her master’s degree in math. This allows students to count some courses toward both degrees and save time and money.

Outside of the classroom, Evaneida is a resident assistant for the honors living learning community, a position through which she mentors fellow honors students and introduces them to opportunities at BSU that she has found so valuable.

“Bridgewater State has helped me grow as a person,” she said. “It has helped me grow academically. It has made me feel a sense of belonging and that I can do anything I desire to do.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

This is an opportunity that I’m very grateful for. BSU has allowed me to go for it and achieve things I never thought I would have achieved.

Evaneida Fortes, ’26, G’27

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Undergraduate Research

Photonics

Honors Program

Student Spotlight

Graphic by Charlie Peters, G'20

Making a Difference

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:58:52 +0000

Making a Difference BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 07/23/2025 - 11:58

Senior with autism seeks to increase inclusivity on campus and beyond

July 24, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Dom Zullo, ’26, envisions a world where everyone feels welcomed and can thrive. And already he is taking tangible steps to make that happen at 51�Թ�� and across Massachusetts.

“BSU has provided me opportunities to step up as a leader and make a difference in the lives of so many people and also make BSU a more accessible place for people of all abilities,” said the communication sciences and disorders major and music minor from Norfolk.

Dom’s dedication to a brighter future is driven partly by his own experiences. Diagnosed with autism as a baby, he struggled to understand social cues and control his emotions. He made great strides in high school and has continued to grow during his three years at Bridgewater State.

Recently, Dom took his advocacy to the Statehouse, where he testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation in support of a bill to improve communication between police officers and people with autism. The measure would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to design blue envelopes that can hold an autistic driver’s license, registration and insurance card. The envelopes would also provide police with written guidance for effective communication during traffic stops.

Dom credits a BSU public speaking class and his experiences as a student leader with preparing him to deliver compelling yet succinct testimony.

“It’s given me the opportunity to be more open and more vocal,” he said.

On campus, he works with fellow students and BSU staff to advocate for people with disabilities. He serves as a group leader for the Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic and peer mentor with the EXCEL Program. Dom is also the evening events coordinator for Program Council, a tour guide, and a member of a team that works with BSU’s mascot, Bristaco.

“We’ve made so much progress making those groups more inclusive for neurodiverse people,” Dom said. “Everybody here is so welcoming, so caring, so willing to learn how to interact with people with disabilities.”

He’s especially proud of EXCEL students’ growing involvement in student life. In recent years, these students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities – who might otherwise miss out on a college experience – began crossing the stage at commencement, joining the orientation team and receiving recognition at the annual Impact Awards.

As a result of his positive experiences as a Bear, Dom aspires to work in higher education, where he can continue his mission of inclusivity.

“There’s no better feeling in the world than knowing you made an impact on people’s lives,” he said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

BSU has provided me opportunities to step up as a leader and make a difference in the lives of so many people and also make BSU a more accessible place for people of all abilities.

Dom Zullo, ’26

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Student Spotlight

Novel Research

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:55:37 +0000

Novel Research HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 06/09/2025 - 10:55

Undergraduates present their work at national English conference

August 12, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Rising 51�Թ�� seniors Anna Connor and Haiden Powers traveled to Philadelphia last semester to present their undergraduate research at the College English Association Conference. According to Ann Brunjes, professor of English and department chairperson, this was sort of a unique situation.

“It’s unusual for undergrads to present at professional conferences in our field,” Brunjes said.

Encouraged by English Professor Benjamin Carson, Anna and Haiden decided to participate and found it to be less intimidating than they initially worried.

“This was my first time presenting at a conference. I thought it was going to be terrifying…I didn’t have fears that people would be mean, but was worried about our depth,” Haiden said. “But what we found were people were unpretentious; everyone was normal and nice.”

Anna appreciated the experience and the knowledge gained from the conference panels.

“I think I asked a question at every single one, I was more comfortable asking questions than I thought I would be. It was a really great environment,” she said.

For Anna’s presentation, her love of Edith Wharton led her to discover the author’s The Glimpses of the Moon.

“I read it on a whim over winter break and fell in love with it and started doing my own research,” she said.

That led to Anna’s paper, “The Possibility of Happiness,” that explores the contradictions, difficulties, and imperfections of happiness and romance.

For his presentation, Haiden chose to do a detailed analysis of a passage of Season of Migration to the North written by Tayeb Salih.

“It’s a novel about post-colonialism in Africa,” Haiden said. “For the most part it criticizes white modern liberals. While advocating for the right thing, it’s rooted in bad logic and comes across as condescending, like a pat on the head.”

Both agree that having these opportunities through BSU, especially as English majors, is important.

“So many times I have friends ask, what are you doing your research on? What does that mean? They think it’s about reading books, and don’t realize it’s important work,” Anna said.

Haiden often experiences similar curiosities, peers questioning the value of a humanities degree.

Reading is one thing, he said, “But you have to be able to think critically about what they are looking at and how it’s being presented.”

“I think people underestimate how much an English degree builds empathy,” Anna added. “There are so many lessons I’ve learned from reading novels, like how to interact in a relationship and how different actions affect other people.”

Anna admits she initially came to BSU because it was affordable, but is now grateful for the many opportunities the university offers.

“At Bridgewater, everybody (who wants to) can do important work and contribute to their field” Anna said. “I’ve done so much more at Bridgewater than I thought I could do when I first chose to come here. I get to explore something I’m passionate about.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I’ve done so much more at Bridgewater than I thought I could do when I first chose to come here. I get to explore something I’m passionate about.

Anna Connor, '26

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Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Service Learning

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 05 May 2025 13:46:44 +0000

Service Learning HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 05/05/2025 - 09:46

Junior follows legacy of first responders

May 6, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Caroline Levy, ’26, is continuing her family’s legacy of service. The 51�Թ�� junior was recently appointed to serve as student police cadet within the university’s police department.

Her father, Thomas Levy, worked for the Bridgewater Fire Department for 36 years, ascending to chief in 2016, before retiring in 2020. But it was her mother, Lorraine Levy, a retired Massachusetts State Trooper, who encouraged her to think about a career in law enforcement. Initially, Caroline was resistant.

“At first I didn’t think I wanted to pursue it, I was going to go into nursing,” she said.

That all changed when the Raynham native was still in high school, and an opportunity arose to take a college-level criminal justice course. Her mother suggested she enroll.

“So I did, and it changed everything. It gave me a new perspective, and I thought, ‘I want to give this a try,’” she said.

Now confident in her decision, she knew exactly where she wanted to go to continue her education post high school.

“My sister went to Bridgewater and studied CJ. She raved about it…As I got older and realized how much BSU had to offer, that it was close to home and affordable, it made my decision easy,” Caroline said.

Her sister, Katherine Mathi liked Bridgewater so much, she returned to her alma mater where she currently teaches criminal justice classes.

“I’ve never gotten her as a professor, but that would be fun,” Caroline said.

While her mother encouraged her to pursue law enforcement and helped lead her sister to go to Bridgewater State, it was Caroline’s father who planted the seeds of being a student cadet.

“He came with me to admitted students’ day and (because he knew so many people as the former fire chief) was able to help me get out of my comfort zone,” Caroline said.

Together they happened upon the BSUPD table and met Captain Ryan Tepper and his K9 partner Zach. The meeting made an impression, and Tepper encouraged Caroline to reach out. Which is what she did this year when she saw the opportunity to apply for the student cadet position.

After going through the application and interview process, she was selected and officially appointed in February. Since then, she’s been learning all that the BSUPD does, from shadowing police officers and working dispatch, to attending court hearings and patrolling community events.

“Being exposed to all the different aspects has been really helpful. Since I’ve started it’s reminded me why I want to be a police officer, that this is what I want to do,” Caroline said.

Later this month, she will continue to gain applicable experience toward her goal when she travels to the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, to attend Officer Candidate School.

When she arrives back on campus this fall, she will continue her student cadet duties with the BSUPD through her anticipated 2026 graduation date.

Once that BSU degree is in hand, she will have options, whether that’s to serve in the Marines as military police, or in law enforcement at the state or local level.

“Honestly though, I’d love to come back to Bridgewater and work for the BSUPD, the people that work there are genuinely amazing,” Caroline said. “Every time I step into the station, I am reminded why I’m choosing this path. Watching how the officers interact with the campus and people in the community, I want to act like them, to model them when I am in law enforcement.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Every time I step into the station, I am reminded why I’m choosing this path. Watching how the officers interact with the campus and people in the community, I want to act like them, to model them when I am in law enforcement.

Caroline Levy, ’26

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Student Spotlight

First and Lasting Impressions

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:31:00 +0000

First and Lasting Impressions BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 04/09/2025 - 16:31

Senior looks back fondly on her time on campus

April 10, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

When Savannah Lavigne, ’25, first set foot on the Bridgewater State campus, she had a feeling it would become her home. Now preparing to graduate, Savannah confidently says that initial gut reaction proved correct.

“Bridgewater has had an immense impact on me,” the political science major and marketing minor said. “I’ve made so many incredible connections and lifelong friendships. I’ve been able to find out what I want to study. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person and feel like I’ve matured a lot.”

Savannah grew up with her parents in Hong Kong, but knew she wanted an American college experience. While going to school thousands of miles away from home seemed scary at first, Savannah has family in Connecticut and thrived in the supportive community she found at BSU.

“I really admire how American schools value well-rounded students,” she said. “Developing soft and hard skills and developing as a person is so valuable. Bridgewater taught me a lot.”

Savannah most remembers all the opportunities she has had as a Bear. She studied abroad in England and brought Asian culture to campus by helping lead the Asian Student Union.

As an intern with the nonprofit Inclusive America, she helped advocate in Washington, D.C., for stronger anti-harassment and discrimination policies at the State Department. At BSU, Savannah discovered a passion for international relations that she hopes to pursue in graduate school and through a career as a diplomat or policy analyst.

In the classroom, Savannah stands out as a highly engaged student, said Dr. Chien Yu. Savannah is in his international marketing course, and the professor worked with her while advising the Asian Student Union.

“She actively participates in class and talks about her opinions on issues and current events,” said Yu, a professor of management and marketing. “Her points are sharp and great.”

Yu even nominated her to become a Green Room Scholar at WorldBoston, a nonprofit that aims to spark engagement around international affairs. Savannah helped run an event about the connections between science and diplomacy and contributed to the organization’s blog.

She appreciates the support of Yu, Dr. Sidita Kushi, an assistant professor of political science, and the many other faculty members who left indelible marks on her development as a student.

“I’ve had amazing professors,” Savannah said. “They have truly been academic and personal guideposts for me.”

She has also given back to BSU by helping students acclimate to campus as a resident assistant in Scott Hall and an orientation leader.

She encourages new BSU students to become involved and socialize. Savanah met as many people as she could during her first year, and those connections helped shape her undergraduate experience.

“Listen to your heart. That’s what I did” she said, adding: “I knew Bridgewater was where I wanted to be.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Bridgewater has had an immense impact on me. I’ve made so many incredible connections and lifelong friendships. I’ve been able to find out what I want to study. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person and feel like I’ve matured a lot.

Savannah Lavigne, ’25

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Student Spotlight

Internships

BSU Works

From Recovery to Discovery

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:45:42 +0000

From Recovery to Discovery HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 04/09/2025 - 11:45

BSU helps junior battle back from brain injury

April 15, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Upon opening her eyes, Marilyn Aziz, ’26, did not recognize the people in front of her claiming to be her parents, nor did she know the man who said he was her fiancé.

This was back in 2017, while living in her native California. Marilyn was driving to school when the crash occurred, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and significant memory loss.

“My life was forever changed,” Marilyn said. “I was like a baby again. I had to relearn what foods were called, I had verbal issues, I couldn’t speak correctly, and had short term memory loss.”

Eventually she began to remember her parents and fiancé but called off the engagement because she ultimately lost her feelings for him.

“It was so difficult emotionally and mentally,” Marilyn said.

Along with the brain injury, she also suffered a fractured left arm and hip, blurred vision, and persistent headaches.

At the time of her accident, she was studying to become a medical doctor but after the accident, her recovery made it difficult to continue. Because of her cognitive difficulties, it became clear that returning to a career in medicine was improbable.

For three years she focused on healing, underwent multiple surgeries, and fought her way back. Eventually, she even made it back to school. However, because of her brain injury, she struggled.

“The lights in the classroom were too bright, I had to push hard to tolerate the light and heavy noise. I couldn’t remember things. I couldn’t look at screens. People had to take notes for me. I was not confident enough to give presentations,” Marilyn said.

Despite the hardships, there was one bright spot. During this time, she fell in love with and married a man from Boston. She moved to Massachusetts to be with her husband, Wessam, and that’s when she discovered 51�Թ��. Soon, her life would take an inspiring turn.

“Moving to Massachusetts and enrolling at BSU marked the beginning of a new chapter,” Marilyn said. “From the moment I arrived at Bridgewater I was welcome by a supportive and caring community that played a pivotal role in my academic and personal growth.”

She met with two academic advisors, Drs Jim Leone and Philip Szlosek; both helped with navigating her unique circumstances.

“Rather than discouraging me, they took the time to understand my goals and worked with me to create an academic plan that aligned with my passion for healthcare,” she said.

Maybe it’s because she learned firsthand after her accident how impetrative physical therapy is, or maybe it’s because of her desire to help others, but after some soul searching and guidance from her advisors, Marilyn opted to study health science with a concentration in pre-physical therapy at BSU.

She began to blossom.

“Bridgewater is the ‘mother’ of schools. I’ve been embraced, loved, and supported in the ways I needed, the way you should be,” Marilyn said.

She is now on track to graduate in 2026 and has already been accepted into the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions where she will pursue a PhD in physical therapy.

“None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the guidance, support and encouragement I received from BSU,” Marilyn said. “The community here embraces students from all walks of life, showing me that age, background, or past challenges do not define one’s potential.”

To her fellow students struggling with their own challenges or doubts, she reminds them they are in good hands at Bridgewater and to never give up.

“I am living proof that with the right support and a determination to succeed, anything is possible,” Marilyn said. “BSU is a place that believes in you, no matter what obstacles you may face.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Bridgewater is the ‘mother’ of schools. I’ve been embraced, loved, and supported in the ways I needed, the way you should be.

Marilyn Aziz, ’26

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Student Spotlight

Photo by Carly McMahon, '24, G'26

Special Calling

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 14:42:32 +0000

Special Calling HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 03/17/2025 - 10:42

First-year student continues her journey toward a career helping others

March 18, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Several years ago, Fiona Truss, ’28, and a friend had lunch with a group of special education students. It was during that shared meal Fiona discovered what she wanted to do with her life.

She was in the fifth grade.

“I started volunteering, working in clubs that were involved with neurodivergent communities and my passion just grew from there,” Fiona said.

That passion led her to 51�Թ��, where the Foxboro native is currently enrolled in the BSU Honors program majoring in special education with a concentration in severe disabilities.

“I knew entering college I wanted to study special education and when looking at schools, Bridgewater stood out. The education program here is amazing, especially the special education program. There are so many resources,” Fiona said.

Her goal is to eventually work at the elementary school level as a special education teacher.

“That’s my favorite age. Younger students are just entering school for the first time and gaining levels of independence. It’s fun and exciting for me to see and work in that environment,” Fiona said.

As a BSU undergraduate, she has continued to volunteer her time with various disability programs in her hometown and was recently recognized by the Foxboro Commission on Disability which honored her with the Above and Beyond Individual Award for the work she’s done.

“I know it’s cliché, but it was incredibly humbling to receive this award. I don’t expect that type of recognition. The work I do is something I care about,” Fiona said. “I care about inclusivity…so it’s meaningful to know I am being recognized for that. It helps with my goal of awareness.”

Fiona also received a citation from the state and Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxboro) at the award ceremony.

Outside of her academics at Bridgewater, Fiona is also president of the school’s American Sign Language Club and involved with the non-competitive BSU Dance Company.

She is happy with her decision to continue her education at BSU, from the support she receives from professors to the overall climate.

“I’m so happy with my decision to go to Bridgewater, especially the special education classes,” Fiona said. “It’s cool to get to learn something I’m passionate about and helps me achieve my future goals.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I knew entering college I wanted to study special education and when looking at schools, Bridgewater stood out. The education program here is amazing, especially the special education program. There are so many resources.

Fiona Truss, ’28

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Student Spotlight

Special Education

Photo by Carly McMahon, '24, G'26