少女福利

Aisling Fantasia ’25 poses with her certificate after being inducted into Sigma Beta Delta.

When Aisling Fantasia first arrived at Saint Michael鈥檚 College, she had no idea how deeply the experience would shape her. Now, preparing to graduate, she reflects on four transformative years filled with growth, connection, and discovery鈥攂oth inside the classroom and far beyond it.

From building professional confidence through the business program to studying abroad in Europe, Fantasia credits Saint Michael鈥檚 with helping her find her voice and her purpose.
Her interview below has been lightly edited for style and clarity.

Saint Michael鈥檚 College:听What made Saint Michael鈥檚 stand out to you, and what has the community meant to you?

Aisling Fantasia:听The community here is truly special. There鈥檚 such a strong sense of connection and support鈥攑eople genuinely care about one another. It鈥檚 not just a place to learn; it鈥檚 a place where people show up for each other. That kind of environment helped me grow, both personally and professionally.

SMC: What鈥檚 a full-circle moment that really stood out to you during your time here?
Fantasia:鈥疘鈥檝e been a tour guide, and recently I saw some first-year students on campus who I gave tours to last year. It was a surreal moment. Knowing I played a small part in their decision to come here鈥攁nd now seeing them thrive鈥攔eminded me that every interaction matters, even the small ones.

Aisling Fantasia with a first-year student whom she gave a tour to the year prior.

SMC:鈥疻hat helped you develop confidence as a leader during college?
Fantasia:鈥疧ne of the most impactful experiences for me was a Management class with Professor Paul Olsen. I used to shy away from leadership, but that course pushed me out of my comfort zone. It helped me realize I had leadership qualities I hadn鈥檛 fully tapped into鈥攁nd gave me the confidence to embrace them.

SMC:鈥�You studied abroad during your time at Saint Michael鈥檚. What was that experience like?
Fantasia:鈥疭tudying abroad was the most meaningful experience for me. Traveling through Europe with my best friends was amazing, but it also challenged me to grow. I had to adapt to new cultures, navigate unfamiliar situations, and connect with people from around the world. I came back more resilient and open-minded. It pushed me to see the world鈥攁nd myself鈥攄ifferently.

SMC:鈥�How has the business program prepared you for life after graduation?
Fantasia:鈥疶he business program gave me a strong foundation in professional and interpersonal skills. Through collaborative projects and client-based learning, I鈥檝e learned how to communicate effectively, work in diverse teams, and lead ethically. It鈥檚 not just about technical knowledge鈥攊t鈥檚 about learning how to engage with others and make a positive impact.

SMC:鈥�What are you taking away from your time at Saint Michael鈥檚?
Fantasia:鈥疘鈥檝e grown in every way. I鈥檝e developed my critical thinking, built strong relationships, and gained self-awareness. I feel ready for the next step in my career, but even more than that, I feel grounded in my values. That鈥檚 what Saint Michael鈥檚 has given me鈥攃onfidence with purpose.

SMC:鈥�Who or what helped guide you along the way?
Fantasia:鈥疶he people. Professors, advisors, mentors, and friends鈥攖hey believed in me even when I didn鈥檛 fully believe in myself. They reminded me that growth takes time, and that it鈥檚 okay not to have everything figured out right away.

SMC:鈥�What advice would you give to future students?
Fantasia:鈥疊e patient with yourself. Don鈥檛 overthink things鈥攅verything really does happen for a reason. Keep an open mind, because you never know where a conversation, a class, or an opportunity might lead. Trust the process.

SMC:鈥�How would you summarize your experience at Saint Michael鈥檚?
Fantasia:鈥�Small college, big impact. That really says it all.

Sigma Beta Delta’s鈥攖he Business and Accounting honor society鈥攏ew inductees.