Hometown: Lebanon, NH
Majors: English and French
Highlights of Siena experience:
Studying abroad (France); participating in this year’s Modern Languages Symposium; making connections with friends and faculty members.
How did your semester in France come about, and what was that experience like?
I was encouraged by the French faculty and my family to go abroad to improve my French skills. I decided to go to Rennes (the 10th largest city in France) because I didn’t like the size of Paris, and wanted to be forced to use my French language skills. The CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) Rennes program allows you to interact with international students and the French locals all the time, and these connections and opportunities made my time abroad invaluable.
Next year you will be teaching English in Japan as part of the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program (JET). What made you decide to explore this opportunity?
I applied to JET because I knew I wanted to go back abroad and teach English after having such a wonderful experience in France. But after spending a semester in France, I wanted to go somewhere new. I applied to teach in Japan because I thought it would provide a new, enriching experience personally and professionally. When I found out that I was accepted into the JET program, I was absolutely thrilled. It was such an exhilarating moment to realize that all my hard work had paid off, and I feel that this exuberance will continue well into summer before I depart in July. I would like to thank Dr. Tim Cooper, Dr. Janet Shideler, Dr. Melody Nadeau, Mr. Greg Jabaut and most importantly, my family for all their help, support, time, and energy.
How has your time at Siena changed you?
I think Siena taught me more about myself than I could ever have imagined. My professors and coursework pushed me to think critically, write analytically, speak my mind, and not be afraid to be who I am. The support and encouragement I’ve received from my professors and peers has been astounding, and the compassion and integrity they have all exhibited the past four years has made me realize I have absolutely no regrets in choosing Siena. It’s made me the person I want to be, and I hope I have also been a part of what Siena strives to be.
What are your future plans/desires after JET?
I’m planning on attending graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in English.
Lightning Round
Favorite spot on campus: The Quad
Dream job: Bestselling Author
Something we’d be surprised to know about you: I can play four instruments:
piano, clarinet, tenor saxophone and guitar
One thing you can’t do without: iPod
Favorite TV show: NCIS
Favorite website: Buzzfeed
First thing you will do when you get your degree: Celebrate
Three words to describe myself: Passionate, brave, and kind
Congratulations to Alicia Rydjeski and the Siena College class of 2016! Live photos and video of the Commencement ceremony are available on commencementfeed.siena.edu. Share your best photos, congratulations, and best wishes on social media by tagging them #Siena2016.
