Class of 2024: Seniors to Remember

A deep believer in and practitioner of cura personalis—the fundamental Jesuit value of care of the whole person—Mitchell came to BC because of its humanistic values and programs, and while here, fully committed herself to initiatives that assisted students in their college transitions.  She will leave campus as an even more profound disciple of the belief that human beings are the planet’s most important entity.  As one of her mentors declared, she’s “one of the most genuinely kind people; she’s always mentoring younger BC students.”

What drew you to BC and how has Boston College made a difference in your life?

In my very first Lynch School meeting, Julia DeVoy introduced our class to the school by describing it as a place full of “the most human-centric people you’ll ever meet.” The idea of being around these human-centric people is why I chose BC. I had heard stories about PULSE and Appa [Appalachian Volunteers], and how BC students went above and beyond for the world outside of Chestnut Hill. Immediately after my first visit, I thought, “Sign me up!”

I would come to learn over the next four years that these human-centric people would go above and beyond for the humans next to them, too. At every turn, there have been people on this campus who define a new standard for compassion and connection: professors who required one-on-one “check in” meetings over coffee; deans who reached out to wish you a happy Thanksgiving; and roommates who would accompany you to karaoke parties on your best days and offer hand-written notes of encouragement on your worst.

My time at BC has cemented my own identity as a human-centric person. I look forward to a life of big and small acts of service and solidarity.

What experiences at BC had the most significant impact on you?

The Ascend program for first-year women has been pivotal to my belonging at Boston College. Ascend gave me a group of women to listen to and laugh with amidst a pandemic-ridden freshman year that felt isolating and downright sad. In my junior and senior years, I led Ascend with that mindset. By planning events in my apartment, I hoped to give first-year students a place where their words were validated and their stomachs were full and their hearts were warm. I was tired of an advice-disguised narrative I kept hearing of “just get through your first year and then college will be fun.” Why can’t we make freshman year fun?

After every meeting, I feel confident that the space Ascend has built—of fun and thoughtful reflection—matters to the 12 women in the room. I am so glad that each of them know they have us continually rooting for them throughout their time at BC.

I also worked as an orientation leader with First Year Experience. Supporting “first-years” through an important transition gave me an appreciation for all the people who make BC a home for those around them.

What was your favorite class?

Secondary Curriculum and Instruction with Marisa Olivo. We met weekly at 7 a.m. at Brighton High School; we’d start by discussing pedagogy and practice, then we’d walk into a classroom and apply those skills as student teachers. After teaching all day, we'd reconvene to debrief about what methods worked, what was challenging, and how this informs our next steps.

What will you miss most about BC?

The friendly faces. I love that there’s always someone to say “Hi!’ to on my walk home. I’ll miss those little moments of connection—being stopped by professors from last year to check in, waving to classmates or coworkers, and bear-hugging friends who just got back from abroad.