By ASHLEY SWEET
Business Manager
Life has been a series of inspirational moments for Saint Rose sophomore, Christina Rose Rosalie Romeo, 19, who knew that this college held a special place in her future since the beginning of high school. After attending a College Night as a freshman, Romeo’s college decision was simple for the four years that followed.
“I was always a more reserved person,” said Romeo. “Talking to the Saint Rose representative changed that for me.”
The future rosebud cherished her meeting with Saint Rose that night, and kept the brochure in her room as a reminder of where she was heading, until her acceptance letter came a few years later.
“Christina is wise beyond her years. Her positive attitude is contagious, and having conversations with her can broaden your perspective and open your eyes to a whole new world of thoughts,” said Chelsea Foster, a senior at Saint Rose and Romeo’s former resident assistant during her freshman year.
Foster and Mackenzie Johnson, one of Romeo’s close friends, spoke about the young woman’s positive thinking and everlasting, caring nature.
“Her mind is one of her most admirable features,” said Johnson. “She’s an intelligent woman and is incredibly witty. Any conversation with her is sparkling.”
Saint Rose has since surpassed Romeo’s expectations as she begins the final leg of her sophomore year. She began her Saint Rose journey with a major in English and Psychology.
“After really thinking about my future and my deeper aspirations, I knew I had to change my path,” said Romeo.
She has always had a passion for reading and writing, remembering the days of Juni B Jones series and reading out loud in grade school. Romeo’s second grade career actually consisted of having time every week to read to the class herself. She found she enjoyed being able to help and encourage others.
“I truly believe that when a person looks back, they always can say that there was one teacher that helped them grow. There was always some teacher that didn’t make them feel so alone,” said Romeo, explaining a piece of the inspiration that drove her into her new major.
Romeo also spent time tutoring middle school students who were on academic probation. She said she had never felt more connected to a group of students, that being able to make a difference in their day and life was extraordinary and rewarding.
This caring, determined attitude centered around bettering others, carried over into her leadership role as a Peer Educator. As a leader she was expected to organize events t help break down social barrier and promote self-love and acceptance.
“Without this program I would be who I am today,” said Romeo.
Romeo explained that as a Peer Educator, she helped coordinate things such as “Challenge Day” that connected students from different backgrounds, “Cross the Lines which helped people related through similar experiences, and the “Operation Beautiful” campaign where they decorated bathroom mirrors with positive messages to boost self-esteem.
“It means a lot to have let a legacy,” said Romeo, as these events she helped create and promote have carried on in her absence.
Now, she greatly enjoys her time as an English adolescent education major with a minor in phycology. This does not mean, though, she thinks that she is destined to be a teacher.
“I never believed in have one career in your life,” said Romeo. “I distain the idea that we are supposed to be committed to one path in life. You can either do this or that, but never both. Well, why not?”
Romeo says that she hopes to teach middle school English in the coming years, but hopes to explore a career in psychology and counseling. Yet, her ultimate goal is to right and allow her writing to bring her around the world to tour her novels.
“She is full of great ideas, and is a wonderful writer with an incredible passion for the English language,” said Johnson.
Traveling, while tied to one of her career goals, is something Romeo hopes to enjoy traveling the world leisurely also.
“I was really influenced by the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert. I believe that in order to develop as a person you have to experience other cultures,” said Romeo.
Some of the places she wants to visit include the Globe Theatre in England, Shram in Bali, and the Pyramids in Egypt. And be able to return to a quiet, peaceful house tucked away in the woods with a Chevy 67’ Impala in the driveway.
These future plans seem well within her reach according to her friends. Johnson mentioning that she can do anything she set her mind to, and Foster stating that she is fierce and her passion will guide her.
“Christina is one of the most genuine people I know, talking with her is always an insightful experience,” said Foster, and when asked about her future she followed up with saying that Christina will stop at nothing to help those around her.
