By VICTORIA ADDISON
Sports Editor
For senior Sara Drobnica, The College of Saint Rose has provided her with more than just an education, but also a place that she can call home.
“Last semester, I was looking through some old photos and realized the exact moment I fell in love with Albany, never even considering the fact that I might end up here someday, or the opportunities it held for me,” Drobnica said.
Originally from the small town of Taberg, New York, Drobnica spent her freshman year at Ithaca College. Despite the excitement that comes with new beginnings, she still felt that something was missing.
“Having grown up in such a small town, I always felt as if I were missing something in Ithaca,” she said.
As sophomore year approached, Drobnica decided that she wanted to transfer out of Ithaca, but was not sure where to go. It was with a visit to the Capital Region for a conference that she realized the beauty of Albany.
“I remember looking down an alleyway and thinking, ‘Wow, God. This is a beautiful city.’ A few months later, I ended up applying and getting accepted to St. Rose,” she said.
Drobnica says that the “city feel” of the campus was one of the selling points on her tour, but also fondly recalls the Buffalo chicken salad she ate for lunch at Junior’s that same afternoon.
A few years later, as the end of her senior year approaches, Drobnica will soon be able to say she is a St. Rose Alum. As she reflects on her time spent at the College, Drobnica believes she was able to succeed both inside and outside the classroom because of the people around her.
“Personally, I was able to cultivate my character and grow as an individual in an environment where I felt comfortable,” Drobnica said. “Educationally, I was able to indulge in a major that I am passionate about, gain experience in the field, and participate in undergraduate research, all with a team of professionals cheering me on the entire way.”
Currently, Drobnica is the president of BASIC, or Brothers and Sisters in Christ, a group that focuses on encouraging members and learning about God. According to Drobnica, being a member of BASIC has given her a second family.
Newly-joined BASIC member and junior Nina Buonarota credits Drobnica for encouraging her interest in the club.
“She recently asked me to come to BASICcon when I wasn’t even a member before, and it helped me get through a rough time,” said Buonarota. “Without her, I honestly wouldn’t know where I would be.”
After graduation, Drobnica plans on staying at St. Rose to pursue a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders.
“After weighing my options, I realized there is no better place for me to continue on to graduate school than right here,” she said. Drobnica hopes to become a speech-language pathologist in a specialized preschool once she has completed her schooling.
For now, Drobnica plans on enjoying the upcoming summer vacation, one that she says is much needed.
Despite the stressors that may come with being a college student, Drobnica believes that it is important to remember to enjoy every second of the opportunities you are granted.
“Pursue life with audacity, because you will never influence the world by trying to be just like it,” she said. “Do what you love, love what you do, and drink lots of coffee.”
