Mary Cate Keller '06
"I served two years with the Peace Corps in Malawi, where
I taught high school English in an underserved village school. I wholeheartedly
believe that the VIA program not only influenced my experience there, but is
primarily responsible for my decision to join. The program's open conversation
and focus on the humanities encourages expanding one’s worldview and helped to
define and motivate my curiosity about the world, and other cultures'
interpretations of the 'good life.' That frame of mind allowed me to approach
Malawi in less of a judgmental way."
Amy Vitale '06
"VIA was the single most important part of my time at
Salve. VIA allows for, and I believe encourages, strong relationships with the
faculty members. And I couldn't be more grateful to have formed the
relationships with the professors that I have. Even now, years after
graduation, the impact VIA has made on me is apparent. All of the texts, and
even the handouts and workbooks created by my VIA professors, occupy a
prominent shelf in my home today."
Julie Scansaroli '04
"Although everyone was so different, I have never met a
group of people so accepting and of such different backgrounds who really came
together to form this unique bond that I hope will be lifelong. More than
anything, VIA has led me to find my own personal definition of what I deem the 'good life,' something I don’t think many people actually think about. Our
classroom studies, along with the constant nurturing of the faculty, have led
me and my peers to reach our full potential while at Salve, and these lessons
in and on life will be carried with us forever."
Brian Becker '02
"I did not learn 'facts' in this program, at least they
were not the central focus. Rather, I learned a method of living. VIA
cultivates the virtues of curiosity, friendship, a passion for learning and
many others. It is the cultivation of these virtues that have shaped my
character. Consequently, I am never satisfied by my own ideas, and I constantly
seek to have my thoughts challenged so that the field of possibilities is
expanded in my life."
Jesse Consilvio '02
"I entered Salve such a small portion of a person. I was
scared and somewhat narrow-minded. Not on purpose, but because I had lived such
a sheltered life. I was nervous and inexperienced. But I found VIA. During VIA
I was able to discuss, disagree and support so many theories and ideas and
opinions. VIA provides a forum that allows a student to grow mentally while
gaining so much knowledge and self-confidence. In my life, VIA is one of the
greatest gifts I have been given."
Liam Galvin '01
"VIA, so incredibly, honors individuality and passion. I
am so grateful that as a confused 18-year-old incoming freshman I found this
program. I was accepted by like-minded individuals who cared about one another
no matter how diverse, even personality-wise, and who all worked diligently and
relentlessly toward a goal none of us can deny and all of us share: happiness."