Mia Spinola is graduating from Mercer University‘s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and minors in Spanish and chemistry.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have a job lined up as a medical assistant during my gap year as I collect patient care hours for physician assistant school.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Fernando Palacios because of his ability to encourage students to be their best. He is a phenomenal Spanish professor as well as human being. He was always open to giving advice and hearing you out if you ever had a problem. He, as well as the rest of the faculty in the Spanish program, made me find a love for this language that I never knew I had. I am traveling with him and 25 other students to Spain after graduation because I could not pass up the opportunity for a great experience speaking Spanish abroad.
What is one of your favorite Mercer memories?
I was on the dance team for the past four years, and one of my favorite experiences was traveling to Asheville, North Carolina, to watch our basketball teams compete for the Southern Conference title. It was such a cool experience seeing how much more school spirit we had than all of the other schools. The trip was five hours away by bus, and we still managed to have more fans than the schools that were located only an hour away. Our school spirit is top notch, and it’s apparent to anyone who sees us from the outside.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Don’t be scared to put yourself out there. Yes, college is about classes and getting good grades, but that’s not all. Find things that you love to do, people that you love to see and places that you love to go because that is what will get you through the day-to-day stress. Nothing is easy at first, and it is a huge adjustment, but once you get through that, you will have the time of your life.
What makes Mercer special to you?
Mercer is special to me because it made me feel welcome even before I started my first day of class. Our close community allowed me to make friends who are now family. I love that our campus is not too big but not too small to where I can see a new face every day and also see a familiar face every day. These past four years have changed my life for the better, and I don’t think I could have had a better time at any other university.
Would you like to be featured in The Den’s Graduate Spotlight? All you have to do is fill out this form and submit your photo. Your response also may be used on social media.
