CAST YOUR VOTE HERE
Voting ends at midnight ET on Sunday, March17th.
Winner will be notified by no later than 10PM on Sunday, March 17th.
Final selection will be posted no later than 10pm on Sunday March 17th to both the Villanova Basketball (Non-Members) Forum & NovaNation Forum and via social media (FB/Instagram/Twitter).
ESSAY #1
In May of 2020, I chose to attend Villanova over several other schools, with the amazing community and the men’s basketball playing a huge factor in this decision. I have been a die hard college basketball fan for my whole life, but did not truly have a team to support. After being accepted, I couldn’t wait to cheer on the Wildcats.
When I arrived on campus, I was extremely excited to attend Hoops Mania, any and all basketball games I could possibly go to. However, during my freshman year, students weren’t able to attend any basketball games due to COVID-19. I could not be a part of the community in person so I had to find another way to become a part of Nova Nation. Luckily enough, I stumbled upon Villanova Twitter and engaged with other Villanova basketball fans. Realizing how many Villanova fans there were on Twitter, I started an account with my friend Ryan Hartnett to try to rally student support called NovaStarting5. Today, as a Junior, we have 250+ followers and gather groups of students to be loud at home basketball games. I love Villanova basketball and would be so grateful to attend their tournament games.
ESSAY #2
From serving as President and DEI coordinator of the Panhellenic Executive Council, and playing flute in the band, to joining LEVEL and meeting my best friends, and participating in on campus research the past four years, I have participated in and enjoyed everything that Villanova has to offer. I wanted to make the most of my time while I have it here on campus, and the ability to participate in so many DIFFERENT things, whether it be academic, professional or social, is the best part about Villanova. Also, as a physically Disabled student, I have been fortunate enough to receive the support of various Disability awareness clubs on campus and from the Office of Disability Services which made my time on campus much easier than it would have been on my own. As a graduating senior moving onto my Ph. D. in chemistry at another school, I will greatly miss my undergraduate days here cheering on Nova MBB in the stands with my friends across campus.
ESSAY #3
As a senior this year, I have began to reflect on a lot of my villanova experience, the good, the challenging and for sure unique. My freshman year was quite similar to many, weekends learning where the courts was, studying in the 4th floor Stanford lounge and voting over pit or spit. Unfortunately when March rolled around we all were sent home indefinitely after beginning to build friendships, figuring out how to balance our social lives and just beginning to really love this place. That was not the end of it our sophomore year was anything but normal but will be just about one of the greatest memories I will take with me. From dorm hangouts with masks, Fridays at the food trucks and a lot of creativity. I’ll never forget building a table out of snow to play games or the time we all road tripped out to Michigan in the middle of winter because we had all online classes. We had to build a new college experience, a different one then before but these past 4 years have been nothing but the best and I will truly miss it.
ESSAY #4
Exceeded the 200 word limit. Disqualified from the 2023 Villanova Student Essay Contest
ESSAY #5
I have literally and figuratively worn many hats throughout my time as a Villanovan throughout different campus involvements, such as my sorority Chi Omega, NOVAdance, and the VSB Mentor Program. However, I am proud to say that being part of the Villanova basketball community and wearing Villanova gear at games has been one of my favorite and most special hats to wear during my time as a Villanova student. While I have not been on the court playing, being part of the Villanova basketball fan community has allowed me to learn the importance of being aware of my attitude, as Jay Wright has engrained this into the entire basketball program and community. From cheering on our team in the highs, such as 2022 Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games, to supporting during the 2022 Final Four despite the disappointing loss, being a Villanova basketball fan has taught me to have a positive attitude regardless of what the outcome is for our team and in life. If awarded the opportunity to travel to the NCAA Tournament, I have confidence that I will carry a positive attitude with me in all circumstances, especially as I get to witness the Wildcats play!
ESSAY #6
Growing up in West Virginia, my Villanova story is certainly different than my peers. I came onto campus from a place that is not even remotely similar and was uncertain of how I would be able to fit in socially and academically. I have learned in the past four years that my unique background did not hinder my journey at Villanova but only enhanced it. I believe Villanova is a place where our differences lead to collaboration instead of exclusion. I have learned during my time on campus that our varying perspectives and experiences create an environment that challenges one another in a beneficial manner. I would say looking back on it, I have faced a number of challenges at Villanova in every aspect of my life. However, these challenges have shaped me into the person I am today. I am leaving Villanova this May with the knowledge that my experiences and connections at Villanova have and will continue to push me to be the best version of myself. Villanova is part of the foundation that grounds me as an individual.
ESSAY #7
My story of my involvement with the University is different from any other student because I never believed I would be able to attend such a great University such as Villanova. Last year I transferred from the Community College of Philadelphia to Villanova once I was given an opportunity to work full-time at the University's hotel. Since last year I've experienced stellar grades that have landed me on the Dean's list for the very first time, which was a drastic change from my 2.7 gpa that I carried over from Community College. I've also experienced working as an intern and spending a week on Capitol Hill learning how to network with alumni and politicians. Out of all of my experience's within the University as staff and student, my biggest takeaways are unitas, veritas, and caritas. I have truly am proud to be a Villanovan and have taken advantage of all of the opportunities presented to me. I plan to continue igniting change as I am now, by cultivating a nonprofit and hosting more career days with high school students from disadvantaged communities such as Philadelphia.
ESSAY #8
“Ignite Change, Go Nova”. This is the charge that Villanova students will hear countless times over the course of their undergraduate career. To the university’s credit, they do a fantastic job of encouraging their students to make a difference in their community through service. Villanova has allowed me to engage in service in a number of different ways, including NOVAdance, Special Olympics, St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service, Ruibal, and other organizations I’ve been honored to take part in. Yet what makes Villanova different, is how they encourage and foster an environment in which students are able to become more rooted in their identity and in their community. The Humanities department at Villanova has been integral in helping me to recognize the importance of rootedness, community, and the living a genuine human life. The lessons I have learned through my humanities courses has shaped my outlook on life, the way I relate to others, and how I approach service. Yet rather than changing who I am, I have become more rooted and confident in that, allowing me to better ignite around me. I am thankful for the three years I’ve had at Villanova & look forward to the last.
ESSAY #9
It wasn't until the summer going into my senior year when I realized how passionate Villanova Alumni are in giving back. My first 3 years at Villanova I was unsure what my career path after graduation would look like but that changed once I started connecting. This uncertainty caused lots of stress for my family and I. My dad would regularly ask me what my plans were and if I had a summer internship lined up. For 3 years I would constantly tell him I would figure it out but in my mind I had no clue.
This past summer I began connecting with alumni to hear their stories which eventually led me to pursue a Sales career. Everyone that I spoke with was more than willing to help whether it was general advice, resume suggestions, interview tips, or connecting me with their colleagues. I felt I had an immediate connection with each Alumni as they set aside their time for someone that had never met. I am extremely grateful for the time, advice and support I have received as I can confidently say the Villanova Alumni played a crucial role in the next steps of my career.
CAST YOUR VOTE HERE
Voting ends at midnight ET on Sunday, March17th.
Winner will be notified by no later than 10PM on Sunday, March 17th.
Final selection will be posted no later than 10pm on Sunday March 17th to both the Villanova Basketball (Non-Members) Forum & NovaNation Forum and via social media (FB/Instagram/Twitter).
ESSAY #1
In May of 2020, I chose to attend Villanova over several other schools, with the amazing community and the men’s basketball playing a huge factor in this decision. I have been a die hard college basketball fan for my whole life, but did not truly have a team to support. After being accepted, I couldn’t wait to cheer on the Wildcats.
When I arrived on campus, I was extremely excited to attend Hoops Mania, any and all basketball games I could possibly go to. However, during my freshman year, students weren’t able to attend any basketball games due to COVID-19. I could not be a part of the community in person so I had to find another way to become a part of Nova Nation. Luckily enough, I stumbled upon Villanova Twitter and engaged with other Villanova basketball fans. Realizing how many Villanova fans there were on Twitter, I started an account with my friend Ryan Hartnett to try to rally student support called NovaStarting5. Today, as a Junior, we have 250+ followers and gather groups of students to be loud at home basketball games. I love Villanova basketball and would be so grateful to attend their tournament games.
ESSAY #2
From serving as President and DEI coordinator of the Panhellenic Executive Council, and playing flute in the band, to joining LEVEL and meeting my best friends, and participating in on campus research the past four years, I have participated in and enjoyed everything that Villanova has to offer. I wanted to make the most of my time while I have it here on campus, and the ability to participate in so many DIFFERENT things, whether it be academic, professional or social, is the best part about Villanova. Also, as a physically Disabled student, I have been fortunate enough to receive the support of various Disability awareness clubs on campus and from the Office of Disability Services which made my time on campus much easier than it would have been on my own. As a graduating senior moving onto my Ph. D. in chemistry at another school, I will greatly miss my undergraduate days here cheering on Nova MBB in the stands with my friends across campus.
ESSAY #3
As a senior this year, I have began to reflect on a lot of my villanova experience, the good, the challenging and for sure unique. My freshman year was quite similar to many, weekends learning where the courts was, studying in the 4th floor Stanford lounge and voting over pit or spit. Unfortunately when March rolled around we all were sent home indefinitely after beginning to build friendships, figuring out how to balance our social lives and just beginning to really love this place. That was not the end of it our sophomore year was anything but normal but will be just about one of the greatest memories I will take with me. From dorm hangouts with masks, Fridays at the food trucks and a lot of creativity. I’ll never forget building a table out of snow to play games or the time we all road tripped out to Michigan in the middle of winter because we had all online classes. We had to build a new college experience, a different one then before but these past 4 years have been nothing but the best and I will truly miss it.
ESSAY #4
Exceeded the 200 word limit. Disqualified from the 2023 Villanova Student Essay Contest
ESSAY #5
I have literally and figuratively worn many hats throughout my time as a Villanovan throughout different campus involvements, such as my sorority Chi Omega, NOVAdance, and the VSB Mentor Program. However, I am proud to say that being part of the Villanova basketball community and wearing Villanova gear at games has been one of my favorite and most special hats to wear during my time as a Villanova student. While I have not been on the court playing, being part of the Villanova basketball fan community has allowed me to learn the importance of being aware of my attitude, as Jay Wright has engrained this into the entire basketball program and community. From cheering on our team in the highs, such as 2022 Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games, to supporting during the 2022 Final Four despite the disappointing loss, being a Villanova basketball fan has taught me to have a positive attitude regardless of what the outcome is for our team and in life. If awarded the opportunity to travel to the NCAA Tournament, I have confidence that I will carry a positive attitude with me in all circumstances, especially as I get to witness the Wildcats play!
ESSAY #6
Growing up in West Virginia, my Villanova story is certainly different than my peers. I came onto campus from a place that is not even remotely similar and was uncertain of how I would be able to fit in socially and academically. I have learned in the past four years that my unique background did not hinder my journey at Villanova but only enhanced it. I believe Villanova is a place where our differences lead to collaboration instead of exclusion. I have learned during my time on campus that our varying perspectives and experiences create an environment that challenges one another in a beneficial manner. I would say looking back on it, I have faced a number of challenges at Villanova in every aspect of my life. However, these challenges have shaped me into the person I am today. I am leaving Villanova this May with the knowledge that my experiences and connections at Villanova have and will continue to push me to be the best version of myself. Villanova is part of the foundation that grounds me as an individual.
ESSAY #7
My story of my involvement with the University is different from any other student because I never believed I would be able to attend such a great University such as Villanova. Last year I transferred from the Community College of Philadelphia to Villanova once I was given an opportunity to work full-time at the University's hotel. Since last year I've experienced stellar grades that have landed me on the Dean's list for the very first time, which was a drastic change from my 2.7 gpa that I carried over from Community College. I've also experienced working as an intern and spending a week on Capitol Hill learning how to network with alumni and politicians. Out of all of my experience's within the University as staff and student, my biggest takeaways are unitas, veritas, and caritas. I have truly am proud to be a Villanovan and have taken advantage of all of the opportunities presented to me. I plan to continue igniting change as I am now, by cultivating a nonprofit and hosting more career days with high school students from disadvantaged communities such as Philadelphia.
ESSAY #8
“Ignite Change, Go Nova”. This is the charge that Villanova students will hear countless times over the course of their undergraduate career. To the university’s credit, they do a fantastic job of encouraging their students to make a difference in their community through service. Villanova has allowed me to engage in service in a number of different ways, including NOVAdance, Special Olympics, St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service, Ruibal, and other organizations I’ve been honored to take part in. Yet what makes Villanova different, is how they encourage and foster an environment in which students are able to become more rooted in their identity and in their community. The Humanities department at Villanova has been integral in helping me to recognize the importance of rootedness, community, and the living a genuine human life. The lessons I have learned through my humanities courses has shaped my outlook on life, the way I relate to others, and how I approach service. Yet rather than changing who I am, I have become more rooted and confident in that, allowing me to better ignite around me. I am thankful for the three years I’ve had at Villanova & look forward to the last.
ESSAY #9
It wasn't until the summer going into my senior year when I realized how passionate Villanova Alumni are in giving back. My first 3 years at Villanova I was unsure what my career path after graduation would look like but that changed once I started connecting. This uncertainty caused lots of stress for my family and I. My dad would regularly ask me what my plans were and if I had a summer internship lined up. For 3 years I would constantly tell him I would figure it out but in my mind I had no clue.
This past summer I began connecting with alumni to hear their stories which eventually led me to pursue a Sales career. Everyone that I spoke with was more than willing to help whether it was general advice, resume suggestions, interview tips, or connecting me with their colleagues. I felt I had an immediate connection with each Alumni as they set aside their time for someone that had never met. I am extremely grateful for the time, advice and support I have received as I can confidently say the Villanova Alumni played a crucial role in the next steps of my career.
CAST YOUR VOTE HERE