It is often advised to make the most of your college years, as those four years are so fleeting. Mallory Croston seems to have taken those words to heart, involving herself in as many experiences as possible and expanding her horizons from New York City to Guatemala.
Maintaining a 4.0 GPA during her stay at Gannon from 2005 to 2009, Mallory was a member of Kappa Delta Pi and the Education Honor Society where she served as the publicity chair for one year. She took on the role of treasurer and then vice-president of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association, was president of Gannon University’s Society for Exceptional Children where she helped organize dances for adults with special needs among other things, and participated in three Alternative Break Service Trips organized by the Center for Social Concerns where she traveled to New York City, Mexico / New Mexico, and Guatemala. Mallory was the student leader for an additional trip to South Dakota, accompanied Campus Ministry on a mission trip to Kentucky, was involved in Phi Eta Sigma honor society, Habitat for Humanity at Gannon, GIVE day, Language partners, Arc, and was Orientation Advisor for two summers.
After graduation, Mallory felt as though she was given a chance to step back and slow down, dedicating a year to work as an assistant teacher for homeless children in Las Cruces, New Mexico and learn more about herself and the needs of the people of the world.
“Challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone every once in a while,” she says.
In the near future, Mallory hopes to have a classroom of her own and be involved in her community and its organizations – especially those working toward social injustice issues.
(Published in 2009. Revised June 2014.)