Morgan Mandriota ‘14

Morgan Mandriota

English major
Psychology minor
Speech communications minor


"I knew that I wanted to stay home for college, and I was interested in St. Joseph's University Biology/Secondary Education program. A college rep visited my high school during my senior year and had accepted my application on the spot. The rest is history.

"I had always dreamed of becoming a teacher or a chemist since I was a child. Needless to say, things have worked out differently than planned.

If you don't want to leave home after high school but still desire the full college experience, then St. Joseph's University is the perfect choice for you.

"After working as a bartender, starting (and walking away from) my own business, and a long time spent applying for jobs, I am now happily employed as the Creative Content Director at a digital marketing agency located here on Long Island. My personal and professional writing has been featured on various platforms like BuzzFeed, Thought Catalog, Yahoo! Finance, and Boston Globe.

"If you don't want to leave home after high school but still desire the full college experience, then St. Joseph's University is the perfect choice for you."

Favorite book/quote?

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and why?

"My parents have without a doubt been the biggest influence on my life. My mother and father are two of the most unique individuals I have ever known, and they've both impacted my life in their own special ways to shape me into the person I am today — and I couldn't be any more grateful."

Who is your favorite professor and why?

"This is a hard question! I have so many possibilities.

"Although I have far too many favorites to only name one, I'd like to acknowledge Candido Gonzalez, Gerard Seifert, Patricia Posthauer, Father Frank Pizzarelli, and the entire English department faculty for making lasting impressions on both my life and college experience."

What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

"Always be kind, patient, and positive. Do not stress what you cannot change."