Student Spotlight: Teresa Crasto '14

Publication Date
Teresa Crasto '14

Hometown: Albany, N.Y.
Major: Mathematics and English

Why Union:
My first time on campus, I remember thinking how beautiful Union was and how academic it felt. Its strong liberal arts and science curriculum was important to me.

Most inspiring class:
A poetry workshop I took with English Professor Jordan Smith. I loved getting feedback on my poems and reading the amazing work other people were doing. I found my voice as a writer through poetry.

Also excited about:
I love mathematical proofs more than a person should enjoy them. I also loved studying abroad; I was in Ireland in the fall, and it was the most exciting, challenging and growing experience.

Activities:
Co-president of Math Club, Kenney Community Center Girl Scout Troop leader, member of Catholic Student Association and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

Favorite study spot:
The benches outside Schaffer Library. I can comfortably stretch my legs out, and love being able to look at the Nott while I'm studying.

Three things I'm passionate about at Union:

  • Academics. Union's a great place to be if you want to learn how the humanities, social sciences, arts and sciences can come together in creative ways. Steinmetz Symposium is one of my favorite days of the year because I’m able to see my friends’ research and creative projects.
  • Community Service. The Kenney Community Center is one of my favorite places, and the people there some of my favorite people. I live in Wells House, the community service theme house, and I love working on crafts and other service projects with my friends during our weekly ChariTea time on Sunday nights.
  • Religious and Spiritual Life. My faith and knowledge of other people’s faiths have grown so much. I enjoy Dinner and Discussion around Diversity, where students with all different world views can get together to discuss our beliefs in a welcoming environment.

Other passions:
I love writing, and I’ve worked with so many professors who have encouraged and challenged me.

Most surprising thing about Union:
I never expected to meet so many people who love both the sciences and the arts. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who sees the connections among the different disciplines.

How I'm making Union a better place:
I hope that my volunteer work has helped strengthen the bond between Union and Schenectady. I also want to continue, through my work with various religious activities on campus, to promote dialogue about how we relate to the world around us and to God.

Looking into the future:
I’m excited about my senior theses; I’m writing a math thesis about Pascal's Triangle, which will influence my English thesis, which explores the ways mathematics can impact creative writing. In the (not so) distant future, I would like to obtain my master's degree in teaching and teach high school math in a high needs school district.

Advice for incoming students:
Get involved in service projects. Don’t be afraid to pursue your passion. And find a community of friends – a community that challenges you to be the best person you can be and supports you emotionally and spiritually.