Alexis Grace Straeffer ’19 | Theology and Communication Major
Saint Anselm contributed to me as a person. I think I have always had a liberal arts way of thinking about the world, and going to this school really solidified that in ways that still show to this day, five years later.
From her dual passions for communication and theology to her creative freelance projects, Alexis shares how her time at the Hilltop shaped her professional and personal journey.
What has your career path been since graduation?
Since I graduated from Saint Anselm in 2019, I have been working in Digital Media for The CatholicTV Network in Watertown, Mass.
What does your job entail?
I started out doing a little bit of everything, from a stint in podcasting, to creating content for social media, running accounts for our womens' show The Gist, and email campaigns. These days my sole focus is working on our main YouTube channel, our side channel, posting Mass daily, conducting interviews two to three times a week, and working on any bonus content that we make along the way. Occasionally, I help with script-writing and producing content as well.
You recently, spoke on campus with Saint Anselm students about your experiences. What did you share with them?
I was happy with how well the students engaged with my topic, and the questions they asked. I did a joint presentation with Theology Professor Bede Bidlack on etiquette and manners. He focused more on in-person experiences, and then I addressed online etiquette in how different social media platforms are used, and how one should represent themselves online.
What made you pursue majors in communication and theology?
In high school I ran a blog, did a lot of writing, and enjoyed using social media. I am also a cradle Catholic and I love my faith. It felt pretty natural to me to combine the two, especially since I knew going into college that I wanted to be a "social media specialist." I basically went to college hoping to get the job that I currently have, and it all worked out as I hoped, which was crazy!
What did a theology major provide you with?
I always enjoyed Catholic apologetics, learning about my faith, and comparing it with other denominations and faith traditions, so I think theology was just a great opportunity to delve into that more with some more guidance. I appreciated the texts that my professors shared, and getting to talk to them about it. It also challenged my beliefs in a way that helped me to properly refine them instead of following my faith in an ignorant way.
What were you involved with on the Hilltop?
I spent a lot of time at the Philosophy Club because a lot of my friends participated there. It was interesting to hear different perspectives and have discussions. I was also involved in Lucubrations and Open Mic nights. I spent a lot of time at the chapel, and was also part of the Theology Club. Other than that, I balanced my time between classes/homework/assignments, and spending quality time with all of my friends. I also had various work-study jobs over the course of my time there, from a desk assistant, to a referee, and eventually to Bradley house as an assistant to my professors in the Theology Department—that was my favorite job and I stayed there for my last two years of college.
How did the Saint Anselm Experience shape you?
Attending Saint Anselm was a tremendous opportunity for me. I was homeschooled second to 12th grade and while I enjoyed that, Saint Anselm pushed me in so many ways that felt like a proper way to end my academic career.
It was challenging going from being my own teacher and following a set curriculum, to attending classes and lectures that didn't have a pause button, but eventually I got used to it. I was not academically the best student, but I did try hard and the professors were always great with answering my many clarification questions.
More than just academically, Saint Anselm contributed to me as a person. I think I have always had a liberal arts way of thinking about the world, and going to this school really solidified that in ways that still show to this day, year years later. I learned how to interact with people who had different beliefs than me in ways that didn't compromise my faith, but are more companionable, and I gained a diverse friend group thanks to that. I loved the freedom that campus provided me, and the access to the chapel and the monks.
I've always said that college was both the worst of times and the best of times, because despite all of the growing pains, I would not change a single thing. I can honestly say that I am proud of my time there, and the way that it shaped me as a person.