Jillian Barrett ’24 | Spanish and Social Work major
If you’re yourself, genuine, and authentic, you’re going to find exactly where you fit in [at Saint Anselm.]
From Worcester, Mass. to the Hilltop, Jillian Barrett ’24 has fond memories of her time on the Hilltop. Today, Barrett is earning a Master of Social Work from Boise State University and uses Spanish in her role at a multidisciplinary behavioral health care clinic in her hometown.
What was a memorable moment you had on campus?
One of the most memorable moments I had as an undergraduate student was the opportunity to do a True Life Talk. Alongside my friend Tiana, I shared a story about my experiences growing up biracial in coordination with the Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion. I was able to share these stories from my youth, talk about my transition to Saint Anselm College as an adult, and about the many opportunities I gained since coming to campus.
What do Anselmian values mean to you?
Being kind, accepting, and empathetic. As a student, I worked with others in the Meelia Center for Community Engagement to create a welcoming environment that was accepting of everyone from all types of backgrounds on campus. I feel like through my work as a tutor team leader with the Meelia Center and the Manchester School District, I was able to showcase those values working with students to tutor them, reach out to them, and help them out.
What were you involved in on campus?
I worked at the Meelia Center for all four years, as a Transitions Program mentor, and as an Anselmian B.R.E.A.K. leader. I also worked on various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committees and started a chapter of Delight Ministries for women on campus!
What’s something people might not know about you?
As an undergraduate student, I was also a small business owner! I sold empowering and positive mirror decals out of my dorm room on campus, which translated to my campus job in the Meelia Center. I always loved writing and changing up the quotes we displayed on the staff’s office doors!
What was your favorite meal at Saint Anselm?
My favorite food was the Caeser salad with chicken in Davison Hall for two reasons. The first reason is that it was so incredibly delicious, and the second is that the two women who worked at that station were my favorite dining hall workers of all time!
What were your favorite opportunities as a Saint Anselm student?
One of my favorite opportunities that I was able to be a part of was being on the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner planning committee, and through that I was able to read a poem at the dinner. As a student of color on campus, it gave me the chance to discuss racial justice in a meaningful setting.
How did your Saint Anselm education help get you to where you are today?
My time at Saint Anselm helped me because it is a school of opportunity. I gained so many personal and professional development opportunities at the College to connect with people in the Manchester School District and surrounding communities, as well as other students on campus.
What advice would you give to prospective Saint Anselm students?
Be yourself. There are so, so many opportunities on campus – if you’re yourself, genuine, and authentic, you’re going to find exactly where you fit in here. The community at Saint Anselm is a place where you can be vulnerable, authentic, and yourself, and commit to continued learning and growing.
Adapted from an episode of Everyday Anselmian and Inclusion Chronicles.