Madison Hediger ‘22 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major
[Saint Anselm wants] everyone to feel happy, safe, and cared for. I don’t know of any other school that’s like that and I am so happy to be a member of the Anselmian community.
Madison Hediger ’22 gained more than just biological science skills during her time at Saint Anselm. The proud alumna found herself laughing with professors and feeling cared for through acts of kindness and hospitality on the Hilltop.
As an undergraduate student, what did Anselmian values mean to you?
They meant a great deal. As a former orientation leader, the two that resonated with me the most were community and hospitality. It was important to me that when new students arrived on campus, they felt that sense of hospitality and community right away. I loved being part of New Student Orientation, meeting students across all grades and members of the Saint Anselm administration.
What was your funniest moment on the Hilltop?
My funniest moment at Saint Anselm was when I tripped and fell on a curb, [unknowingly] tore the ligament in my ankle, and then decided to run four miles on it because I thought I was going to be fine!
As a former Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, what was your favorite course to take?
My favorite class was Genetics with Professor Stephen Tobin. I loved learning about the human genome and gene expression, and Professor Tobin is actually a pretty funny guy if you get him laughing.
As a student, you became known for always commenting "Great day to be a Hawk!” under Saint Anselm’s Instagram posts. Can you explain why you chose to start doing that?
It’s actually because my brother is also a Saint Anselm alumnus. It was something we would say to each other in person, and as brothers do, he told me I should comment it on the Instagram. He never expected me to keep it going for an entire year, and I never expected it to explode like it did. I loved doing it and truly believe it’s always a great day to be a Hawk.
What part of your experience at the College resonated with you most?
The proud sense of caring that everyone had for each other at Saint Anselm from the administrators, faculty, staff, and students - everyone in the community cares so deeply for one another. When we were experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, I could tell that the College wanted everyone to feel happy, safe, and cared for. I don’t know of any other school that’s like that and I am so happy to be a member of the Anselmian community.
What’s the best advice you were given at Saint Anselm?
The best advice I received on campus was from Professor Carolyn Weinreb. She told me first semester of my sophomore year that I didn’t have to be great at everything, which was great for me to hear. I think college students get overwhelmed with having to be on the Deanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n28e5’s List, join tons of clubs, make lifelong friendships, and worry about the future. I think as long as you focus on what you’re good at and work on what you’re not, you’ll be fine and it will all pan out.
Adapted from an episode of Everyday Anselmian.