Bryce Chalfant, who graduates Saturday with a degree in political science and minors in anthropology and Spanish, shared his story with Bellarmine Magazine’s weekly podcast,
The Pineapple.
Chalfant said he experienced a major change between his freshman year and now.
“Me as a freshman was so timid, and so shy," he said. "When I see freshmen now walking on campus and they look shy, or they keep to themselves, at the very least I can say ‘Hi,' or see how they’re doing, ask them how their day’s going or what’s going on, things like that. I really do care, and I know you have the potential to really expand who you are as a person on this campus."
He said that shift is partly thanks to the
Pioneer Scholars program for first-generation college students, where he was both a participant and a mentor.
“My mentor first year was the reason why I broke out of my shell, because she’s the most extroverted person ever," he said. "Then having that role as a mentor to other students, and really learning that not only was I helping them but I was also gaining leadership skills.”
Chalfant studied in Salamanca, Spain, in the spring of 2017, where he also experienced growth and life-changing experiences.
"I met people from all over the world and they just drew out all these different sides of me that I never knew I was interested in," he said. "It was perfect, and I keep in contact with every single one of them that I become really close friends with.”
After graduating, Chalfant plans to return to Spain to teach English for a year, and then pursue a master’s degree in anthropology.
The Pineapple is a weekly podcast produced by Bellarmine Magazine that provides listeners with exclusive content from the Bellarmine community.
Listen to this podcast episode online, or search for "The Pineapple" on Apple Podcasts and Google Play.