Celina Cotto '11 (Springfield, MA) could envision herself as a Bryant student the first time she learned about the University at a college fair she attended in high school. "After the session I spoke with a Bryant admission staff member. She was so eager to talk with me and even gave me her e-mail address if I had any future questions," says Cotto. This personal touch was very important to Cotto because, as the first in her family to attend college, she was feeling the pressure of making what she described as one of the most important decisions of her life. Once she had the chance to visit Bryant, she was sold. She was struck by the beauty of the campus and appreciative of the help and guidance offered by faculty, staff, and current students as she went through her college decision process. "I received such a good vibe from the way the students interacted and the enthusiasm that filled the Rotunda," says Cotto, who recalls that faculty members approached her and her father to answer questions and make sure they were comfortable. "I immediately felt at home at Bryant, and that is the ultimate feeling you can have about a school," she says. "I was so impressed with everything the University had to offer their students to make sure they would have a bright future." The dealmaker for the communication major was the state-of-the-art Communications Complex that would give her a chance to build her skills for a possible career in broadcast news.
"Bryant ensures that when their students major in a certain field, they have all of the necessary tools and equipment to gain the best education in that particular field," says Cotto. She became interested in studying communication during high school and created a newsletter that she distributed throughout her hometown. She also had the chance to write for The Republican, a daily newspaper in Springfield. "I enjoy informing people and sharing knowledge about world events," she says. In addition to her academics, Cotto is active on campus as a Bryant Ambassador. She is also a member of the Multicultural Student Union, International Student Organization, and the newly created Bryant University Spanish Culture Organization. "I value the fact that Bryant is open to learning about the different cultures of their students and appreciate where we all come from," says Cotto. "Every student at Bryant should feel proud of their culture." She has also been actively involved in Bryant's Intercultural Center, which organizes events to foster discussions on diversity. Throughout the year, students organized month-long celebrations to learn more about African American, Asian Pacific, and Latino/a cultures. "Bryant is very diverse with students from different states, cultures, ethnicities, and countries," says Cotto. "The school has something for everybody no matter where you come from."