Alumni Spotlights
Jessica Marciano '07
Full Name and Class Year: Jessica Marciano
’07
Major at EC: Biology
What have been the highlights of your life and
career?
Graduating from Elmira College and SUNY Upstate Medical University have been major milestones in my life. I have made many life-long friends and unforgettable memories during my last 7 years as a student. My biggest accomplishment thus far has been receiving my doctorate in physical therapy. I am extremely excited to start my career as a physical therapist at Troy Community Hospital in Troy, PA. This is a field that I truly love as it is a very rewarding profession. This career would not have been made possible without my experiences that I gained from Elmira College and SUNY Upstate Medical University.
What hobbies, activities, community service, foreign travel, etc. are you or have you been involved in? (Awards)
When I was an undergraduate at Elmira College I was a Valedictorian and Honor’s Scholar. I topped it all off by graduating EC Magna Cum Laude in 2007. I have made the Dean’s list all semesters at Elmira College and SUNY Upstate Medical University. I also received the Academic Achievement Award from SUNY Upstate.
What are your fondest memories of your days at Elmira College?
I have countless wonderful memories of my days at E.C. One of my most cherished memories is meeting Phil Jackson ’06, who is now my fiancé. I was also lucky to have amazing roommates who have become some of my best friends. Finally, I loved my classes, my professors, and all of the events that EC held such as May Days, Mountain Day, Holiday Weekend, and Parents’ Weekend.
Which class, club, activity, individual, organization or team do you believe best prepared you for your career?
There are many experiences at Elmira College that have prepared me for my career as a physical therapist. For one, pre-health club provided me with the resources to prepare for graduate school and it also introduced me to SUNY Upstate Medical University, which is where I earned my doctorate in physical therapy. Furthermore, my 6 week internship at Arnot Ogden Medical Center during Third Term of my junior year helped me realize that PT was the career that I 100% wanted to pursue. Additionally, my time spent working at the information desk and as a Mark Twain Ambassador allowed me to gain experience in communicating and interacting with others, which are major skills needed to be a successful physical therapist. Finally, the ability to perform literature searches and analyze the information as well as to present this information to colleagues are important components of being a physical therapist. Many of my classes as a biology major at EC included research and presentations, which have allowed me to enhance these skills.
Did you take advantage of Elmira College’s Term III or Junior Year Abroad travel opportunities? If so, how did that experience affect you?
I traveled to Hawaii for a 2 week camping and hiking trip. It was amazing to see the natural beauty that is found in our very own country. It was also a great experience to have everything you need on your back and to just live simply. I don’t think I truly appreciated the luxury that we have (electricity, computers, warm showers, plumbing, etc…) until I went on this trip- it is one that I will always remember.
What advice would you give students about preparing for graduate school or careers?
I think the most important action you can take when preparing for graduate school or a career is to gain experience in the field or fields that you think you are interested in. Graduate school requires a lot of commitment, time, and money and if it is not for a field you love, then it may not be worth it. Picking a career is a big decision, because it is something you will be doing every day for years to come. I feel lucky that I can say, “I love my job.” Internships, volunteer work, and summer jobs are all great ways to find out if you can see yourself in that career- do not be afraid to take advantage of these opportunities.
Do you have a favorite quote that embodies your beliefs or values?
“I thank God that I do not doubt the possibility of anything” –Frances Rollin 1868
Major at EC: Biology
What have been the highlights of your life and
career?
Graduating from Elmira College and SUNY Upstate Medical University have been major milestones in my life. I have made many life-long friends and unforgettable memories during my last 7 years as a student. My biggest accomplishment thus far has been receiving my doctorate in physical therapy. I am extremely excited to start my career as a physical therapist at Troy Community Hospital in Troy, PA. This is a field that I truly love as it is a very rewarding profession. This career would not have been made possible without my experiences that I gained from Elmira College and SUNY Upstate Medical University.
What hobbies, activities, community service, foreign travel, etc. are you or have you been involved in? (Awards)
When I was an undergraduate at Elmira College I was a Valedictorian and Honor’s Scholar. I topped it all off by graduating EC Magna Cum Laude in 2007. I have made the Dean’s list all semesters at Elmira College and SUNY Upstate Medical University. I also received the Academic Achievement Award from SUNY Upstate.
What are your fondest memories of your days at Elmira College?
I have countless wonderful memories of my days at E.C. One of my most cherished memories is meeting Phil Jackson ’06, who is now my fiancé. I was also lucky to have amazing roommates who have become some of my best friends. Finally, I loved my classes, my professors, and all of the events that EC held such as May Days, Mountain Day, Holiday Weekend, and Parents’ Weekend.
Which class, club, activity, individual, organization or team do you believe best prepared you for your career?
There are many experiences at Elmira College that have prepared me for my career as a physical therapist. For one, pre-health club provided me with the resources to prepare for graduate school and it also introduced me to SUNY Upstate Medical University, which is where I earned my doctorate in physical therapy. Furthermore, my 6 week internship at Arnot Ogden Medical Center during Third Term of my junior year helped me realize that PT was the career that I 100% wanted to pursue. Additionally, my time spent working at the information desk and as a Mark Twain Ambassador allowed me to gain experience in communicating and interacting with others, which are major skills needed to be a successful physical therapist. Finally, the ability to perform literature searches and analyze the information as well as to present this information to colleagues are important components of being a physical therapist. Many of my classes as a biology major at EC included research and presentations, which have allowed me to enhance these skills.
Did you take advantage of Elmira College’s Term III or Junior Year Abroad travel opportunities? If so, how did that experience affect you?
I traveled to Hawaii for a 2 week camping and hiking trip. It was amazing to see the natural beauty that is found in our very own country. It was also a great experience to have everything you need on your back and to just live simply. I don’t think I truly appreciated the luxury that we have (electricity, computers, warm showers, plumbing, etc…) until I went on this trip- it is one that I will always remember.
What advice would you give students about preparing for graduate school or careers?
I think the most important action you can take when preparing for graduate school or a career is to gain experience in the field or fields that you think you are interested in. Graduate school requires a lot of commitment, time, and money and if it is not for a field you love, then it may not be worth it. Picking a career is a big decision, because it is something you will be doing every day for years to come. I feel lucky that I can say, “I love my job.” Internships, volunteer work, and summer jobs are all great ways to find out if you can see yourself in that career- do not be afraid to take advantage of these opportunities.
Do you have a favorite quote that embodies your beliefs or values?
“I thank God that I do not doubt the possibility of anything” –Frances Rollin 1868
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