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Looking for a small, close-knit campus filled with incredible, hands-on learning opportunities? Our Admissions Office can help make Elmira College YOUR place.
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Info For
Author: Miranda Waterman '25
Alayna Breivogel ’25 has been a friendly face on Elmira College’s Campus for the past four years. A Business Administration Major with a minor in Finance and concentrations in Sports Management and Management, Breivogel has made the most of her time at EC and has taken advantage of the many opportunities the College has to offer.
Breivogel grew up 4,077.7 miles away from EC in Kenny Lake, Alaska. She was unsure about her transition to college, especially since it was so far from home.
“I was definitely not confident about my path leading up to my time at EC,” Breivogel shared. “I really wasn’t sure where I would end up, but after weighing my options, I found Elmira to be the best fit for me. After getting here, everything and everybody clicked for me instantly, and I felt right at home.”
One of her favorite memories of her home away from home was her Term III travel course to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Although she is a Business major, Breivogel took the opportunity to travel to the small Caribbean island to study the turtle population there.
“I feel I have a lot of favorite memories at EC, but my absolute favorite memory has to be going to St. John. My friends and I called ourselves the ‘science’ team, although none of us are Biology or Environmental Science majors.”
While on the island, Breivogel and her ironically-named “science team” spent their time snorkeling and mapping out how many of each species of turtle populated each bay. The trip gave her the opportunity to research something she never expected to study, while also teaching her valuable life lessons and introducing her to new friends.
“It was amazing to watch my peers study something they were passionate about, and I grew my knowledge base about the island’s agriculture while having a once-in-a-lifetime experience with my friends. And I made new friends along the way.”
On campus, Breivogel involved herself in many activities. She cherishes her Athletics Student Worker Staff position the most.
“On campus, I am an athletics student worker for our sports games and matches. I am so grateful for this experience because I saw athletics through a different lens. It allowed me to develop a greater understanding and respect for our athletic teams on campus.”
Spending lots of time in EC’s Athletic Department, Breivogel gained crucial relationships with athletes and staff alike, which built her confidence and gave her insight into her future career path. Breivogel credits her growth in Sports Management to Collin Hetherington, her Sports Information boss and Sports Management Professor.
“Collin is an outstanding role model, inspiring many of us through his work ethic, his ability to connect with people, and his desire to see every athlete and student succeed. Collin has always been a source of valuable insight and encouragement for me, and I know he’ll continue to be a role model to me even after I leave EC."
After graduation, Breivogel plans to return home to Alaska, where she has been offered multiple opportunities to put her experience working with the Department of Athletics and her time in her Business Administration and Management classes to use. One of her options is a role with the North American Hockey League (NAHL) Junior Hockey Team in Anchorage, Alaska.
Breivogel feels ready for her next adventure thanks to the hands-on experience she gained at EC.
“Our professors and faculty make students feel seen. They place a heavy emphasis on character and that is a blessing that comes with going to Elmira.”
Beyond learning opportunities, Breivogel shared personal reflections about her growth over the past four years. If she could give her first-year self advice, it would be to surround herself with people who challenge and support her.
“I was able to find a circle that helped me grow, people who pushed me to think differently, challenge my limits, and encourage my growth. But I also had to realize that not everyone will push me in ways that serve my long-term goals.”
This insight is why Breivogel also advises her younger self to be her biggest cheerleader.
Elmira has provided Alayna with countless memories, opportunities, connections, and lessons. The most valuable lessons are that it’s okay to let go, it’s okay to change, and it’s even more important to accept the change that comes your way. For example, she decided to stop playing ice hockey.
“After two and a half years, I realized playing hockey was too much for me. It was my first love, and had been my world for 16 years. Letting go was the hardest decision, and at first, I felt weak. But the people around me helped me see how strong I was for doing what’s best for me.”
Breivogel looks forward to using what she’s learned professionally and personally at Elmira as she takes her next steps. She’s proud she gets to call EC her place, and a home she can always come back to.
