Amelia (Noll) Joyce, U'13, M'15
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Why did you choose to attend the University of Saint Mary, and what made it stand
out from other colleges you considered?
Saint Mary stood out to me from other colleges because of its close proximity to my hometown, small-school atmosphere, and volleyball program. I chose to attend the University of Saint Mary because of its volleyball program and the opportunity to continue playing the sport that I love. Being a part of a close-knit community while continuing my volleyball career made Saint Mary the perfect fit for me.
What have you been up to since graduating from Saint Mary?
After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I decided to return to the University of Saint Mary to earn my master's degree while continuing to coach volleyball. Since earning my master's degree, I have continued to work in education as both a teacher and coach.
What is your current job or role, and what do you enjoy most about it?
My current job is as a fourth-grade teacher in my hometown. What I enjoy most about my job is seeing my students every day and helping them learn, grow, and find inspiration through their education. It is an amazing feeling to have the opportunity to teach and positively impact the next generation, helping prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
How did your time at Saint Mary prepare you for your career?
I think my time at Saint Mary prepared me for my career by providing an environment that was both faith-centered and academically rigorous. My professors were kind and caring while also being firm and holding me to high expectations. They provided me with great support throughout my time at Saint Mary and continued to support and encourage me as I began my teaching career. The lessons and values I learned at Saint Mary continue to influence me as an educator today.
What is a memorable experience you had during your time at Saint Mary?
I think some of my most memorable experiences at Saint Mary were the time spent riding to and from volleyball matches with my teammates and participating in team-building activities. Those moments gave us the opportunity to build friendships and create memories that have stayed with me long after graduation. Looking back, it was the time spent with my teammates both on and off the court that made my Saint Mary experience so special.
Have you stayed in touch with any of your professors or classmates?
Yes, I stay in touch with some of my former classmates and love seeing updates about how everyone is doing and where life has taken them. I have also stayed connected with some of my professors throughout my career. It has been meaningful to have them as a resource when I have questions or need advice. The relationships I built at Saint Mary have continued to be an important part of my life even after graduation.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates?
The advice I would give to current students and recent graduates is to step outside of your comfort zone and take advantage of every opportunity to grow. If you are considering furthering your education, do it now while you have the opportunity. Life gets busy and you do not want to look back someday and wonder, "What if?" Take the chance, challenge yourself, and invest in your future—you will be grateful that you did.
Are there any achievements or milestones you would like to share with the Saint Mary community?
One achievement that I am especially proud of is being inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is something that I dreamed of and worked toward since I first started playing volleyball at Saint Mary. Being inducted is a really meaningful and exciting accomplishment for me because it represents the years of dedication, hard work, and love I have for the sport. It is an honor to have my time as a Saint Mary volleyball player recognized in such a special way.
How do you stay connected with the Saint Mary alumni network?
I stay connected with the alumni network by following events and updates online and keeping in touch with alumni from my years at Saint Mary. It is always great to see what is happening on campus and to stay connected with the people who made my time at Saint Mary so meaningful.
What hobbies or interests are you currently pursuing?
Being a mom of two young girls keeps me pretty busy, but I am currently pursuing training for a therapy dog to have in my classroom, which I am very excited about. I look forward to seeing how the therapy dog can be a positive part of my classroom and support my students throughout the school year.