Student Spotlight: Ashley Silveira ’26

The Student Spotlight Series is a new feature to highlight Saint Michael’s students’ lives in all corners of campus. Students’ answers have been lightly edited for style and clarity.   

Ashley Silveira ’26 from Seekonk, Massachusetts, is majoring in Sociology and Anthropology and International Relations. She is minoring in English.  

What brought you to Saint Michael’s College?    

Ashley Silveira ’26

I chose St. Mike’s because of the community and the opportunities it offered. I love the tight-knit feel of a smaller college and being able to develop relationships with your professors so they can further support you as a student on campus. It offers such a welcoming environment, and I was so excited to become a part of that!

Where do people see you on campus? (What are you involved in? How do you spend your time?)  

On campus, I am a member of the Student Government Association (SGA) where I serve as the class of 2026 President. I am also secretary of the random acts of kindness club and secretary of the Model United Nations Club. I work as a tour guide for the admissions department, and I am a wellness ambassador for the Wellness Department. I am also a member of the Women’s Swimming and Diving team, and I am a diver! Aside from my community involvement, I tend to spend my time studying or hanging out with my friends! 

What is your favorite thing about the academic experience at St. Mike’s? 

My favorite thing about the academic experience at St. Mike’s is how personalized it is. You’re really able to accommodate your own needs and interests with a huge network of support from different people and departments across campus. The faculty on campus truly want to see you succeed and are more than willing to help you in any way they can whether that be in the classroom, careers, athletics, or just within the community. I’ve also found small class sizes and engaging professors to be extremely useful in making the most out of my academic experience!  Being able to take a wide array of classes that accommodate both my interests and academic requirements has been so encouraging and fun as well. 

What is your favorite thing to do on campus?   

My favorite thing about life on campus is probably the community that is cultivated here.  Whether that be all the familiar faces you see walking to class each day, being a short walk away from anyone and everyone on campus, or just running into people you know in Alliot, Dion, and the library. I love going to Dion to study or attending sports games on campus!  

How are you hoping your St. Mike’s education will prepare you for the future? (Do you have after-graduation plans?) 

I’m so grateful that the network of support on campus has provided me with the resources and skills I need to succeed! Being able to not only take classes in my areas of interest but also get a foot in the water of International Relations through our Model UN Club and Freeman Foundation has been so useful in helping me figure out what I want to do! I hope to make use of our Peace Corps Prep program on campus and other opportunities that St. Mike’s offers to help students excel post-grad as I enter the field of international relations and law.