Name: Aliyah Orten
Major: English
Minor: Writing
Hometown: West Terre Haute, Indiana
1. Why did you choose to earn your degree at SMWC?
While attending high school at West Vigo High School, I always overheard my peers talking about going to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. I was always unsure why they were so interested in a college so close to their high school. As I began researching the college, talking with those who had attended and took a visit myself, I instantly felt the rich history and understood the attraction.
2. Why did you choose your major?
I love reading. Words simply on a page can be completely immersive; they can transform your understanding of something, assist in your personal healing, make you fall in love, fall apart and so much more. Authors create such beauty and bring comfort to readers, which is something I want to create for others, much like my favorite authors have for me.
3. What is your favorite place on campus?
The Archives. I have worked alongside the Sisters of Providence in preserving our history since the end of my first semester. Hearing stories from them firsthand has been a beautiful experience. The basement of the Rooney Center may not seem like much, but it is full of incredible mementos from beyond the College’s founding.
4. What have you been involved in (student clubs and organizations, sports teams, etc.) during your time at SMWC?
I have been an editor of Aurora Literary Arts Magazine since my first day at SMWC. I have led the social media accounts and been Co-Editor in Chief.
5. What is a favorite memory you have from your Woods experience?
The archives have truly been my favorite aspect of my Woods experience. During my first semester, while in WC-100 with Tim Tesmer, campus minister, we took a tour of the Archives and at the end, I stayed when the majority of the class went to lunch. I commented on some postcards of campus Janet Gilligan, SP, ’61 had displayed. I explained to her how I collect postcards and find all of this preservation of history fascinating. It was in that moment that I was offered to send her my information to begin working alongside them.
6. How do you plan to stay connected to SMWC after graduating?
You never truly understand the influence your Woods Ring will really have on your finger, until you are off campus and find yourself instinctively sighting others who have one as well. Having conversations with a stranger begins to feel more comforting than ever before. This connects me to SMWC even beyond the gate.
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