I came to Misericordia because I wanted to play football and I wanted to be academically challenged. Success comes from getting a good diploma, and I knew being challenged would help me positively effect the people around me when I left college.

When I first talked to the coaches, they showed me a side of them that never changed throughout my four years. They always treated me as a person first, not just as a player, and helped me learn to be a leader, keep my composure and work with others.

I was surprised when I was named a captain in my senior year, but I knew I was ready to take it on wholeheartedly. I knew I had the backing of the coaches and, as a leader, could help keep the team in a certain state of mind.

Misericordia totally exceeded my expectations of being academically challenged. As a health care management major, the Business Department taught me how important it is to keep current with health care issues and keep up-to-date with what is going on in the industry. They helped me to develop it as a good habit.

From the first encounter I had with Misericordia, the sense of community was evident. I took a tour, and my guide held a sign that read, 'Welcome, Conor Brennan.' I decided quickly that I would fit in, and found it easy to participate in campus activities. I enjoy the small community. You get to know people easily, and I've made close friends. You walk around and people say 'Hello' and open doors for you. If you need any help, there's always someone to talk to or to help you out. And the faculty are very accommodating. If you have an issue or concern, they'll work it out with you. The class sizes are small so professors get to know you. Through Campus Ministry, I have for Habitat for Humanity projects, and I'm now a leader of the group, learning about dry walling and plumbing along the way. Service is a big thing here."

Conor was one of nine students recognized with the University Service award at 31st Annual Leadership Awards Dinner on campus. The award recognizes students who have excelled at performing service on campus and in regional communities. As a sophomore, he participated in the Mercy Leadership Program: Lead to Serve. It is an 11-week program held during the fall semester and includes weekly sessions on topics such as team building, leadership skills, inclusion and management style. The speakers include representatives from different departments on campus including representatives from the Sisters of Mercy, who will share the story of Catherine McAuley, RSM, who founded the order to carry on her mission of helping others.

He also participated in the annual University service trip to Cross Keys, Manchester Parish - a rural community about an hour and a half drive from Kingston, Jamaica. During the seven-day mission in January 2014, the group cleaned and painted a home that lacked running water, a kitchen or bathroom, and housed as many as 20 occupants, many of them children. They also volunteered at a home for the elderly, a parish school, and a school for delinquent boys.

I am currently in my third year of study in Medical Science, the undergraduate program that leads to a master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The Physician Assistant program, one of the newest at Misericordia, has been a great addition to an already outstanding College of Arts and Sciences. Although the program is extremely rigorous, the professors are very supportive, friendly, and willing to go above and beyond to help you succeed. For me, the academic aspect of college was the most important factor when choosing a school and I have been thrilled with the faculty and level of intellectual stimulation they provide. I have grown so much since coming to Misericordia and I believe much of this can be attributed to my professors who have challenged me to work to my potential, encouraging me every step of the way.

Misericordia also offered many extra curricular opportunities. During my first two years here, I have participated in the Women's Track and Field Team, Adopt-A-Grandparent, SOUL Bible Study, Blue Chip Farms Animal Rescue Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Student Government Association Concert Committee, and Core Committee as the Student Representative. In high school I was involved in sports and didn't have time to volunteer. Misericordia has given me a chance to give back on many levels.Last fall I went on a service trip to Vermont and this summer I spent two weeks volunteering in Guyana, South America. These experiences have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. Having a global perspective is so crucial in today's world and I am so thankful that I have been able to witness life in many different places.

My campus involvement this year consists of being a Resident Assistant, leading the Soup Kitchen volunteer ministry, coordinating Starry Knights mentoring program and working as a peer tutor in the Student Success Center. Finding something to get involved in is easy, and the friends you meet make it even more worthwhile. Aside from all of the great opportunities for involvement and wonderful academic programs, I chose Misericordia because of the feeling I got when I first came to campus. The beautiful campus was impressive, but the friendly, smiling faces of everyone I came in contact with made me feel so welcomed. I knew in the first few minutes of being on campus that this is where I belonged. I really couldn't be happier with my decision. Misericordia has easily become my home away from home and I can't wait to see what other opportunities it has in store for me through the coming years!