Marcela Posadas

Class of 2007
Hometown: Woolwine, Virginia

What activities are you involved in at MBC?
I am an active member of the President’s Society and a student member of the orientation staff. I am involved in the Big Sister/Little Sister program and the American College of Health Care Executives. I am also hall president for Memorial Residence Hall.

What are your passions?
Family, helping others, Latin music, and my culture

What makes you an MBC woman?
I am an active student on campus. I am involved in organizations that make me feel good about myself and my work. I work hard to achieve my goals.

What do you like best about Mary Baldwin?
The best thing is the close-knit community. Everybody knows everybody. I love MBC’s beautiful scenery throughout the year. I like its diversity. I like the small classes and the privilege of expressing my opinions.

What are your career ambitions?
I would like to become a nurse administrator. In the future, I would like to receive a master’s degree in nurse administration or nursing focused on women’s health.

What phrase best describes your life here?
College life has been like a roller coaster ride for me. It has its ups and downs. The advantages are working toward getting a degree and meeting new people. Its disadvantages are being away from my family and boyfriend, and the drama that may occur when there are a lot girls living together under one roof.

What has most surprised you about college?
Even though the college is small, it is diverse. There are women from different backgrounds with different views. I thought college was going to be extremely hard when I arrived here. However, it is manageable when you pay attention, study, and do your work. The majority of the professors are amiable and approachable.

What is the benefit of an all women’s college?
One of the greatest benefits that a women’s college offers is the opportunity to express one’s opinions and questions without feeling intimidated. In addition, the one-to-one personal attention that a student receives from her professor means that the student gets the aid she may need in a course, plus she gets to know her professor even more. The faculty and staff are always accessible. I also enjoy having small classes.

If you were to recommend one MBC course to a friend, what would it be? Why?
Women’s Health Care Issues with Dr. Donovan. The course focuses on how women have changed and challenged the health care world as professionals (nurses, doctors, administrators, and etc.), patients, and subjects in clinical trials. The course is very interesting and encourages class discussion.

What do you like to do at Mary Baldwin?
I like spending time with my friends. I also like meeting new people. I enjoy taking courses that will challenge me. I like attending lectures pertaining to healthcare related issues. I also like attending music recitals or plays when I have free time.

What have you learned about yourself?
I have learned my weaknesses and strengths. I have also learned that not everything is going to go my way all the time. If you work and study hard, you will achieve your goal. I have learned not to settle for less because I know the value of my work. I have also learned not to be scared of challenges; instead, you have to face them.

If you had the decision to make again, would you choose a women’s college? Mary Baldwin? Why?
Yes, I would choose a women’s college and Mary Baldwin. I have learned so much about myself and experienced so much with a lot of wonderful people that I don’t think I would have gained if I was at another college.

What advice would you give to new students?
Always be yourself. Be open to change and challenge. Voice your opinion if you do not like something and work to change it, if it is within your reach. Be involved.

What is your best memory, so far, at MBC?
One of the best memories I have of MBC is how easy it was for me to loosen up and be open to meeting new people during my freshmen orientation. At that time, I thought it seemed weird because all through my high school years I was quiet. Since then, I do not shy away from meeting new people. Another special memory that I have about MBC occurred in my sophomore year, when I was the sophomore class secretary. I had such a wonderful time with the other officers planning and seeing the results of Apple Day. All of us worked so hard, and Apple Day was a huge success.