As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics Class of 2023, Caroline Cherubini, sport management and marketing double major from Brewster, New York, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience during her time at UD.
Cherubini was nominated for this series by UD Associate Professor of Sport Management and Area Head of Sport Management Timothy DeSchriver, who said, “Caroline is an outstanding student with a high GPA. She has also completed her senior capstone internship with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and was the recipient of the sport management internship award in the summer of 2022. She has already accepted a position after graduation as an inside sales representative with the New York Mets.”
In this profile, Cherubini shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Cherubini: Coming in as a freshman at UD, I felt unsure of how I wanted to spend my time here. I was in a new environment that I was unfamiliar with which led me to become uncertain about how I would utilize my next four years here. Quickly, my mindset changed as I became best friends with my roommate, developed relationships with people on my freshman floor, and explored all the opportunities UD had to offer.
I joined Greek life, clubs, added another major, started a job in the Bob Carpenter Center, and attended events across campus. All these opportunities helped build my network and develop a newfound sense of comfort in myself. UD offers a large variety of ways to get involved which helped me discover my interests and my friends. I have been able to break out of my shell and be a part of groups and activities I would’ve never imagined. I’ve enjoyed getting to watch myself grow over these past four years due to the adventures UD provided.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Cherubini: The biggest challenge I’ve faced during my college experience was when I was sent home during my freshman year because of COVID-19. I was just getting comfortable and in a routine at UD when we had to move out of our dorm early. I was forced to leave all of my friends and the home I had built in my tiny dorm room. Along with this, I had to adjust to taking fully online classes. I had never pursued my education remotely before, so this was a big learning curve. I overcame this by continuing to stay in contact with my friends knowing we were all trying to deal with this tough time together. I also made sure to sustain the relationships I had built with my professors through Zoom calls and emails although I wasn’t seeing them in the classroom anymore. These habits helped me face this challenge as online classes continued for another year.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Cherubini: When thinking about my time at UD, it is hard to pick my favorite signature UD experience. Some of my favorite memories have been tailgating for homecoming, participating in airband, and attending the men’s lacrosse games. If I had to pick my favorite experience it would be when I studied in Paris during my junior year. I had never been out of the country for that long and I was able to soak in everything France had to offer.
Navigating and experiencing the beauty of Paris was incredible, but getting to do it with one of my roommates made it even better. From the Eiffel Tower to seeing a show at Moulin Rouge to visiting a new coffee shop each day, Paris was an absolutely extraordinary experience. Being able to embark on this trip wouldn’t have been possible without the study abroad programs UD offers. I definitely recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity!
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Cherubini: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means I will always have a family to fall back on. The network I have built and the resources I’ve gained from being a member of the UD community will last a lifetime.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Cherubini: I would tell the incoming freshman class to take advantage of every opportunity that UD has to offer. Join clubs, Greek life, intramural/club sports, study abroad programs and more! Better to say that you tried something and did not like it rather than wishing you had done it. When you’re a freshman four years may seem like a long time, but it flies by. Getting involved will help you expand your network and break you out of your comfort zone.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Cherubini: The entire sport management staff had a huge impact on my UD experience. They are a group of such influential and helpful individuals that helped me sustain success over these past four years.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Cherubini: Following graduation I will be working for the New York Mets. I will be joining their organization as an inside sales representative. It has been a dream of mine to work for a New York sports team and this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support from my professors and peers at Lerner.