A native of Pequannock, New Jersey, Reaghan Vasilenko is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a marketing and management double major.
Vasilenko was nominated for this series by Associate Professor of Marketing Ji Kyung Park, who recognized her as an “an outstanding student in our marketing program.”
In this profile, Vasilenko shares 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?
Vasilenko: I think the biggest change I saw in myself is my overall confidence and zest for life. I have been able to discover so many passions of mine and meet so many amazing people.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Vasilenko: During my college experience I dealt with a lot of insecurity about who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. It was only through my involvement on campus that I was able to meet my forever people and discover what really drives me. I am forever grateful to UD for opening so many doors for me!
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Vasilenko: I always love working and attending the senior week events that the UD Programming Board puts on! The concerts are always so much fun and I love getting to see everyone one last time before the end of school. Shout out to the UD Programming Board for doing crazy events all year!
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Vasilenko: The professor who made the biggest impact in my college experience is Professor Park! I had the honor of taking her class and being her TA for two years. She has been such a professional inspiration for me and I can only hope to match her levels of intellect, drive, passion, and kindness in my life.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Vasilenko: To be a Lifelong Lerner is to continuously strive for greatness. To always dig deeper. To lead better. To aspire to keep learning. To push boundaries. And to always be the best version of yourself. I am proud to be named a Lifelong Lerner.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Vasilenko: Try everything! The second you can put your own fears aside you will learn so much about yourself. You may think, everyone is going to look at me or judge me. Rest assured, EVERYONE is feeling the same way, so just do it! Be the one who makes the move! Join the club! Say hi to someone new! The only thing stopping yourself from great experiences is you, so get on with it!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Vasilenko: I will be interning for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.!