Pullman Scholars in Their Own Words: Ellie Marino

Ellie Marino at Marquette's Joan of Arc Chapel

Gabriella (Ellie) Marino began pursuing a degree in psychology at Marquette University this past year as a Pullman Scholar. In addition to her studies, she has also immersed herself in plenty of activities in and around campus. She is seen above at her favorite place on campus: Marquette’s Joan of Arc Chapel. We checked in with Ellie to see how her first year was going and to ask what being a Pullman Scholar means to her.

 

What drew you to your college?

I became interested in Marquette University because I had always liked the idea of attending a city school, but since I went to high school in Chicago, I wanted a change in scenery. Upon visiting, I fell in love with the school and I loved the close proximity to the city of Milwaukee. There is so much to do in the city, and I am grateful for the opportunities that this provides me. I was accepted into the Honors College at Marquette, and their unique program caught my attention, as well. Marquette University is a great school, and I know that I made the right choice!

 

What are your passions or hobbies?

I am involved in a lot at Marquette, and I try to make time to continue pursuing some of my favorite pastimes, which include reading, photography, and writing. I am involved in the Marquette University Band, and I love the opportunity to do something I am so passionate about with some of my best friends! Since I am so close to Milwaukee, I definitely love going into the city and seeing all that it offers. In doing this, I have been to concerts, poetry slams, and art galleries. This has been a great way for me to explore the city while also learning a lot about myself and others, and I look forward to doing it in the future.

 

What is different about college than high school?

First semester was truly a whirlwind of activity. There was a lot of adjustment, ranging from living in a residence hall to the amount of essays I had to write. However, I loved my classes and professors, so the transition was relatively easy. It was different from high school in many ways, but I primarily noted the change in independence that college brings. Now that I am in college, I have to completely organize my own life, whether it be signing important documents to deciding when to have dinner and what to buy at the grocery store. However, I absolutely love college and I am having a great time, and my first semester could not have gone better! Although it was hectic at times, I learned a lot about myself and the people around me, and I can’t wait for another seven semesters at Marquette.

 

What do you like about being a Pullman Scholar? What does being a Pullman Scholar mean to you?

I enjoy being a Pullman Scholar because it means that I am truly a part of something bigger. Knowing that I am a member of such an incredible organization gives me a sense of belonging and pride, and I feel very lucky to be a part of such a widespread community. To me, it means that I am involved in a society of people who all share a commonality and can learn about one another and experience college together. The Pullman Foundation has given me such a unique opportunity to communicate with such a diverse group of students, and I am so grateful for all that I am learning. I truly look forward to continuing my time as a Pullman Scholar, and I believe that it has given me so much potential for success.

 

 

14,000 Pullman Scholars and Counting: Truly a Part of Something Bigger

Since 1950, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has supported over 14,000 students like Ellie with merit-based, need-based scholarships so that they may attend the college or university of their choice. Please join the Foundation’s supporters by making a tax-deductible donation in honor of scholars like Ellie and support the Pullman Foundation’s mission of Keeping the American Dream on Track.