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Madison Howell '22
You may remember Noah Schock from one of our recent student profiles. Shock, a New Student Orientation Co-Chair, described himself as shy and finding that kind of role out of the norm for him. Every great partnership needs balance. Enter Madison Howell.
Madi, as she is known by many around campus, said that she’s the polar opposite of Shock’s reserved demeanor.
“I am the complete opposite of Noah in almost every way. So, I think that’s why we work well together,” said Howell.
Howell’s outgoing personality has led her to pursue several leadership roles on campus including those in Student Government Association (SGA,) Marywood Activities Council (MAC,) and orientation amongst others. She also finds time for cross country and track and field at Marywood.
Hailing from Enfield, CT, Howell said despite the physical distance, Marywood felt like home from the beginning.
“From the minute I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed here,” said Howell.
A music therapy major, Howell said she felt a genuine sense of acceptance at Marywood that seemed to lack at other institutions she had visited.
“When I did my audition at other places, it felt really competitive - like I had to earn my spot at the school I had already been accepted at. But, when I came to (Marywood,) it was totally different, and everyone was just really nice the whole time.”
As anyone who has made the decision to attend college at Marywood knows, the feeling of belonging and the kindness of the community are both hallmarks of the university.
Howell’s decision to attend Marywood has been one that has benefited her and Marywood greatly. Her list of successes and accomplishments is a lengthy one.
“My greatest accomplishments are finishing 4 out of my 6 semesters here with a GPA above 3.9, finishing my first research project on music therapy and getting to present it to the Board of Trustees, being hired for the Marywood Activities Council and Student Government Association, and receiving the Pacer Pride Award.”
That list would be enough to satisfy many people, but not Howell. She says her proudest accomplishment was one of her most recent.
“Honestly, my proudest accomplishment so far has been Summer Orientation 2021, which I had the pleasure of leading as Co-Chair.”
As is the norm in 2021, COVID presented challenges; but Howell and Schock guided the new-look event to success in the inaugural three-day format.
Marywood has represented a place of growth and opportunity for Howell.
“I think the most important lesson that I learned is that I can do anything that I put my mind to. I came into Marywood kind of lost - I was super shy, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future, and I didn’t really know what I was capable of doing. However, through my work in the Office of Student Engagement, in my academics, and on the Track & Field and Cross Country teams, I realized that if I want something, I can put in the work to get it. My entire mindset was changed and I’ve genuinely never been so confident in myself.”
And because of that confidence, Howell has been afforded several opportunities.
“Marywood has given me countless opportunities to gain experience in areas I wouldn’t have even sought out at other schools. Marywood’s faculty and staff have always supported me and taught me life lessons outside of the classroom. My advisor has helped me narrow down my internship and graduate school options. More than anything, Marywood has given me the confidence I need to believe that I can achieve those goals. That’s all anyone could ever ask for.”
While she is relishing every minute at Marywood, Howell also has an eye to the future. She hopes to make as much of a difference in her career as she has on campus.
“My biggest dream for my future is to help change the diagnostic system for mental illness. The goals that I have in order to reach that dream are opening up my own private Music Therapy clinic and earning a doctorate in developmental psychology.”
Howell plans to be an engaged alumna through giving, volunteering, and frequent visits to campus, especially during Alumni Weekend.
Howell has given a great deal to Marywood, but she is acutely aware of the giving that has helped her realize opportunities she previously only dreamed of.
“I genuinely wouldn’t know what to say [to the donors] other than thank you. Honestly, the way I see it, the only way to thank the amazing people that have made my education possible is to show them that they invested in the right place and [the] right students. Marywood has completely changed my life for the better and has made me realize that all of my dreams are within reach. That would not have been possible if not for the thousands of donors who truly fund people’s dreams. Thank you.”
