Jaclyn Anderson ’22, political science major

Jaclyn Anderson ’22 came to Salve Regina to pursue a major in political science with a desire to go to law school and get involved in government in the future. With these dreams comes a commitment to pursue leadership throughout her life, and her roles throughout campus have been a basis for garnering those needed leadership skills.

Developing Anderson’s leadership roles on campus

During her first year, Anderson has inspired by the First Year Transitions (FYT) Peer Mentor program at Salve Regina, which strives to help students transition into college life by letting sophomores, juniors and seniors mentor first year students. The mentorship was a big help for Anderson in her transition to being an undergraduate student.

The guidance Anderson received during her first year allowed her to be confident enough to find her own way at Salve Regina and to step into leadership roles moving forward. As an FYT Peer Mentor herself now, she loves being able to provide support and guidance for incoming freshmen, and she inspires them to become more active in the University’s community as well. She also is a senator of the Student Government Association, as well as a member of multiple committees.

Anderson, second from right on top row, with her other FYT Peer Mentors.

“It is really fun getting to work with different offices and really work on different initiatives to help Salve Regina grow and improve,” Anderson said. “I love being a part of something where I can help stimulate and enact change.”

Anderson is also currently the president of the Mad Batter Baking Club. Prior to COVID-19, the baking club used to meet in the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, and she would organize meetings where members could bake, socialize and destress together. The club was paired with the Office of Community Service and Engagement, and through this partnership, the club worked with different outreach groups in the community to donate baked goods to people in need. While Anderson understands the importance of de-stressors in the midst of a heavy undergraduate schedule, she still loved to donate those baked goods and create a meaningful experience for both her peers and the community at large.

While things have changed since the pandemic, the Mad Batter Baking Club is still a great opportunity for students to have fun while participating as active community members, and the baking club still holds virtual meetings to stay in touch. In the fall of 2020, the club was able to hold an in-person meeting to decorate cupcakes, and they hope to  be able to resume their community stewardship under the guidance of Anderson during the spring semester as well.

Anderson, far left, makes cupcakes with the Mad Batter Baking Club.

Anderson also has a work study with the Office of Alumni, Parent and Family Programs doing social media for the alumni and the family community at Salve Regina. These social media pages help alumni and family members of students stay active in the University community.

Leadership at Salve Regina, leadership post graduation

Being able to jump into Salve Regina’s community and make an impact by her junior year is a tremendous accomplishment that utilized so many of the University’s opportunities. Anderson has gone out of her way to be active politically, socially and educationally during her college experience. There is no doubt that she is leaving her mark on Salve Regina, and all the hard work is going to leave her ready for the life that awaits her post graduation.

Anderson is thankful for the opportunity to start small within the Salve Regina community and then grow after graduation into impactful governmental roles where she can enact social change.

“My leadership positions have helped me develop my own personal skills,” Anderson noted. “It’s really helped me become more confident and step out of my shell and really take on that role in leading a group of people and advocating for those who need advocating. That’s really the most important part of it for me.”

Article by student writer Anna Downes ’22

Salve Spotlights is a series of people-centered stories periodically featured on SALVEtoday. Check out the tag Salve Spotlights for more stories.