Recent Position: Camp Counselor, Variety Club Camp
Before Harley enrolled at GMercyU in 2022, she had already tried two other schools that were not the right fit for her. Getting accepted into GMercyU's Integrated Studies program felt like a celebration. And even though she was within commuting distance, Harley chose to live on campus for most of her four years, in St. Brigid Hall and Siena Hall.
"I liked that I could grow my independence more and that I could create friendships through just being myself," she said. "Honestly, I didn't want to leave."
Life on Campus
Harley enjoyed her classes, the friendly, warm culture of GMercyU, and its traditions. Having been a cheerleader all through elementary, middle, and high school, she was also thrilled to cheerlead as part of the GMercyU Cheerleading Team, including traveling to a national competition in Orlando, Fla., her junior and senior years.
"I loved every single Christmas Tree Lighting I went to. I loved Griffin Madness," she said. "And this wasn't a tradition, but it was kind of my favorite, where the Cheer Team got to show off our nationals routine to our families and friends. They got kind of a sneak peek of our routine. That was probably one of my favorite memories. I was very, very happy."
What made that event even more special to Harley was the prayers that GMercyU's Director of Spirituality & Justice, Jeff Wallace, M.Div, held for the team before they headed off on their trip.
"Church is very important to me, so Jeff doing that for us was very special. It is something I will definitely hold down deep in my heart for the rest of my life."
Internships
To gain real-world experience and connections, Harley completed several internships during her time at GMercyU. She interned at the Variety Club, a nonprofit supporting children with disabilities, and at Liz's Birthday Closet, which provides free birthday gifts for families facing challenging circumstances.
She also interned with GMercyU's Admissions Department.
Landing a Job
The Integrated Studies staff alerted her to an opening for a summer position at Variety Club and having already interned there, Harley felt it was a good fit. A phone call was arranged, which led to a virtual interview, which led to a job offer.
"I was ecstatic! I was so happy to get started."
Harley worked with the Variety Club campers with disabilities who ranged in age from about 13 to 20 years old, assisting them in the tech labs. At first, it was a little challenging, getting to know the kids, but as the weeks went on, campers became more comfortable with asking Harley for help.
"It was interesting working with them because it made me realize how I was taught, because I have a learning disability myself. It can be very hard for someone with a learning disability to see what other people have to go through when you're not in their shoes."
What's Next
With her summer job now behind her, Harley is taking a step back from the job search. "To keep myself busy, I took the initiative to enroll in a couple of courses at Montgomery County Community College." Harley is taking one business-related course and one software class.
She is still in touch with several of her former classmates, and she is excited to plan a visit campus this fall to see her former academic advisor, Christa Fisher.
