Maria Cassano is a junior here at New Paltz. She transferred here at the beginning of this year from a small school in Pennsylvania called Ursinus.  Life in Ursinus was much different than life in New Paltz because of the drastic difference in culture and size. She had twelve close friends that she spent most of her time with in Ursinus.  For Maria leaving these friends was the most difficult part about leaving Ursinus. One friend in particular, Atticus, was her best friend there. The drama behind her and Atticus is the reason her story needs to be told. He asked her to stay because he was falling for her and her for him. Maria knew that there was nothing left for her in Collegeville, Pennsylvania besides this potential love, and she knew she had to leave for her own betterment.  This obstacle was one of many that Maria faced in coming to New Paltz. Many students can relate to the struggles Maria faced coming to New Paltz and leaving her old life behind. It’s a lesson of looking in yourself and realizing the best choices for your own betterment. I believe many can learn from Maria’s example of making the better choice and not the easy one. 

How I got to New Paltz Maria Cassano

Maria is Junior here at New Paltz. She transferred from Ursinus this year. She speaks of her struggles in transferring and a lost love.

quietthings23