Alumni Spotlight: Marija Stilinovich ’17

We had the opportunity to catch up with Marija Stilinovich ’17 on her way back to college and ask some questions about her life and experiences at RIS.

Marija Stilinovich ‘17
Hometown: Boise, ID
Current Location: Worcester, MA

What’s your life look like, currently?

I’m entering my junior year at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. I live in an apartment with 3 roomates. I’m majoring in Anthropology and Education, and hope to work in the non-profit sector.

What’s your favorite Riverstone memory?

The summer before I started Riverstone, entering Grade 7, my mom put me on a plane headed to Washington, DC with my new class. I was terrified and didn’t know anyone, but throughout the course of the week, I became close with everyone in my class and this removed any of the nerves I had about starting at a new school. I learned how to break outside of my comfort zone for the first time, and this courage carried me through everything from going on class backpacking trips to moving across the country for college.

How was the college search at Riverstone?

I was interested in schools that were off-the-beaten-path from the colleges that Riverstone students often apply to. Gretchen [Arguedas] did a fantastic job of presenting small east coast, liberal arts colleges with strong school spirit, where I’d have the opportunity to make an impact. That’s how I discovered The College of the Holy Cross in MA, that turned out to be perfect for me. In the two years I’ve been here, I’ve had the opportunity to co-found a college Make-A-Wish® chapter to fundraise for the larger regional Make-A-Wish®. I’ve enjoyed seeing our efforts go to a direct cause, and meet the kids whose wishes we’ve been able to grant. I know I’m making an impact.

How was the adjustment to college?

Socially it was very easy, because Riverstone prepares you to make friends with people of all backgrounds and any place you find yourself. Academically, though, there were some challenges. I went from a small school to another small school, but the style of learning was different than IB. Though I’ve had to adjust a bit, I’ve had professors tell me that with my IB background, I will be especially prepared for work beyond college. I noticed that especially during my internship with a Boston non-profit this past summer, where I had to wear a lot of hats.

What’s a key lesson from Riverstone you’re applying to your life?

The importance of community and finding it. Riverstone has such a strong family-like setting and I’ve learned the importance of that.