Emily Marfia

Your life isn’t yours if you always care what others think.

My name is Emily Marfia and I am a second-year early childhood studies major with a concentration in development. I hope to someday work in Child and Family Services and help provide resources for low income families. People would describe me as extremely confident, selfless, and caring. People who know me say that I do my own thing and don’t let others put me down. The motto I live by is, “Your Life Isn’t Yours If You Always Care What Others Think.” I am glad that I am able to reflect to others what I believe in. Additionally, I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community and I am seen advocating for others constantly. I am strong and independent. I take extreme pride in the woman that I am today, and I know I am here doing my best and making my family and friends proud of me. I have come a long way since high school and I am proud of how far I have come academically and socially.

On campus, I am involved in the FAST Peer Mentor Program and FSL (Fraternity and Sorority Life). I am a First-Year Peer Mentor and member of the local sorority Lambda Kappa Pi. My position as a First-Year Peer Mentor for the EDEC 160 Social Justice section is very important to me. I have a strong passion for being a resource for others, especially first-year students. I took the class my freshman year and it further deepened my interest for social justice in childhood adolescence. Additionally, I hold a position in my sorority, titled Internal. In this position, I arrange professional photoshoots that we use for headshots on resumes. I also organize to have apparel made for my sisters. I am very proud of the work my sorority has done for the community of Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa. Some of the volunteer work we do is for LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), as well as working at the food bank or animal shelter.

Some challenges I have faced at SSU include my disability and receiving accommodations for it. I am a Crohn’s Disease warrior. I was diagnosed at age 7 and have been surviving ever since. I try my hardest not to let my disability get in the way of me pursuing my education, but sometimes it does. I am forever grateful that SSU has an amazing Disability Services for Students. They are extremely helpful and accommodating.

Some additional positives to SSU are the staff. The faculty on this campus, and my connection to them is so important to me. I have made meaningful, lifelong connections to the staff on this campus. I am so thankful that I am a part of such an amazing college community.

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