Hello there! My name is Allyson Lambert and I graduated from Saint Vincent College this past December with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. It's hard to believe that just a few short months ago, I was finishing up my last finals week of undergrad and preparing for graduation!

In addition to academics, Saint Vincent College provided me with a number of formative experiences and activities that helped shape me into the individual I am today. During my time here I was part of the Women's Cross Country Team and a member of Women in Business (WIB). During the day, you could find me working at the McCarl Gallery between classes or giving campus tours for the Admissions Office. By evening, you could find me back stage rehearsing for a musical or opera. I truly enjoyed my time spent here learning and growing as a person.

After a whirlwind of tests and papers, it was finally time to receive my diploma. Surrounded by friends and family, I felt an overwhelming amount of support from the Saint Vincent Community as I walked across the stage. Although it was hard to leave the place that I called home for the last few years it did not feel like goodbye, just "see you later!"

Now that I had my diploma, it was time to focus on interviewing and planning for the next step...

So where did I end up after graduation?

2000 miles away in Nevada!

Shortly after graduation, I accepted a position with PPG Industries in their Financial Leadership Development (FLD) Program. The program allows FLD Trainees to explore different aspects of the business through a series of assignments. For my first assignment, I had the opportunity to relocate to Reno, Nevada for approximately 18 months. I couldn't have been more excited to begin this journey!

In the words of Boniface Wimmer, Saint Vincent College strives to teach “first what is necessary, then what is useful, and finally what is beautiful.” The liberal arts curriculum has done just that for me by developing the technical skills necessary for business, while also capturing the beauty of the humanities—the history, art and theology that unites us all.

Through this blog I hope to share how my education at Saint Vincent has impacted my life beyond the brick-walls and green fields of the college campus I once called home. Now, as I venture out into the "real world," I am ready to fully embrace all that life has to offer. I hope you will follow along on this journey with me!

After all, once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.