I grew up in Playa del Rey, California, and have one older brother, Patrick. We both attended the same Catholic grade school and eventually went to Loyola High School. There I was involved in Right to Life, ran cross country, and played club baseball. After my sophomore year, I transferred to St. John Bosco High School. This transition was not easy at first, but it turned out to be a great decision. I rediscovered my love for theatre and acted in many plays and musicals. Here at Hillsdale, I have been able to continue this passion by acting in several Tower Players productions. I am also a Resident Advisor in Simpson, a member of Catholic Society, and an active member in Sigma Chi fraternity. I enjoy playing volleyball with my friends, hiking, working out, and watching movies to relax.

Whenever I tell people that I grew up in Southern California, two questions immediately come my way. Why did you leave such warm weather and have you ever seen snow before? First of all, I have skied since I was five, so I definitely know a thing or two about snow. Secondly, I love the beautiful seasons we experience in Hillsdale. I honestly cannot imagine going anywhere else. Hillsdale was my number one choice from the beginning. I cannot think of another college where I could challenge myself academically and thrive socially in an environment full of men and women with similar morals and ideals. I feel truly blessed to be at Hillsdale College every day.

I am very grateful for the close-knit community that Hillsdale has to offer. I have formed strong relationships with not only other students, but also members of the faculty. I think many of the friendships I have built here will last a lifetime. I attribute this to Hillsdale’s emphasis on building men and women of good character first and foremost, while always striving for academic excellence. There is something particularly special about walking into the Student Union and knowing almost every single person in the building.

After graduation, I plan on working in the entertainment industry in some capacity, possibly radio and television broadcasting. I have a passion for performing on stage and film, so if I could make a career out of that, I would be ecstatic. What God has in store for me, however, remains to be seen!

During the fall of my sophomore year, Dr. Arnn put together a pizza and movie night for my fraternity. We watched Casablanca, and afterwards Dr. Arnn lectured us on the themes of the movie and how we could apply them to our own lives. Later on that evening, Dr. Arnn offered us cigars as we discussed politics, virtue, and how to become better men. Only at Hillsdale would one be able to enjoy a cigar with the president of the college. It was one of many moments where I realized that choosing Hillsdale College was the best decision of my life.

I have had many great interactions with the brilliant professors here at Hillsdale. One noteworthy experience occurred during my freshman year. A group of students from the Theatre Department was invited to an acting workshop in Detroit with a famous casting director. After a long day, we went back to our rooms for the night and Professor Angell bought us all delicious Chicago-style pizza as we relaxed and discussed our unique experience and acting in general. On the drive home, Professor Angell and I talked the whole way back about theatre and what direction I wanted to take in my life. I have always appreciated the advice that he gave me that day: do what you love. It’s simple, but it has stuck with me and motivates me every day.

The core curriculum has taught me the importance of studying a wide variety of subjects, so that your knowledge is not limited to merely one area of study. This balance has given me a great appreciation of subjects that I never knew I had an interest in, such as economics, and strengthened my passion in other areas as well. The rigorous core forced me to stretch my mind and think in ways that I had never thought before, and for that I am truly thankful.

prezzo@hillsdale.edu