Madeleine Burns
Highschool: Almont High School
Class of 2015
Independent Student of the Day
Madeleine Burns is a senior at Aquinas College majoring in sustainable business.
In the fall of 2013, Madeleine took the opportunity to study abroad in Rome where she developed a love for travel and the introductions to different worldviews and ways of life that it fostered. She also participated in a 12-day field study trip to Costa Rica with an emphasis on sustainability, and a service-learning trip to Acadia National Park to build trails.
Throughout her four years at Aquinas, Madeleine has been active with the Student Senate, holding positions from Senator to Budget Director to her senior year role as Chairperson. She also worked in Campus Life as a student assistant, and for two summers as an orientation intern. In addition to her work on campus, the Almont, Michigan native also has two internships. The first with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council as their event and fund development intern, and the other with Break a Difference as the sustainability intern.
Madeleine is thankful to Aquinas for showing her how important the college experience is, not just to be successful in the workplace, but also to grow as a person.
My motivation
My mom motivates me to do the best I can. She has given my siblings and me so much and I want to make her proud in what I do.
My latest accomplishments
My latest accomplishment would be leading the Student Senate throughout this last year and handing over the role to the next Chairperson knowing that the student body is well represented. Our phrase for this past year was "find your voice" and I believe that I have helped the Aquinas student body know that their opinions and feelings count.
Next big goal
My next big goal (other than graduating) is to find a job or internship in Grand Rapids this summer. I want to find a niche in West Michigan that I can dedicate my time and ideas to so that I can add to the community I live in.
Why is choosing your own path important?
Choosing my own path is important because I believe that when you find something that you are passionate about, you can really make an impact. When you enjoy what you are doing, it is easier to handle the difficulties that come with it.
Favorite place on campus
Holmdene Gardens because it is the best kept secret at Aquinas.Share this profile
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