Janelle Sanabria
Finding Her Pace: Janelle Sanabria’s Marywood Story
At Marywood University, Janelle Sanabria, a member of the Class of 2029 majoring in Nursing, is building a foundation for a future in critical care while embracing every opportunity to get involved, connect with others, and grow as a student and athlete.
When it came time to choose a college, Sanabria says her experience visiting Marywood made the decision clear. “When I came to tour Marywood, I was welcomed by current students, along with faculty. I felt very taken care of, and my experiences with this shut down any other school I had in mind.” From her first visit, she felt a strong sense of belonging and knew Marywood was where she wanted to begin her college journey.
Financial aid has been an important part of making Sanabria’s college journey possible. “The financial aid that I receive from Marywood helps my family and I a lot,” she shares. As a first-generation college student, Sanabria says her family did not expect to receive significant financial support from a college. Marywood’s assistance, however, has helped ease that burden and opened doors for her that her family had not anticipated. “I am a first generation student, my family didn’t expect to get a lot of help from schools. But Marywood changed that for us.”
Since arriving at Marywood, Sanabria has embraced opportunities both on and off the field. As a member of the track and cross-country teams, she has set three school records in track and earned a second-team award in cross country, all while maintaining strong grades. Beyond athletics and academics, she has volunteered in her community, built lasting friendships, and balanced two work-study positions. Through each of these experiences, Sanabria has found ways to challenge herself, stay connected, and make the most of her time at Marywood.
For Sanabria, getting involved has been one of the most important parts of her Marywood experience. “The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to stay involved,” she says. “There is always something happening around campus, and I love to be a part of it.” Her involvement spans academics, athletics, leadership, and campus employment.
Sanabria serves as the underclassman representative for the SNAM club, is a member of the track and cross-country teams, and works as an Orientation Leader and tour guide. She also works in the Student Engagement Office, giving her numerous opportunities to connect with fellow students and contribute to the Marywood community.
Being surrounded by the accomplishments of those around her has also motivated Sanabria to pursue her own goals. “By seeing everyone around me succeed, I want to succeed with them too,” she says. The encouragement she finds in the Marywood community continues to inspire her to challenge herself and look toward what comes next.
Sanabria has a clear vision for her future. “In five years, I would have graduated from the nursing program at Marywood. I hope to be in the ICU unit working in critical care.” She also hopes to continue running, a passion that has already been an important part of her college experience. “Finally, Marywood is helping me get closer to these goals by being in the nursing program and getting my degree.”
Sanabria is especially grateful to the donors who help make opportunities like hers possible. “I would like to say to all of the donors that it really means so much to us students when we receive extra help. Not only does it help the students but also the family members.” She connects their generosity to the idea of paying kindness forward. “I believe in the phrase ‘Pay it forward.’ Which means to do kindness to one and for that one to do kindness for another. And so forth. The act that the donors have is simply them paying their kindness forward, and I so very much appreciate it.”
That spirit of gratitude has already inspired Sanabria to think about how she can give back in the future. “When I am able, yes, I will give it to Marywood. I will do this to give back to the school that has helped me in many ways.”
With her sights set on a career in nursing, a continued passion for running, and a commitment to being an active member of the Marywood community, Sanabria is making the most of her college experience. Her journey is just beginning, but she is already discovering the impact that a welcoming community, meaningful opportunities, and the generosity of others can have on a student’s future.