Mabel Aronson '25 has embraced every opportunity at Marist, thriving as a fashion merchandising major, business minor, student CEO, sustainability advocate, and business leader.
鈥淢arist has been a completely life-changing experience for me,鈥� Mabel said. 鈥淢y time here has taught me that there's no limit on what I can achieve. I can do anything I set my mind to.鈥�
Hudson River Views, Year-Round Inspiration
Marist鈥檚 location offered the perfect balance for Mabel: close to her home of New York City yet a world apart.
鈥淓very day on campus, you can鈥檛 help but look at the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. In autumn, the trees are gorgeous, in spring the cherry blossoms bloom, and even in winter, when it鈥檚 freezing and snowing, it鈥檚 still so pretty.鈥�
From Transfer Student to Experiential Learner
Mabel transferred to Marist to find a more hands-on education that aligned with her learning style.
鈥淚 thrive when I鈥檓 actively involved and learning through doing rather than just listening to lectures,鈥� she said. 鈥淢arist鈥檚 focus on experiential learning drew me in, so I took a leap and transferred. Now I can say it was absolutely the right decision.鈥�
In the fashion program, Mabel collaborates on real-world projects exploring consumerism, sustainability, and the fashion industry's impact, while her business minor opened the door to becoming the inaugural student CEO of Saxbys.
LISTEN: Mabel talks about how her professors have been supportive in her academic, professional, and personal life.
"To have people that are so knowledgeable, and to have them be supportive and assist you in whatever ways needed -- it's nice to have professors who you can have that kind of relationship with."
Leading Through Action
Mabel鈥檚 many leadership roles at Marist have been pivotal in shaping her confidence and her skill set.
Managing a Successful Business: As the first CEO of New York鈥檚 first student-operated caf茅, she managed a team, oversaw operations, and learned the ins and outs of running a business. Mabel has helped the Marist Saxbys become one of the company鈥檚 most profitable locations nationwide through her team-building and community-oriented leadership style.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of responsibility, but I love it,鈥� said Mabel. 鈥淲orking at Saxbys has shown me what it鈥檚 like to manage real challenges.鈥�
Silver Needle Runway Show: Mabel contributed to Marist鈥檚 renowned student-run fashion show, balancing creativity with logistics.
Sustainability Board: On the Student Government Association side, she鈥檚 led initiatives like clothing swaps and mending nights to promote sustainability and teach students about the circular economy.
鈥淭hese roles built my confidence, showed me the value of supporting others, and shaped me into a dynamic learner and leader, giving me an edge as I explore post-grad opportunities,鈥� Mabel said.
Finding Community
Mabel found her footing at Marist through strong friendships and the welcoming campus environment.
鈥淚 came to feel like I truly belonged in this close-knit community of passionate, hard-working students,鈥� said Mabel. 鈥淲e all have different interests, but there鈥檚 a shared energy of wanting to grow and do more.鈥�
Studying Abroad: Gaining New Perspectives
Ciao Italia: In summer 2023, Mabel studied abroad at Marist Italy in Florence, an experience that transformed her outlook and adaptability.
鈥淏eing abroad taught me to navigate new situations with confidence and creativity,鈥� said Mabel. 鈥淚t pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way.鈥�
The global perspective: 鈥淢arist鈥檚 liberal arts foundation and push to look at the world globally, has strengthened my critical thinking skills,鈥� she said.
Mabel鈥檚 Advice
鈥淒on鈥檛 limit yourself,鈥� Mabel said. 鈥淓mbrace the mindset of "AND" not "OR" and take full advantage of the opportunities to explore different aspects of yourself. College is a time for exploration, and Marist provides the space to do just that."
Image of Mabel Aronson.
These roles built my confidence, showed me the value of supporting others, and shaped me into a dynamic learner and leader, giving me an edge as I explore post-grad opportunities.
Inspired to do More
In our "Inspired to do More" series students, faculty, staff, and alumni share their unique Marist journeys. In Marist's "and, not or" spirit, these members of our community have embraced diverse opportunities, excelling in academics, activities, leadership, and service. Each story highlights how Marist's values inspire them to pursue excellence, connect with others, and make a meaningful impact.
Marist鈥檚 commitment to sustainability continues to shine through another strong score by The Princeton Review鈥檚 Guide to Green Colleges and a New Sustainability Action Planning Committee.
