By Jordan Rubin

It’s hard to find a student who isn’t involved in a cause he or she is passionate about, but what isn’t easy is to find a student who uses that passion to push herself into countless clubs and works that drive to propel her career aspirations from dreams to realities. But if you’ve met Stephanie Caruso, you know you’ve found one of those people.

Caruso is a senior film studies and production major. During her time at the University, she has become the editor-in-chief of Font, the secretary of SGA and was on the student committee for Educate ’08. She is also an e-board member planning for Destination Runway coming up this November.

Last year she even studied abroad for a three week period in London, which she cites as one of the most exciting times of her life. “Last January I had the three most amazing weeks of my life,” Caruso says. “Every day I wish I was back.”

Caruso is a firm believer that you’re time at the University is what you make of it. “I know that people always say that Hofstra doesn’t care, but if you put a little work into it the administrators would bend over backwards for you,” Caruso reveals. “Especially since the debate, I really do feel like Hofstra cares so much about the students.”

Something that is even clearer is how much Caruso cares about her own school, and how much her time here has meant to her and changed her into the person she is today.

The greatest gift that the University has given her is more than clubs and a career path; it comes from the comfort and confidence Caruso has gained during her time here.

“My involvement has given me a bit of confidence in knowing that when I say that I can do something, I can,” Caruso says. “It’s helped me to figure out my limits.” Right now, those so-called “limits” seem to be endless.

One thing is for certain, when it comes to school spirit, self-confidence and Hofstra pride, Caruso shows she’s at the head of the pack.