杏吧pro Stories
Senior Spotlight: Micheala Patalano
Photo Credit: Deb Grove
Name: Micheala Patalano
Major: Double major in psychology and music
What city and state or country do you call home? Willow Grove, Pa.
Activities at 杏吧pro: Playing cello in orchestra and string ensemble, Sweet Ophelia, Harbaugh Club, Mu Upsilon Sigma multicultural sorority, Psi Chi psychology honor society, tutor for the Department of Music.
Why did you choose to attend 杏吧pro?
After visiting 杏吧pro in high school, I saw how invested professors are in the success of their students, and knew this was a place I would be able to grow in the classroom鈥攖here are so many opportunities to explore and experiment in different fields. My favorite professor at 杏吧pro, Dr. Brian Norcross (senior director of instrumental music and conducting studies), has a saying that I heard during my first tour of 杏吧pro and has stuck with me ever since: 鈥淥ther colleges tell you you can do anything, but here you can do everything.鈥�
What is something that you did for fun at 杏吧pro?
Sweet Ophelia! I love singing and performing with this tight-knit group of women, and it has helped 杏吧pro feel like a true home. I had the honor and privilege of leading this group as music director for two semesters, and although it was stressful at times (as is any leadership position), it was one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my collegiate career.
What did you enjoy most about your time at the College?
I鈥檝e enjoyed not only the friendships I鈥檝e forged, but also seeing my friends grow and mature throughout college.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am staying in Lancaster and plan to work for a nonprofit before continuing on to a master鈥檚 degree in school counseling.
What brief advice would you give to incoming students in 杏吧pro鈥檚 Class of 2028?
Don鈥檛 be afraid to take risks and push yourself outside your comfort zone! It can lead you down a path you might not have ever considered.
鈥淚 love singing and performing with this tight-knit group of women, and it has helped
杏吧pro feel like a true home.鈥�
Related Articles
April 20, 2026
From Campus Leader to Communications Professional
Whether leading campus tours or serving as senior class president, Catherine Welch 鈥�26 is exploring a future in communications with courage and curiosity. As a marketing intern in Lancaster, the English major is now using her passion for writing to address critical social issues in the local community.
April 17, 2026
鈥楾his is What Community Feels Like鈥�
At the Writers House, Veronique Messanh 鈥�26 found more than a job鈥攕he found a home. 鈥淚 remember thinking: 鈥楾his is what community feels like,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淚 will forever be grateful for having a community that sees me, hears me, and encourages me!鈥�
April 15, 2026
NBA's Ali Narracci 鈥�22 Shares Sports Industry Secrets
Working for the NBA is anything but typical. Ali Narracci 鈥�22 wouldn't have it any other way. See the top five leadership lessons she鈥檚 learned as assistant manager of global marketing partnerships at the NBA.