Bottom Line

Each month we will be profiling a new Bottom Line alumnus/a.  Meet Soane Mertelus!

Soane Mertelus works at State Street Bank as a Custody Specialist Associate.  She attended English High School and then Salem State University where she worked with her Bottom Line counselor, Amy.  While at Salem State, Soane worked extensively with the residential life office where she developed many events for undergraduates!  She majored in International Business and is considering attending grad school in the future.

High School: English High School

College: Salem State University  Graduation Year: 2011

Job: Custody Specialist Associate at State Street Corporation Bank

If I could send a care package, I’d fill it with: chips, popcorn, a Bottom Line sweater, movie tickets, soup and a “You Can Do It” card.

Why I stay involved with Bottom Line: I love Bottom Line.  They did everything for me.  I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have Bottom Line in my corner.  Throughout my years in college Bottom Line made sure I was on the right track with my classes and financial aid- my mom and dad had no clue how I made it through.  I want to give thanks to Bottom Line because they were there to support me and make me feel like I can do it.  I will do my best to support Bottom Line!

People would be surprised to learn that I used to: be a cheerleader at English High School, eat ketchup for breakfast, dance during the Celtics basketball games with my crew from middle school and constantly eat Snicker’s bars!

The BEST part of being a college graduate is:  That I DID graduate.  I have new friends and had a great time and now I have a degree.  Next stop, grad school! Thanks to Bottom Line I feel like I can go on and on without fear of being a failure.

The HARDEST part about being a college graduate is: Looking for jobs and finally being in the real world that mom and dad talked about!

Want to share a memory or say hi to Soane?  Write a comment on this blog post!

Want to be profiled in next month’s Alumni newsletter and on the blog? Email Jen at JScherck@bottomline.org

Each month we will be profiling a new Bottom Line alumni.  Meet Hung Le, on his way to become a physical therapist!

          Hung Le is currently a graduate student at MGH Institute of Health Professions (Class of 2014) and has his B.S. In Exercise Physiology at UMass Lowell. His goal is to work as a Physical Therapist after graduation. He originally came from Vietnam when he was fifteen and has been in America for 10 years.  He enjoys playing many sports. However, he enjoys playing soccer the most. His plan is to finish his education and stay close to his friends and family in Boston.

High School: Madison Park

College: UMass Lowell

Graduation Year: 2011

Job: Physical Therapy School at MGH

Bottom Line Memory: My counselor Miguel used to come and visit me at my dorm- I remember having to run around and get rid of all my clothes and dishes just so he’d have a place to sit!

If I could send a care package, I’d fill it with: Coffee mugs and lots of candy!

Why I stay involved with Bottom Line: Miguel and Bottom Line have supported me to continue my education and I want to give back. I went to UMass Amherst for 1.5 years and decided to transfer-  I wanted to my closer to my family and UMass Lowell had my major-  Miguel supported me through all of it.  I’m participating in the 2012 Rodman Ride for Kids and fundraising for Bottom Line. I enjoy biking, but I haven’t done it a lot.  I’d really like to volunteer at other events.

 People would be surprised to learn that I used to: be very very shy and quiet during high school.  I didn’t think I’d survive in college!

The BEST part of being a college graduate is:  Moving on after college and looking to continue my education.

The HARDEST part about being a college graduate is: I have so many responsibilities now.  With my career, for example.  I’ve had to really develop critical thinking and time management skills.  Bottom Line really helped me to be successful throughout the years. 

Support Hung Le and Bottom Line in the Rodman Ride for Kids. Donate to Hung’s page here>>

 Want to share a memory or say hi to Hung Le?  Write a comment on this blog post!

Want to be profiled in next month’s Alumni newsletter and on the blog? Email Jen at JScherck@bottomline.org