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When Cabrini University and ����TV finalized the agreement between their institutions, both sides stressed that the impact and legacy of Cabrini were to continue as part of Villanova.

Bella Cipresso, a former Cabrini student and graduate of Villanova’s College of Professional Studies (CPS), epitomizes those efforts. Cipresso completed her degree at Villanova while fully immersing herself in the Villanova community. For her excellence in the classroom, she was awarded the academic medallion for her program.

Cabrini’s closure came to Bella, like many, as a shock, but also as an opportunity.

“I was a digital communication and social media major, and some of the other universities just didn't really align with where I thought I was going career wise,” she said.

Transitioning to the College of Professional Studies was a practical choice for her life and career goals, offering unique advantages not typically found in more traditional academic settings.

“I was a hybrid student. I did two classes per semester on campus, and then I did two (FastForward) classes,” she said. “That was really great because I also worked full time while going to school.”

The College of Professional Studies offers FastForward courses online in the Fall and Spring semesters, covering an entire curriculum in just seven accelerated weeks. This option allows students to earn credits at a faster pace and the flexibility to thrive outside the virtual classroom as well.

“The amount of curriculum that you were able to learn in such a short amount of time was very beneficial for someone who's doing a bajillion other things while in college,” Cipresso said.

Her calendar certainly required flexibility. While working towards her degree, Bella also worked full-time as a nanny and as a caregiver for the elderly in addition to interning in the marketing field five days per week.

In addition to her classes and employment, Cipresso wanted to continue to feel like a part of a vibrant campus community. Doing so at a new school on short notice may have seemed daunting, yet she credits the Villanova community’s welcoming nature for making that easier.

“People (at Villanova) open their arms in a lot of ways to you joining their community,” she said.��

Bella embraced the Villanova community and found her place on campus after the unexpected transition from Cabrini. She was an engagement coordinator for NOVAdance and contributed to the WXVU radio station and The Villanovan student-run newspaper.

“Adaptability, flexibility, resourcefulness and resilience were all things that I learned throughout the college experience,” she said. “The transition from hearing that your school is closing and having to go through the process of transferring to a new school, honestly made me really prepared for the current job market.”

That attitude proved correct, as Bella’s career immediately kickstarted. She was hired as an Associate Team Manager for Amica Insurance, receiving seven weeks of training in Rhode Island before being placed in position in Duluth, Georgia.

As the winding path of her college career led her to a career miles away in a new state, Bella Cipresso looks back fondly on every part of the process.

“It's so cliche, but it really did teach me that everything happens for a reason. And to enjoy the time that you do have, no matter where you are,” she said. “Every experience since then I’ve remembered to enjoy my time. Enjoy the time that I had at Villanova. Enjoy the time that I have beginning my career in Rhode Island and Georgia. Those are experiences, not challenges.”

She experienced something she questioned she’d ever accomplish, earning her degree as a first-generation college graduate.

“I worked full time going through college and I didn't have the traditional route in many different ways, but I think it's honestly such an accomplishment,” she said.

“It feels like an experience that I will be forever grateful for. It’s something that I feel can set up not only myself for a good future, but potentially my family and future generations ahead.”