Olivia Carney ’28: Turning Campus Connections into Leadership

When Olivia Carney ’28 arrived at Westfield State University from Walpole, Massachusetts, she wasn’t certain where college would take her.

She began as a criminal justice major before discovering an interest in psychology and eventually added English as a second major with a concentration in writing. Along the way, she also discovered a growing confidence in herself as a student and leader.

“If you had told me in September 2024 that I would be involved in all the things I’m involved in and doing everything I’m doing now, I would not have believed you at all,” Carney said.

Now a junior, Carney was recently elected president of the Class of 2028, adding another leadership role to a college experience that has included serving as an admissions ambassador and becoming increasingly involved in campus life.

This semester, Carney has also joined the President’s Office as a communications intern. The internship provides her with hands-on experience in writing, communications and public relations while offering an inside look at executive communications and the work of the President’s Office.

Carney said Westfield State’s smaller classes attracted her to the University. She wanted a college where she could know her professors and develop meaningful connections.

“I wanted to go somewhere that I thought would be in my best interest academically,” she said. 

“I wanted smaller class sizes, a place where you get to know the professors more, and somewhere it would be easier to meet people and make connections.”

Those connections helped shape her academic direction. Carney credits English professor Leah Nielsen, whom she met in a freshman creative writing course, with encouraging her interest in writing. She added a writing minor before deciding to pursue English as a second major.

“She’s a very supportive person,” Carney said of Nielsen. “You can really tell that she is one of the professors who cares about you as a person as well as a student.”

Becoming an admissions ambassador during her second semester was another turning point. Leading tours and participating in open houses and Accepted Students Days allowed Carney to meet more people and become more connected to campus.

“That’s when I was sold and thought, ‘Okay, this is definitely the right choice, and I’m glad I did it,’ ” she said.

Carney believes she has changed significantly since arriving at Westfield State. One of the most important lessons, she said, has been learning that independence does not mean having to do everything alone.

“I’ve grown to realize that needing help is not a bad thing,” she said. “It’s okay to ask if you’re struggling in a class with a position or a concept.”  

That willingness to seek guidance, combined with encouragement from faculty and staff, helped Carney step outside her comfort zone and take on new challenges. Which includes serving as class president.

“I’m very excited about becoming class president,” she said. “I’m excited to start brainstorming, holding meetings, and working issues to create a better campus experience.”

For Carney, the value of college extends beyond academics. Her experience has strengthened her leadership and public-speaking skills while exposing her to people with different backgrounds and perspectives. Carney believes these experiences will be particularly valuable as she considers a future career in psychology.

“I am not the same person who first stepped onto this campus, and I mean that in a positive way,” Carney said.

“The support of the people here has definitely helped,” she added. “I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone and that has been such a great experience.”