Allison Cortelli is no stranger to new changes and adapting to new places. When she stepped onto WSU campus for the first time as an incoming freshman this past August, she was ready to embark on the college experience.
Allison is originally from Texas, where her dad served in the U.S Air Force for 10 years, but was later transferred to Germany to work on special military assignments.
Allison attended primary school in Germany for two years until her family was brought back to the U.S. after her fathers’ work in Germany was finished. Altogether Allison has attended nine schools in 13 years. WSU serves as her resting pod for awhile, for which she is most grateful.
The Guardian: What was it like changing schools all the time? Was it difficult?
Cortelli: At first it was hard because I was an only child and making friends was already difficult; let alone there was always the chance that I would be leaving the next year. Middle school was the hardest because I had made some friends and when I had to leave I didn’t know if I would ever see them again.
The Guardian: Do you plan on joining the military?
Cortelli: Right now my boyfriend is training to be in [the] Marines so there is a good chance that I might, but I want to finish my degree first and possibly travel to Europe for a year after I graduate. So I guess we’ll see.
The Guardian: Out of all the places you’ve lived, what was your favorite and why?
Cortelli: I get this question all time and the more I think about it my answer changes every time. Right now I would have to say California. We lived in Monterey and the beach was pretty close so I got used to that quickly. I will have to say that I did miss snow and normal season changes though. I also had made some pretty close friends so that made the experience nicer.
The Guardian: Why did you choose Wright State?
Cortelli: I have family members that live and work here in Dayton so it made the choice easier on my parents since they currently live in Georgia.
The Guardian: Is it difficult being far away from your parents?
Cortelli: At first it was really hard and I missed my mom so much and we would talk on the phone or over Facebook every day, but it is getting easier with time. They actually just visited about a month ago so it was good to see them.
The Guardian: What do you like about WSU?
Cortelli: I love that the campus isn’t in the middle of the city. I visited other schools before choosing Wright State and most of them didn’t feel like colleges because they were in the city. I also love the tunnels because most schools don’t have that. It’s like a best kept secret. I’ve also met a lot of awesome people. There is so much diversity on campus and it fits my life well since I’m friends with many types of people.
The Guardian: What is your favorite food on campus?
Cortelli: That is a hard one. I would have to say the subs in the Union Market, there is a nice variety and I can switch it up. Also I love the Wright Cup and I’m addicted to their milkshakes.
The Guardian: If you could have any super power what would it be and why?
Cortelli: Man you caught me off guard. I guess I would be able to fly because I would be able to go wherever I wanted whenever I wanted. Also I wouldn’t have to pay for plane tickets anymore.
The Guardian: Any advice or encouragement to students whose families live out of state or further away?
Cortelli: Live life day by day and don’t be afraid to branch out and make new friends. College would be boring if you just sit around missing your family all the time.
