By Caitlin Orsino '25

Jacob Lustig has made the most of their time at Lasell; look no further than their extensive academic and extracurricular record for proof. Their involvement spans the Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association, first-year and senior class committees, The 1851 Chronicle, Empty Bowls club, Blue Key Society, and roles as an orientation leader/orientation coordinator. After Lustig’s first year, they changed their major from communication to applied math and have since studied abroad and participated in a Shoulder to Shoulder service-learning trip to Ecuador. Their journey on campus is one of inquiry, exploration, and embracing every connection they’ve made at Lasell.

What first drew you to Lasell?
I talk about this a lot on tours for incoming families. This is just such an invigorating community, based on collaboration and connection, but also the confidence that people give you. You’re not just told “this is what we have here;” you’re told “you can do that here.” There’s a lot of motivation and enrichment from the people you’re working with—peers, professors, and administrators.

What does that community look and feel like to you?
We have an atmosphere that fosters communities based on finding your people, whether it be those you just click with or those you need support from. You see it at events, through fans standing on the track at the women’s volleyball GNAC championship game, or friends attending the Lasell University Dance Team’s end-of-year showcase. We’re willing to create that community, which is what makes it so strong.

Tell us about your recent Shoulder to Shoulder trip.
It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. It allowed me to switch my perspective and understand the many different types of privilege. I was really woken up to geographical privilege; we are so lucky to have what we do in a first-world country, and to experience something different through this program unplugged me from my world, humanized me, and allowed me to connect with others not based on what we have to offer, but just on who we are.

How has this all shaped your future plans?
Becoming involved in so many things as a student opened my eyes to the fact that there is opportunity to work in higher education. The Office of Student Activities and Orientation and the Office of Residential Life have been two major contributors to my experience here. I am now applying for master’s programs in higher education administration.

What will success look like for you?
I want to create effective change on college campuses because I’ve had the opportunity to involve myself in change-making here, and it’s been amazing. I want to bring that to other environments and give students the support that I feel I’ve received in my four years here.