When Michelle Santos Monterroso arrived at Case Western Reserve as a first-year student in fall 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic still put a strain on many in-person activities.
As a result, Santos Monterroso wasn’t as involved in student organizations as she’d have liked. The following year, she decided to join the Springfest committee to help plan the much-anticipated spring event that features music, games, food and more to mark the end of the semester.
Now a fourth-year student, Santos Monterroso is wrapping up her second year as director of the Springfest Committee.
“I love being involved every step of the way, but my absolute favorite part is watching it all come together,” said Santos Monterroso, who is majoring in neuroscience and is on the pre-med track. “Nothing beats seeing the campus enjoy attractions, food, and music that we all handpicked for them.”
Alongside her peers, she will see it all come together Saturday, April 27, after the traditional running of the Hudson Relays to cap off Legacy Week.
Registration for this student-favorite event will open Wednesday, April 24. Follow @springfestcwru on Instagram to get all of the updates—and read on to get to know Santos Monterroso and find out what students have to look forward to during Springfest.
1. What drew you to Case Western Reserve University?
I was drawn to CWRU because of its pre-med program and strong reputation within the scientific community. In the small town (Clermont, Florida) that I come from, getting into Case Western [Reserve] was far from any reality that I thought was within reach. When I received my virtual acceptance letter, I knew there was no way I could pass up the opportunity!
2. Why did you choose your area of study?
I chose neuroscience because I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and its complexities, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.
3. What do you enjoy most about it?
I have most enjoyed the classes that have given me the opportunity to meet professors who are not only passionate about the subject that they are teaching, but about the research that they are involved with as well. I love hearing about the new discoveries that they have been a part of.
4. What do you hope to do in the future?
I hope to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare administration and run my own hospital one day.
5. Have you been involved in any other student organizations, research or experiential learning opportunities while at CWRU?
I am a founding member of CWRU’s associate chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma, the first and only multicultural sorority on campus, and I was part of Lideres Avanzando my first year. I have been involved in sickle cell anemia and T-cell functionality research.
While at CWRU, I spent most of my time working several jobs! I am currently a chief medical scribe with ScribeAmerica at MetroHealth and an office coordinator at Cleveland Clinic, but I also worked at the Jolly Scholar for most of my undergraduate career.
6. Why did you decide to become director of the Springfest Committee?
I decided to become director because when I was part of the Attractions Committee [as a second year student], I couldn’t help but wonder what the other pieces of the puzzle were. I wanted to focus on the big picture, and help progress the team to our vision of the event.
7. Is there anything new or exciting for students to look forward to this year?
There are so many exciting things we have planned for this Saturday! Our marketing committee did an amazing job creating a variety of themed logos for our merchandise (including limited edition sweatpants). The attractions committee was not only able to secure a zero-gravity carnival ride that will give students a thrill, but they also contracted popular, inclusive food trucks for everybody to enjoy.
Our concerts committee put on one of the best Battle of the Bands that we’ve had – and now we get to listen to the winners perform all day, along with a special performance from DJ Smoov (who toured with Bruno Mars!) and our headliner Bea Miller! Overall, this Springfest is not one to miss.