By Lydia Szyjka
Jacqueline Vasinda’s ’06 journey to self-discovery began with a leap of faith—from the bustling, overcrowded halls of a large high school to the intimate and supportive environment of Immaculata University. At her high school, even as a basketball player, standing out felt nearly impossible. But for her college experience, she sought something different.
A chance meeting with Immaculata’s then-women’s basketball coach, Patricia Canterino ’92, ’12 M.A., at a college fair presented an unexpected opportunity. After learning about the University’s legendary history in women’s basketball, Vasinda decided to visit the campus.
Her decision was sealed during a tour of the psychology department, where she met Sister Agnes Hughes, IHM, a former psychology faculty member. The campus size, the warmth of the community and the potential for building personal connections all made a positive impression.
“After taking my first few steps on campus, I knew—it already felt like home,” Vasinda recalls.
Her intuition proved right. Immaculata’s small campus provided numerous advantages. With a higher student-to-faculty ratio in her classes, she found it easy to engage with professors and peers, building relationships that would last long after graduation.
At that time, Immaculata was still an all-women’s college, a fact that Vasinda credits with providing her with strong female role models. “Being in an environment where women were in the prominent leadership positions all around me was especially inspiring and encouraged me to pursue my own goals with confidence,” she stated. One of those influential figures was Sister Agnes.
During her first semester in a statistics class, Vasinda felt she might be falling behind and turned to Sister Agnes for guidance. To her surprise, Sister Agnes reassured her that she was excelling, grasping the material faster than her classmates. This early confidence boost set the tone for her academic success and encouraged her to branch out across campus life.
Vasinda thrived, balancing academics with extracurricular activities. She played basketball and volleyball in her early years, joined the Omicron Pi Epsilon and Psi Chi honor societies, and served as part of New Student Orientation, a Mac Mentor and in student government. These experiences honed her leadership skills and strengthened her bond with the Immaculata family.
But it wasn’t just academic and leadership pursuits that defined her time at Immaculata, some of her favorite memories are woven with moments of campus camaraderie—whether hanging out in the dorms watching “Grey’s Anatomy” or hosting a Nintendo Olympics during a snowstorm. Yet her proudest accomplishment was organizing a fundraising concert featuring Alexa Ray Joel to support Sara Hanna, a classmate seriously injured in a car accident. These moments stood as testaments to Immaculata’s character.
Immaculata’s nurturing environment also prepared Vasinda for the challenges she would face after graduation. When she transitioned to Towson University to pursue a master’s degree in experimental psychology, the contrast was stark. Towson, a large institution near Baltimore, felt overwhelming at first. Professors seemed less accessible, and the program demanded greater independence and self-direction.
“It was very different, but my experience at Immaculata prepared me well,” she reflects. The critical thinking and time-management skills she had mastered during her undergraduate years proved essential, and she adapted quickly to her new academic environment.
Today, Vasinda works as a data analyst for the National Board of Medical Examiners, blending analytical precision with the collaborative, people-focused values she first embraced at Immaculata. Her role involves working with volunteer physicians to review licensing exam standards, a job that requires both technical expertise and teamwork.
Yet no matter how far Vasinda’s career or travels take her—recent adventures include photographing the Northern Lights in Norway and exploring New Zealand—she always finds her way back to the community she cherishes. She remains deeply involved with Immaculata as a member of the Alumni Association’s Board of Governors. She co-chaired the silent auction at the 2024 Immaculata University Awards Reception. She is also active in 20Below, an alumni group connecting recent graduates.
Vasinda’s educational journey began in the overwhelming halls of a large high school, flourished in the supportive environment of Immaculata, and came full circle as she embraced the best of both worlds at a large university for graduate studies.
“I had the best experience I could have asked for,” she says of her time at Immaculata. “Every time I step on campus, it feels like I’m right back at home.”
