Emily Ardunio

Holy Cross, 2013

Major: Chemistry

Profession: Currently running a pulmonary function lab in an Internal Medicine/Pulmonary practice. Obtaining clinical hours for Physician Assistant graduate programs.

I began dancing at the age of 10, as one of the first LYNN Academy students in the Tarrytown location. I danced throughout my high school career, and competed at the Championship level. I had the opportunity to compete at the local, regional, national and international level. My greatest achievement in my dance career was when I qualified for the World Championships at the Oireachtas. I competed at the Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas three times before recalling; and the very first time I recalled, I qualified for the Worlds. Qualifying for and competing at the world championships was the greatest reward for all of the work I had put into my dance career.

To say that Irish Dance has greatly impacted my professional career is an understatement. In dance, I practiced with a certain placement, or recall in mind. Professionally, I work to prove myself capable of more responsibilities. There may not be any more world championships in my horizon, but the work ethic that brought me success in my dance career has elevated my professional work ethic to prove that I am capable of handling, and succeeding at any opportunity presented to me. As I begin to tackle graduate school and my future career, I will carry my irish dancing memories with me, but more importantly, I will utilize the work ethic and determination that provided such pride and success on stage to my future endeavors.