Stella Ross
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had at Wake Forest has been serving as a Student Trustee — not because of the title, but because of its responsibility. Sitting at the table where decisions that shape Wake Forest’s future are made, I’ve had the privilege of amplifying students’ voices and ensuring their concerns are heard and acted upon.
This role has shown me leadership is about asking the right questions, listening with intention and empathy, and advocating with conviction. Some of the most impactful moments haven’t been in board meetings but in the quiet conversations with students who want to know someone is listening to them. Their stories have shaped how I approach every discussion, reminding me that our university decisions affect real people — their experiences, opportunities, and futures.
Wake Forest’s strength and beauty don’t come from the buildings or the rankings; they come from the students, faculty, and staff who live out the Pro Humanitate motto daily. Advocating for them has been an honor and a responsibility that I carry with me, not just as a Student Trustee but as someone who believes in using my voice to create meaningful change.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
My favorite Wake Forest tradition is Lovefeast, a moment of unity, reflection, and the sharing of light in the darkness of winter. For the past three years, I have been a co-chair of the Wake Forest Traditions Council, where I have worked to sustain and strengthen the traditions that connect generations of students.
There is something profoundly moving about standing in Wait Chapel, surrounded by a sea of flickering candlelight, as voices rise in unison. In that moment, differences fade, and a shared sense of warmth, peace, and belonging remains. Lovefeast is more than a tradition. It is a reminder that, even in uncertain times, there is light to share and a community to lean on.
Being a steward of this tradition has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my time at Wake Forest. It has deepened my connection to this university and reaffirmed my belief that traditions are about remembering the past, shaping the present, and strengthening the future.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
While I have cherished every semester at Wake Forest, I never expected my time studying abroad in Florence, Italy, to impact me profoundly. What began as an academic opportunity quickly became a journey of self-discovery, reshaping how I see the world and my place within it.
Living with a host family allowed me to do more than observe Italian culture. I became part of it. From sharing home-cooked meals to navigating daily life in Florence, I experienced the city not as a study abroad student but as someone who felt deeply connected to its history and people. The Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, and sunsets over the Arno were not just historical landmarks but part of my everyday life, reminding me that learning happens not just in classrooms but through opportunities for experiential learning.
More than anything, my time in Florence taught me to embrace the unfamiliar, step outside my comfort zone, navigate a new language, and see the world through a different lens. What started as a semester abroad became a transformative experience, deepening my appreciation for cultural exchange, human connection, and the beauty of slowing down to live in the moment.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
I have been incredibly blessed to have had remarkable mentors at Wake Forest—individuals who have guided me academically and shaped the way I think, lead, and engage with the world. Among these mentors, one of the most impactful relationships I have built is with Dr. Austin.
When I stepped into her Hellenistic philosophy class, I knew I was learning from someone whose intellect was matched only by her passion for teaching. But beyond her brilliance as a professor, Dr. Austin has been a constant source of encouragement, support, and wisdom. She has never allowed me to settle for easy answers, constantly pushing me to engage more critically, to ask better questions, and to approach philosophy with deeper intentionality. Her belief in my abilities has given me the confidence to take on academic challenges I never thought I could, including my decision to pursue an honors thesis in Epicurean justice, a topic I would have never expected to resonate with so deeply.
As I look toward the next chapter of my journey, I know that the lessons I’ve learned from Dr. Austin, intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the courage to ask difficult questions will stay with me. Having a mentor who has believed in, challenged, and supported me has been one of the greatest gifts of my time at Wake Forest, and I will forever be grateful for her guidance and mentorship.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
As I approach graduation, I think back to my first year at Wake Forest, when senior year felt like a distant future. Now, I see how quickly time has passed—how the moments that once felt endless have become cherished memories.
If I could give my first-year self advice, I’d say slow down. Stop worrying about the next deadline or goal, and be present. Take in the beauty of the quad on a perfect fall afternoon, linger in late-night conversations with roommates, and embrace the excitement and uncertainty of new experiences you could have never imagined for yourself.
Most importantly, I’d remind myself of the people who made these years unforgettable. The friends, mentors, professors, and even small, everyday interactions that shape our time here in ways we don’t always realize in the moment. The best memories aren’t just in milestones or accomplishing goals; my most cherished memories are in the in-between moments. These will happen when we least expect them, yet they will stay with you forever and define your Wake Forest experience.