hen she’s not answering the Ionian’s Campus Challenge, avid travel lover Merissa Doyle spends her days on Iona’s campus embracing her senior and final year at Iona. That said, Doyle is not moping around, wishing for a time turner to increase her days at school. Conversely, Doyle is as busy as ever, a true stand out in the Gael community.

What is your year on campus and what is your major?

Sadly, I am a senior and I am an International Business major with a minor in Economics.

 

What are you involved with on campus? 

This is my first year as a Resident Assistant (RA), where I reside on the sixth floor of Conese Hall. I am on the Executive Board for the Edmund Rice society. I am also a member of Gamma Lambda Rho sorority, the Tara Knights Society and am a class senator for the Student Government Association (SGA). I was also on the Dance team for the past three years.

 

What is your favorite aspect of life at Iona?

Community. Most students at Iona would describe it as their second home, which is how I feel. If you get involved, find your place here and develop relationships then you can’t help but feel this way. It is something I will miss when I graduate.

 

How do you spend your free time?

During my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, eating, sleeping, exercising, reading and watching movies. I also love to travel and plan to do the Euro Rail for 3 months this summer.

 

What is your favorite book?  Why?

I always say that my favorite book is “Catcher in the Rye.” I remember reading it in high school and it really opened my eyes. It’s an interesting perspective on life. Right now I’m reading the Sookie Stackhouse series, which is what the HBO series Trueblood is based on.

 

What are your top three favorite movies?

“American Beauty,” “P.S. I Love You” and “Couples Retreat.”

 

What would you like Ionian readers to know about you?

I studied abroad in Ireland for a semester during my sophomore year and did a six week program at Oxford University that summer. I am a huge advocate for studying abroad and recommend that all students experience it because it will be the time of their life.