Michael DeRario

          Michael DeRario is a 21-year-old, Marketing major and all-around Pace University advocate. Though Michael is a commuter student, it’s a rare day when you don’t catch him on campus.

            Michael is a student aide in the Honors office, responsible for updating the website, helping to plan events, and performing many other tasks. He is also a tour guide at the Welcome Center and can be seen leading prospective students and their guests around campus.

            Besides working two jobs, Michael is also a member of PUMA (Pace University Marketing Association), on the Ad Team, President of Golden Key International Honor Society, and Vice President of Alpha Chi National Honor Society. His list of activities also includes charity work: Michael is Vice President of the UNICEF C.H.I.L.D. Project and an activist for Surf Aid International. He explains, “I believe it is important to take your individual interests, hobbies, etc. and to do something good with them.” 

            Michael explains that his broad range of interests played a role in choosing Pace University. Coming from high school, he hadn’t decided on a major because he had so many interests. He says, “Pace has given me the opportunity to explore many different areas of study, and has given me the ability to make an educated decision about  my future.”

            When it came down to it, Michael used his liberal arts core to make the most of his self-exploration and decided that a Marketing major would be the best way to utilize all of his talents and interests. He notes, “Advertising gives me an adrenaline rush, and gets my creative juices flowing.” He also decided on a minor in Media and Communication Arts because it allows him to put his creative ideas into concrete products.

            When asked about his goals, Michael says, “My goal right now is to live a balanced life. I know it sounds like a bad cereal commercial, but I think it is important to do. I am so passionate about everything I do, that it is sometimes hard for me to balance everything out.  It definitely is a challenge, but I like to see it as a positive one.”  

            Aside from encouraging everyone to take advantage of the multiple opportunities Pace University has to offer, Michael also encourages his fellow students to slow down for reflection every now and then. He quotes Jack Johnson, a musician, director, and surfer, saying “Slow down everyone you’re moving too fast.  Frames can’t catch you when you’re moving like that.” Michael explains that taking a time-out every now and then allows you to “develop memories and indulge in every moment.”