Bella Tagliavia’s roots at Fordham University run deep, and today, she’s on a mission to share her contagious love for all things Fordham with future classes.
As a first-year, Tagliavia was eager to immerse herself in the school community and share her love for the university with others, so she sought out the Rose Hill Society (RHS). This decision marked the beginning of her path to becoming a tour guide for Fordham. Through her involvement, Tagliavia dove into the heart of Fordham’s community, learning about the university and its surroundings. Her genuine enthusiasm and commitment to showcasing the university’s unique charm soon became evident, and it wasn’t long before Tagliavia embraced the role of a tour guide with unwavering dedication.
Now a sophomore, she reflects on her journey, expressing, “Being a member of Rose Hill Society has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have been a part of during my time at Fordham. I have learned so much about the university and its surroundings, giving me great enjoyment of the campus and New York City. Not only have I met wonderful people through RHS, but I have also been given a chance to share my love for Fordham by showing prospective students the great things Fordham has to offer.”
In her role as a tour guide, Tagliavia not only showcases the physical beauty of Fordham’s campus but also shares her personal connection to the university. Her enthusiasm and warmth shine through, creating an inviting atmosphere for prospective students. Bella embodies the Jesuit values of service, leadership and social justice, which form the core of the Fordham experience.
Her love for working with kids and her aspirations to pursue a career in early childhood education or adolescent speech pathology shows her dedication to positively impacting others. She seamlessly integrates her passion for children and her commitment to Fordham, creating a narrative reflecting her personal goals and connection to the university.
“I love working with children, and I hope to either pursue a career in early childhood education or adolescent speech pathology,” she shares, highlighting the intersection of her academic pursuits with her desire to contribute meaningfully to the community. Tagliavia’s blend of passion and purpose is a testament to the diverse and vibrant experiences she has purposefully cultivated.
As a history major with a marketing minor, Tagliavia’s academic journey at Fordham has been marked by thoughtful decision-making and support from the university’s faculty. She acknowledges the unique flexibility offered by Fordham, stating, “I was happy to come to Fordham, where students do not have to choose a major until the spring of their sophomore year, as I was unsure as to what I wanted to major in when I graduated high school. However, history was the one thing I knew that I loved, and the professors and advisors at Fordham offered me great guidance when choosing a major.”
While Tagliavia has forged her journey at Fordham, her love for Fordham is rooted in a familial legacy. Her parents, who met while attending Fordham Lincoln Center, laid the groundwork for Tagliavia’s connection to the university. Despite the footsteps of her two older sisters, who attended the Rose Hill campus before her, Tagliavia has embraced her individuality and interests.
Her unique blend of personal experiences and family history creates a story that personifies the Fordham community. As Tagliavia continues to make her mark at the university, her journey stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Fordham that transcends generations within her family. In Tagliavia, Fordham has found a true ambassador — a student who embraces the institution’s traditions and values and actively works to shape its future.