Gina Sileo
Name: Gina Sileo
Hometown: Montgomery, N.J.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Hospitality, Resort and Toursim Management
It is not easy starting a new journey, especially 10 hours away from home. For Gina Sileo, when looking for a university to attend, she looked for a place that would allow her to receive a great education but also feel right at home. Having grown up in New Jersey, far from the beach and always on the go, Gina fell for CCU’s Southern charm. Ultimately, when it came time to decide on where to attend, Gina sided with Coastal Carolina because it offered exactly what she wanted – great education in an exhilarating environment.
Ultimately, Gina wants to become an event planner after graduation and she made the smart decision to study hospitality, resort, and tourism management. It only seemed like the natural choice for Gina to get involved with the Student Chanticleer Athletic Foundation (SCAF). In this organization, Gina gets to be involved with planning team dinners and promoting the sporting events on campus.
“You definitely have to be organized and patient and you always need a plan B, because a lot of things can go wrong,” Gina explains about the attributes of a good event planner. “You also need to stay calm so the people attending the event don’t freak out.”
When not focusing on her academics and extracurricular activities, Gina can be found sipping her iced caramel latte from Dunkin’ Donuts and enjoying quality time with her friends. Her favorite memory at Coastal came during family weekend.
“Family weekend is my favorite memory because I’ve gotten really close with the friends that I have here and I consider them my family. Then, when my actual family was here, we were all together and it was really special,” says Gina.
In addition to her involvement with SCAF, Gina works a part-time job and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society. As you can imagine, she keeps busy. It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of being an active member of the community but Gina embraces her involvement with sincerity, a hallmark of her personality.
“I would say ‘genuine’ would be the word to describe me,” says Gina. “I think the most important thing in life is to stay true to yourself, no matter what.”
Q&A with Gina
How did you hear about Coastal?: I was looking at a few schools down South and I came across this one. Additionally, my best friend from home, Victoria Gluck, told me about it.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to Coastal because it has a great hospitality program and I love the beach.
Favorite professor: Dennis Stemmle
Favorite class: I love math so in general anything that has to do with math. Right now though, my favorite class is Integrated Business Communications because it is extremely helpful and I love my professor.
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: The campus, the small class sizes and the location.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: The weather is so much better than in New Jersey. I love the warmth and the “beachy” atmosphere. I have always loved the beach and being in the sun, but i grew up far away from the beach, so I feel like I am finally at home here.
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: I am a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society and the Student Chanticleer Athletic Foundation.
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I work at SweatCycle on Highway 501 as a front desk associate.
Plans after graduation?: I want to become an event planner, specifically for weddings.
What are your hobbies?: I love going to the beach/pool, hanging out with friends, listening to music, exercising and shopping.
Do you have any hidden talents?: I haven’t tried it in a very long time so I don’t know if I can still do it, but when I was younger I could play the piano upside-down.
Bonus Info: I am obsessed with Dunkin.
