ACC Student Spotlight: Claudia Santarelli

It's time for an ACC Student Spotlight. Let's get to know Claudia Santarelli! 

Claudia was nominated by Mark Leatherman, geology faculty at ACC, saying "Not only was she a stellar student in my Physical Geology class last fall, but she is a wonderful student ambassador in working at the advising office! While registering for spring classes came up in my course, she was a wonderful source of information to her fellow students." Keep Moving Mountains, Claudia! 

What's your major?

Communications

Anticipated graduation semester / year:

Spring 2026

Do you plan to transfer after ACC?

No

Primary Campus(es) you attend:

Littleton Campus

Why did you choose ACC?

I chose ACC because it felt like the right place to start over and grow at the same time. As an international student, I was looking for a college that felt welcoming, supportive, and academically strong. ACC allowed me to continue my education in the U.S. while feeling seen as a person, not just a number. From the beginning, I felt like this was a place where I could build something meaningful for my future.

What's your Mountain (your ultimate goal)?

My “mountain” is to build a meaningful career in communications where I can help people connect, tell stories, and create positive impact. As an international student, another big goal of mine is to build a stable professional life here in the U.S. and prove to myself that moving across the world was worth the risk. More than a specific job title, my ultimate goal is to feel proud of the work I do and the life I’m building.

Why did you choose your program / major? 

I chose Communication because I’ve always been fascinated by how people connect, misunderstand each other, and influence one another. I already had a background in Linguistic Mediation from Italy, but I wanted to deepen my understanding of communication in a more practical and cultural way. Communication is everywhere — in relationships, in media, in leadership — and I love that this major gives me skills I can apply to every part of my life.

What has been the best thing about your program / ACC?

The best thing has been the support. Professors genuinely care, and the smaller class sizes make it easier to build real connections. I’ve also appreciated resources like the Writing Lab and the library — they’ve helped me grow academically and become more confident in my work. I’ve never felt like I was navigating everything alone.

What's your favorite ACC memory so far?

One of my favorite memories was giving a speech in Public Speaking and realizing how much I had grown. I remember feeling nervous before presenting, but once I started, I felt confident and prepared. Afterward, hearing positive feedback from my classmates and professor made me proud of myself. It wasn’t just about the grade — it was about realizing that I’m capable of more than I sometimes think.

Which class has been your favorite so far?

Public Speaking has been my favorite class so far. At first, the idea of giving speeches was intimidating — especially as an international student speaking in a second language. But that class pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way. It helped me build confidence, structure my ideas clearly, and trust my voice. Standing in front of the class and realizing I could do it was such an empowering moment for me.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (so far)? 

I’m most proud of maintaining a high GPA while adapting to a new country, a new academic system, and a new life. Moving abroad isn’t easy, and balancing school, work, and personal growth has challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. Being close to graduation makes me proud of how far I’ve come.

Were you involved in any clubs, organizations, or activities at ACC? Tell us about it / them.

Yes! I’m involved in the International Students Club, Global Voices. The club is not only for international students on a visa, but for all students who have English as their second language. It’s a welcoming space where multilingual students can connect, share experiences, and celebrate their cultures.

In December 2025, I became President of the club, which has been such a meaningful leadership experience for me. As someone who moved to the U.S. and had to adapt to a new academic and cultural environment, I understand how important it is to feel supported. Through this role, I’ve been able to help create a community where students feel seen, included, and encouraged to use their voices. It has truly been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at ACC.

Advice or words of wisdom for future students:

Don’t underestimate yourself — especially if you’re starting over or coming from a different background. Ask for help. Use campus resources. Go to events even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. And remember: community college is not “less than.” It can be the strongest foundation you build.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Choosing ACC was more than just an academic decision for me — it was part of a bigger life transition. I’m grateful for the professors, classmates, and staff who made this chapter meaningful. This experience has shaped not only my education, but also my confidence and independence.

Do you know a student, staff member, faculty member, instructor, or alumni that you would like to nominate for an ACC Spotlight? jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Let us know!) Or if you would like to be spotlighted on the ACC blog, complete our Spotlight form.