Up to this point, what is your favorite memory of being a member of the Arcadia Golf team?

I have two memories from the 2019 season that are equally my favorite. The first was at the Revolutionary Classic at Chesapeake Golf Course in Maryland where we won the tournament and were able to get Coach Merce a win as a head coach. I also was able to win the tournament as an individual which was my first college win. 

The second memory was when I was named Rookie of the Year at the 2019 MAC Championship.

How has playing golf taught you lessons or work ethics that you can use in other areas of your life or in education?

Playing golf has taught me a lot about myself and how I can be a better person when it comes to work ethic, strategy, and behaviors. Golf requires tons of patience and practice; I consider golf to be the hardest sport in the world. I have to work hard at my game to stay sharp to get ready for tournaments during the season. Golf can be a very frustrating game for people and it is important to keep a level head when things are not going your way. Back in high school, I used to get frustrated with myself when things did not go my way on the course, but I learned that golf is a game of misses and I'm not going to get any better with a negative attitude.

I believe golf is like life and I take what I learn on the golf course out into the real world. When thinking about life experiences, nothing ever happens perfectly. We have to learn to stay patient and keep a level head when things do not go our way. Getting frustrated leads people down the path of being negative, grumpy, or miserable. Having these feelings will lead to unhappiness and having these feelings on the golf course will lead to bad play. On the other hand, staying positive in life no matter what happens leads to happiness and positivity on the golf course will lead to good play. 

Outside of golf, what other areas are you involved in on campus and how have they helped shape your Arcadia experience?

I am involved with Orientation, Education Club, and intramurals outside of golf at Arcadia. Me and my fellow orientation leaders are required to welcome the new students each year during summer and fall orientations which has been a great experience so far. I have made so many friends while working on the team and working with new students has also strengthened my teaching skills. Most of the new students are nervous and uncomfortable at times and it's my job to make them feel comfortable coming into the Arcadia family. I am also in my first year as the Treasurer of the Education Club and three of my friends are the other executive board members. During our meetings we talk about aspects of education which has helped me become a better teacher. 

Finally, I am involved with the intramural sports program where I have been the captain of a softball team and a floor hockey team. My floor hockey team actually won the championship and I was so proud of the team members who participated, especially the ones who played in the championship including Nicholas McAndrew, Kourtney Albert, Allan Pedersen, Ryan O'Neill, and Brian Crail.

Have you studied abroad while at Arcadia? If so, where did you go and what was your experience like? What advice would you have for others interested in studying abroad?

The only study abroad I have participated in during my time at Arcadia so far is Spring Preview during my first year when I had the opportunity to travel to West Ireland. My classmates and I stayed in Galway for three days and Doolin for the next three days. The trip was amazing and it was my first time out of the country without my parents. I had so much fun touring both cities, hiking in the open landscape of the country, hanging out with friends, and going out to restaurants and clubs. 

Something that happened on the trip I was not expecting was taking part in a mass at a church in Galway. The group of people I was hanging with decided we were going to go to the big church of Galway. When inside we realized that mass was starting so we did the respectful thing and watched the mass. Before the mass started, the priest came up to us and realized we were visitors. He asked me and one of my friends to bring up the gifts of Christ during mass and when doing so, he mentioned to the crowd that we were visitors from the United States and welcomed us to the church, which is a memory I will always have. 

Some advice I would give to first-years who are deciding to go on preview is to go and to have fun and make new friends while you are there. I was a little nervous at first going to classes and thinking about the trip because I did not know that many people in my class. Since I am a shy person, it is sometimes hard for me to make new friends. But in class, I made some connections with people and I was able to make new friends while on the trip which made it even more fun. I made so many memories while on the trip and it will always be something I talk about with people. 

🏌️‍♂️Chris D'Alessandro is next up in our Know Your Knights series.

➡️Studying abroad in West Ireland
➡️Aspirations to become a teacher
➡️What's on his golf course bucket list
➡️His pick this weekend for @TheMasters

⚔️https://t.co/IqPu66Clf5 pic.twitter.com/rprgqUMsIZ

— Arcadia Knights (@Arcadia_Knights) November 12, 2020

I have not completed any internships through Arcadia, but as an Early Education/Special Education major, I am required to participate in fieldwork every semester. Fieldwork consists of going into schools and teaching and working with elementary school students. There are times where we observe the students and the teachers, and there are other times where we teach the students and create lesson plans for the class. I am aspiring to become a teacher someday and getting hands-on experiences is helping me become a better teacher. The more experience I am able to participate in, the more I will benefit.

Are there any notable golf trips or golf courses you have played on that you consider the top of your list? What are some courses that you would consider are on your 'bucket list' to visit?

One of the most notable golf courses I have played at is Pine Valley in South Jersey. This was very special since Pine Valley is ranked first in the world.. Some other of my favorite courses include Caledonia, True Blue, Tradition, and Arcadian Shores which are all located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Before my family became members at Atlantic City Country Club, we were members at Seaview and every year I volunteer for the Shoprite LPGA Classic at Seaview on the Bay Course. I enjoy working this tournament because I have the opportunity to talk to some professional players and make connections. 

One of the most notable countries I have played in was Iceland. Iceland was a beautiful place and my parents and I were there during the summer when there is 24 hours of sunlight. One round we teed off at 8 p.m. and didn't finish our round until midnight and it was still light out. Hopefully this upcoming summer I can cross off one bucket list course, which is St. Andrews in Scotland. This is the home of golf and the second-ranked golf course in the world. I actually had a tee time there for the summer of 2020, but due to the pandemic,  the trip was canceled and moved to 2021. 

Some other courses on my bucket list include Augusta National, where The Masters is played, as well as Pebble Beach, TPC Scottsdale, and TPC Sawgrass. All of these courses are on the PGA Tour circuit and it would be amazing if I had the chance to play them.   

Who is your pick to win The Masters this weekend and why?

Rory Mcllroy. I am a big fan of his and he has the chance of completing the career grand slam with a win at The Masters.