Senior to Senior Series: Ricky Alaimo
Hello! My name is Eliza Moore and I am a member of the Class of 2023. In this series, I interview other graduating seniors and learn about their experience at Chatham University. This highlight’s special guest is someone who knows all about the crazy life of a Chatham student. From moving out of state, to changing your major, to being involved with athletics, Ricky Alaimo has done it all!
Name: Ricky Alaimo
Major(s): Management & History
Hometown: Peachtree City, GA
What led you to choose Chatham?
The opportunity to play baseball and go to college in a new, large city that expanded my depth and allowed for me to grow significantly as a person. The small college environment where I know my professors and the experience Chatham provides led to a decision that I would make every time if I could do it over again.
Have your plans changed at all throughout your time at ChathamU?
Absolutely. I think like most people coming into college I had a certain idea about what I wanted to do and then that changed about 3 or 4 different times while I was at Chatham. I came in as a communications major and now I am leaving as a major in two completely different fields.
What has been your biggest challenge throughout college?
There were really two main challenges that I had. The first was navigating through the variety of difficulties that we all faced during COVID-19. The second was having to adapt to a completely different city where I only knew a few people. Being far away from home, and not seeing family or friends often was super challenging, but a great group of friends at Chatham helped me get through my homesickness.
Do you have any advice for any student out of state?
I think moving to a big city from another state for college is a great experience. It really helps you grow as a person. My biggest advice would be to try new things and be open to new experiences. It is always helpful to make new friends and do things with them.
Pennsylvania or Georgia? (There is a correct answer.)
Georgia clears easily and it's not even close. (Wrong answer, Ricky. Wrong answer.)
How long have you been playing baseball? Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
I’ve been playing baseball since I was able to walk. Having two older brothers who played, I was always trying to do what they did, and I happened to fall in love with the game. My biggest inspiration and the player I looked up to the most was Derek Jeter. His hard work and exemplary character made him a great role model for millions of kids.
What does your dream job look like?
My dream job switches up every now and again. One of them is to be the head baseball coach of a division one program near the Southeast coast. This would include schools such as the College of Charleston, Miami, Coastal Carolina, etc. Another one of my dream jobs would be to be an entrepreneur and own and run a travel baseball facility.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I don’t really know yet. One plan is to get a remote job working for a business and be a volunteer baseball coach at a university. Another plan is to be a graduate assistant at a university.
Do you have any advice for new or prospective students?
My advice to new or prospective students would be to really enjoy and utilize the Chatham experience. The support systems in place are great for students, and the campus community is enjoyable with a ton of events for a wide variety of interests. The years go by quickly, so make sure to enjoy them and be active around campus.
Final, wise words from Ricky Alaimo:
I wasn’t quite sure of myself or whether I’d make it or not, but after a little while I got x-rayed and found out I had that dawg in me.
If you or a friend would like to participate in the Senior to Senior series, please reach out to Eliza.Moore@chatham.edu. We want to hear about your journey at Chatham University!