And that’s just fine by her.

She wasn’t always a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management student at Saint Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y.

Not even close.

Once upon a time, Irwin was a Psychology major at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She was considering playing softball there, but was never 100 percent all-in. She never felt comfortable there.

Photos submitted to Times Observer Third from right, in front, Ellee Irwin is pictured at M&T Bank/Seneca One in Buffalo, N.Y.

“I was only there for a semester,” she said. “I realized I would thrive better in an environment where I could make connections and relationships rather than being a number in a classroom.”

She admits she was “confused on my future plans” while in high school; she lacked confidence in who she wanted to become. She also admits she now knows that is a normal feeling for a high school student.

Finding out who you are and who you want to become is never-ending. If there is any piece of advice the now 20-year-old who will graduate (a year early) in May would tell current high school students — don’t beat yourself up if your journey doesn’t fit nicely and neatly into a little box. Being uncomfortable is a good thing; it helps you grow.

“This past summer, I spent five-and-a-half weeks studying abroad in Perugia, Italy,” said Irwin. “Ever since I was little, I found a passion for traveling, and I felt it was time to take a step forward in my journey.

During this trip, I struggled being away from home and my usual routine. However, stepping out of my comfort zone allowed me to develop new skills and navigate unfamiliar situations. I thank Bob Donius, the program director, for showing me Italy and for helping me embrace life’s challenges. It took me to roam around Rome to find myself.

Ellee Irwin is pictured.

“Since transferring, I’ve felt more confident and supported, and I’ve realized I can succeed without worrying about making it independently,” said Irwin. “I’ve embraced taking risks, knowing that failure is part of learning and growing. This change in mindset has helped me become more resilient and independent, and I’m grateful for the journey. I plan to graduate this spring, May 2025. I want to pursue my MBA as soon as possible, with chances of some opportunities in the fall of 2025. The trips and connections I have made have me considering working for M&T Bank headquarters. However, I am not quite sure if I am done with St. Bonaventure. This place has given me the greatest friendships, connections, and opportunities that I will forever be grateful for.”

One of those opportunities was an eye-opener that steered Irwin on her current path.

“The official name of the trip was the ‘SBU M&T Bank Trip,'” said Irwin. “Those who attended (in Buffalo, N.Y.) were from a leadership class taught by Todd Palmer, the School of Business Management chair, and a few other hand-selected students, including myself. The Dean of the School of Business, Matrecia James, and alumni also attended this trip and the networking in the Airbnb prior to the day spent at M&T. (On September 19) We went to Seneca One, Buffalo’s tallest building. We spent the day networking, having a meal, presentations from (Human Resources), and touring the departments, including the TechHub/Academy. This trip was an opportunity to see how my academic journey can collaborate with real-world experiences. It was important to me since I’m passionate about business leadership and development.

“From the perspective of Todd Palmer, Matrecia James, and the School of Business, the purpose of this trip was to expose us to real-world experiences and encourage networking, which is critical for students aspiring to succeed in the business world,” she explained. “Learning outside of the classroom is how students make connections and develop skills. This trip wasn’t just a tour, it was a strategic part of our development as students to succeed as future business leaders.”

From the perspective of Irwin, she was like a kid in a candy store. This monstrosity of a building and experience — Seneca One — opened her eyes to a new world, a business world, she’d never seen before, and it corroborated all of what her teachers and mentors have been telling her — her business degree doesn’t have to mean sitting behind a desk in a cubicle from 9 to 5.

M&T’s $58 million Tech Hub is housed over 10 floors at Seneca One, where there are restaurants, shops, weight rooms, businesses, apartments and whatever else you can think of. If you wondered if it’s a place Irwin would like to be, just ask her to put her eyeballs back into her head.

“Graduating at 20 feels like both an exciting achievement and a unique challenge,” she said. “My immediate goals are to apply the knowledge l’ve gained, particularly in business and leadership, to real-world experiences. Being a positive person is the mindset I like to bring into everything I do, making sure to not only achieve my goals, but to be a kind and thoughtful person. Building relationships and fostering a supportive environment are just as important to me as hitting professional milestones. Long-term, I see myself pursuing roles that challenge me to lead and innovate, potentially even starting my own business one day, which is something l’ve always dreamed of. But a big part of my journey will be about getting to know myself better, both professionally and personally. I’ve learned that self-awareness is crucial to success, and I want to keep reflecting on my values, strengths, and areas for improvement. Staying positive, working with a purpose, and being a good person will remain at the core of everything I do, and I hope to help others along the way.

“Being in the wrong place has taught me valuable lessons,” she said. “Those feelings of frustration pushed me to become who I am now. Being in the right place now is nothing but rewarding. Having support, friendships, and a new place to call home has given me a sense of belonging and confidence. This environment and outlook on life has encouraged me to pursue life with enthusiasm and optimism.”

Oh, and she didn’t end up playing college softball, but she did join women’s rugby last December at St. Bonaventure, “and went to Houston, Texas, and won the rugby national championship,” said Irwin.