It seems fate is playing a role in Ashling Colton’s post-Fordham life. The 2009 College of Business Administration graduate, who majored on marketing and minored in communications and media studies, says she had life after Fordham all mapped out.
After spending a good amount of her junior and senior years at WFUV-FM (90.7) as the host of the Ceol na nGael program, Colton was determined to pursue more education. She was accepted into Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, but had to postpone her studies because she could not serve as a graduate assistant until fall 2010.
That’s when fate stepped in. While conducting an interview at WFUV, Colton learned of the International Rose of Tralee Festival, a fête, she describes, that is similar to a beauty pageant. The festival provides a opportunity for young Irish women to showcase their aspirations and promote their Irish heritage and social responsibility.
The contestants vie for the crown of the Rose of Tralee, a title that gives them the opportunity to travel the world promoting and engaging in charitable work.
Colton set out to become the New York State Rose, and after a daylong grueling series of intricate competitions, she was chosen.
This past August, she headed to Ireland for the international festival where she competed against the 49 other “roses” in hopes of becoming the 2009 Rose of Tralee. In the end she didn’t win, but Colton enjoyed the worldly experience and plans to see where fate takes her next.
