Scholar Highlight: Christa Giansiracusa

Christa Giansiracusa is a sophomore at Plymouth State University studying environmental studies. She and her father, Craig — a footwear industry veteran — spoke about how a scholarship from Two Ten is helping her pursue her dream of working with animals and nature. 

Christa Giansiracusa has always felt at home outdoors. She attributes this connection to her family’s regular trips to Maine, where she spent time surrounded by mountains, lakes and animals. 

“That kickstarted my obsession with being outside, kayaking, swimming and animals,” said Christa, who continues to enjoy outdoor experiences and photographing life in nature. 

When it came time to choose a college, the environmental studies program at Plymouth State University immediately stood out. Plymouth’s location near the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire’s Lakes Region also meant that hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities would still be within reach while she was at school. 

Christa knew she would eventually be responsible for part of her college tuition after her parents helped pay for the first portion. Her father, Craig — a 26-year footwear industry veteran — encouraged her to apply for a Two Ten scholarship. 

“College prices just keep going up and up,” said Craig Giansiracusa, who has spent most of his career in product development for New Balance, Puma and now Wolverine Worldwide’s Saucony brand. “Some kids come out of school with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, and it's such a hurdle to try to overcome when you're starting out at an entry-level position.” 

Christa is the oldest of Craig’s three daughters, which means the family is preparing for multiple college tuitions at once in the coming years, something that can quickly add up for any household. 

“Any extra help anywhere is always a blessing,” Craig said. 

With support from a scholarship from the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, Christa is now continuing her studies at Plymouth State, where she is working toward a future focused on wildlife conservation and environmental protection. She is also minoring in photography, expanding her passion for capturing landscapes and wildlife. 

"[The scholarship] definitely helps because it cut down the cost of school and gave me an opportunity to do sports and clubs,” Christa said. 

During her first two years at Plymouth State, Christa balanced academics with athletics as the starting goalkeeper on the university’s soccer team. As a freshman, she was also named Defensive Player of the Year. In the classroom, she plans to dive deeper into ecology and zoology as a junior next year and hopes to gain hands-on experience by working at a zoo or veterinary clinic over the summer. 

For Craig, he is grateful to Two Ten for helping his daughter pursue the path that excites her the most. Craig himself began working in footwear retail while he was in high school and college and later transitioned into the product side of the industry after studying sports management. Twenty-six years later, he still enjoys his work. 

“You have to find something that you love and that you enjoy doing every single day,” Craig said. “I love what I do.”