Washington and Lee University
Hometown: Plantation, FL
Major: Russian Area Studies and European History
Extracurricular Involvement:
Off-Campus Experiences:
During the summer of 2005, after my freshman year, I spent six weeks living with a Russian family in St. Petersburg, Russia, while taking classes at one of the local universities. The next summer, 2006, I worked for Altis Consulting in Belgrade, Serbia. Finally, this past summer, 2007, I worked for HealthProm in London. HealthProm is a small non-profit organization, that does health and social projects in Russia and the Former Soviet Union.
Post-Graduation Plans: NBC Sports Intern
Favorite W&L Memory: Broadcasting the W&L - Emory and Henry football game in 2006 that clinched the ODAC title.
Favorite Class: Chemistry 195 – Atomic Bomb: Origin, Use, Legacy (Professor Settle)
Favorite Lexington Landmark: Salerno’s. I recommend #17.
I knew next to nothing about W&L before my senior year in high school. But I knew enough to visit, and I’m lucky I did. During my visit, I quickly learned about Washington and Lee’s history, honor system and liberal arts curriculum. I was sold on the school. But in the four years since, I've discovered that there is a lot more to the W&L experience than what you learn in class.
I was right about the liberal arts education--it’s great, and the professors are out of this world. The best thing about the professors is that they care as much about what you do outside of class as what you do in class. One of my favorites, Professor Goldsmith, always takes the time to stop and talk whenever we see each other. He likes to know what’s going on in my life. When I was leading a Nabors Service Day team, I knew I could count on him to participate.
As great as W&L's liberal arts education is, I would not have enjoyed my time in Lexington nearly as much if I hadn’t gotten involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. As Head Dorm Counselor, I work closely with the deans in the Student Affairs office to ensure that our freshmen have the best experience possible. I love living in the dorms, because there is always something happening.
Another experience that really stands out in my mind is my work as a broadcaster for our campus radio station, WLUR 91.5 FM. I found my niche doing sportscasting, and have been either a play-by-play or color commentator for nearly every sport on campus. I have also been a part of a sports talk show for over two years, and even had the opportunity to interview former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes during her visit to campus. Sports are my passion, and my involvement with WLUR has made my W&L experience complete. Next year, I will be an intern with NBC Sports in New York City, and while I will no longer be on-air, my experience at WLUR will certainly come in handy.
I once tried to imagine what college would have been like at another school, and it wasn’t a pretty picture. Nowhere else would I have had the opportunities or support that W&L has given to me. And the friendships I have made with students, professors and administrators will last forever. I am both proud and lucky that I have been able to call Washington and Lee my home for the last four years. Go Generals!
