Emma Swabb '16

Assistant Director of Admissions
(she/her/hers)

Home Admissions & Aid Contact Us Find Your Counselor Emma Swabb '16

Email: eswabb@wlu.edu
Text: 540-254-5841
Regions: Delaware, New Jersey, New York (excluding the NYC greater area), Pennsylvania, South Carolina

Short Answer Prompt

To help jumpstart your brainstorming and to demonstrate that we empathize with the challenges you face in applying to college, our staff has published their own responses to our supplemental short-answer prompts. We hope you'll enjoy learning a bit about us and will feel more comfortable showcasing something new about yourself. Remember, these are optional, and you are asked to submit only one.

Prompt #1 (Max 250 words or 2-Minute Video)
Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you? One important aspect of my life and identity is being a pet parent. It sounds silly, I know, but hear me out. I adopted my orange tabby cat, Monty, in 2019 when he was about a year old, and we have been inseparable since. He and I have moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia (and back to Pennsylvania), weathered a pandemic, survived two car breakdowns between Lexington and Pittsburgh (one resulting in an unforgettable trip to Odell's Mystery Market), and more. We’ve had lots of adventures in our four years together! He’s the first being for whom I have taken full care and responsibility and pet ownership has shown me the true meaning of those qualities. Since I work remotely from Pennsylvania, he and I spend a lot of time together (he sleeps in a window hammock right next to my desk!), and he was an especially welcome companion during the pandemic. He has taught me many life lessons and always reminds me that play, love, curiosity, routine, and rest/self-care are important. To say he is spoiled is an understatement, but I willingly embrace the title of "crazy cat lady!" Don't hesitate to show me pictures of your pet or gush over them - I won't judge.

Prompt #1 (Max 250 words or 2-Minute Video)

Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you?

One important aspect of my life and identity is being a pet parent. It sounds silly, I know, but hear me out. I adopted my orange tabby cat, Monty, in 2019 when he was about a year old, and we have been inseparable since. He and I have moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia (and back to Pennsylvania), weathered a pandemic, survived two car breakdowns between Lexington and Pittsburgh (one resulting in an unforgettable trip to Odell's Mystery Market), and more. We’ve had lots of adventures in our four years together! He’s the first being for whom I have taken full care and responsibility and pet ownership has shown me the true meaning of those qualities. Since I work remotely from Pennsylvania, he and I spend a lot of time together (he sleeps in a window hammock right next to my desk!), and he was an especially welcome companion during the pandemic. He has taught me many life lessons and always reminds me that play, love, curiosity, routine, and rest/self-care are important. To say he is spoiled is an understatement, but I willingly embrace the title of "crazy cat lady!" Don't hesitate to show me pictures of your pet or gush over them - I won't judge.

Admissions & Aid