What is your preferred name and major(s) and minor(s)?
My name is Mariah Ligas and I am a German major, theatre arts major, and French minor.
What are some of the jobs you held at McDaniel?
I worked as the German Tutor, Theatre Carpenter, and Admissions Gold Ambassador.
What organizations were you part of at McDaniel?
I was part of Alpha Psi Omega, German Club, and Ukulele Club.
Tell us more about your story at McDaniel. How much did you enjoy your time at McDaniel? Who do you think is/was your best mentor(s)? What were some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
I found a home here, even though some decisions made in recent semesters have impacted my faith in the administration and faculty of the school to think that they may not care about us as much as they used to. Support from Ira Domser, Mohamed Esa, Elizabeth van den Berg, among others, has really helped me to succeed and push forward against all odds or despair. I had a very hard time adjusting to being back in America after my time abroad, but my close faculty support and friends who have become my true family helped me to get back on top.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am staying at McDaniel to earn my masters in education, and after that, hopefully a Fulbright.
What is your best memory at McDaniel? What is your worst memory at McDaniel?
My best memories involve German-American Day and welcoming new members to Alpha Psi. My worst memories are all very recent, such as administrative decisions to cut requirements from the McDaniel Plan without consulting students or raise the class cap in order to cut down on programs. That’s not the school I came to and I’m happy to leave before I see it get any worse. I’ll be glad to see my Alpha Psi fam for homecoming.
What advice can you give to those not graduating?
This school exists for you. Make your voice heard and always do your best regardless.
Anything else you want to share with the world.
Ukulele Club can jam, man.
