What is your preferred name?
Zac Sheaffer
What is your major and minor?
I am a History and Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies double-major.
What are some of the jobs you held while at McDaniel?
Off campus, most recently I have served as the Professional Exchanges Program Intern at the World Trade Center Institute in Baltimore, MD. I have also held internships at Translation Excellence in Aurora, CO and the Carroll County Farm Museum here in Westminster. On campus, I have served as the Intermediate Arabic II Teaching Assistant, Arabic Tutor, and an Ambassador for Admissions.
What organizations were you a part of at McDaniel? What positions did you hold?
The Honors Program, Intramurals, Alpha Phi Omega, Arabic Club (President), Phi Alpha Theta, Pi Gamma Mu, Phi Sigma Iota, LEAD, S.I.N.G., Study Abroad in Budapest in 2017, Traveled to Doha, Qatar through Qatar Embassy/Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies Dept. in 2015.
Did you enjoy your time at McDaniel? How?
I have loved my time at McDaniel. I tried to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way, and feel that the these different experiences positively shaped my college experience. I also enjoyed my time in the classroom and involvement in extracurricular activities, whether it be as unique as traveling to Providence for the Northeast Regional Honors Conference or as simple as playing pick-up basketball with my friends.
Who do you think is/was your best mentor(s)?
Dr. Upton and Carol Zaru. Throughout my four years at McDaniel they have pushed me to pursue different opportunities and made me a better student and man. I would not be in the position that I am today without their support.
What is your best memory at McDaniel?
My best memory at McDaniel was studying abroad the spring semester of my junior year in Budapest. To have the opportunity to go abroad with one of my best friends, Camden Ostrander, and to study and live in Budapest and travel throughout Europe was incredibly rewarding. I especially enjoyed volunteering at Mig Help, where I used my skills in Arabic to teach English to refugees and migrants.
What were some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
My first few weeks here were difficult because I am more on the shy side, but I put myself out there and made friends, got involved, etc. to overcome that challenge. I would say that was my greatest challenge, just being comfortable enough to put myself out there. Once I did that, every other challenge seemed much less daunting because I had a support system to back me up.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I have accepted the position of Assistant Manger of Operations and Program Support at the World Trade Center Institute in Baltimore, MD. I am very excited to continue working for the WTCI. I will also continue to serve as the Baseball & Softball Director for the Hanover Borough and volunteer as a youth baseball coach.
What advice can you give to those not graduating?
Take advantage of every opportunity and do not be afraid to take risks.
Is there anything else you want to share with the McDaniel community?
Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this incredible journey. I will forever cherish the amazing memories that I have made along with all of you at this special place on the Hill!
