What is your preferred name?
Christina.
What is your major and minor?
Kinesiology major and Spanish minor.
What are some of the jobs you held while at McDaniel?
Peer mentor, peer mentor advisory board member, student ambassador for Admissions, tutor, McDaniel local first year program peer facilitator.
What organizations were you a part of at McDaniel? What positions did you hold?
Honors Program (first year representative, community service coordinator), Global Fellows, Fitness Buddies, Heroes Helping Hopkins, Ski and Snowboard Club (president and vice president), Vagina Monologues, African drumming ensemble, The Forest Online, and Gospel Choir.
Did you enjoy your time at McDaniel? How?
Absolutely, McDaniel has become another home for sure. I loved being able to be involved with a variety of activities and have such an intertwined network of support from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Who do you think is/was your best mentor(s)?
Such a tough question! Dean Lisa Breslin, Dr. Pam Zapparadino, Dr. Jason Scullion, Dr. Elena Campero, and Dr. Paul Mazeroff definitely stand out because of how well they know me and have supported my winding path. Each of them has been dedicated to my success and explorations throughout my undergraduate career.
What is your best memory at McDaniel?
One of my favorites days happened just a few weeks ago. It was a snow day and all of my best friends gathered in my apartment for brunch. We made pancakes and tea and just stayed cozy. It sounds fairly casual, but I have such an incredible group of friends, to just be together is phenomenal. Then we went sledding and had an absolute blast. We ran around like kids and laughed constantly. Okay, this is sentimental, but they truly are spectacular and I am wicked grateful everyday to have each of them in life. I definitely wouldn’t have gotten through terrible times or enjoyed the fun stuff nearly as much without them. Much love!
What were some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
One challenge that has played a significant role has been both a benefit and disaster—being so involved. I think I reached a point of being too involved and so I needed to mellow out. This just took time to naturally let things take a break. That was what I told myself, that I could take a break from different activities and when the time was better and if I still wanted to, I could get back involved later.
What are your plans for after graduation?
So far I have travel plans! I’m headed to Australia with my family and then I will potentially be working with an animal sanctuary for a bit there. Then I’m headed to Central America to do some hiking with my best friend from growing up. Then we’ll see!
What advice can you give to those not graduating?
As cliché as it is, don’t forget that it’s never too late to try something new. In my last semester here, I started marimba lessons and I LOVE it. Though I am still learning the foundational skills, it’s nice to remember that at the right time, new opportunities come.
Is there anything else you want to share with the McDaniel community?
Go hiking, it’ll make your days better and you’ll have a chance to see the world a little differently when things look down.
