What is your major and minor? What other academic programs were you a part of?
Psychology major, ASL/Deaf Studies minor. Honors Program.
What are some of the jobs you held while at McDaniel?
While at McDaniel I worked primarily as a tutor in ASL and various psychology courses. I also worked as a peer mentor during my sophomore year.
What organizations were you a part of at McDaniel? What positions did you hold?
Throughout my time at McDaniel I have been in many different organizations, but there were two that were particularly meaningful to me and in which I was actively involved. One is Alpha Phi Omega (service fraternity) in which I served as pledge educator for a year. The other is McDaniel Gender and Sexuality Alliance (Allies) in which I served as co-president my sophomore year, secretary my junior year, and president my senior year. Allies holds a very special place in my heart and I look forward to where the new exec board will take it.
Did you enjoy your time at McDaniel? How?
Absolutely! Freshman year I nervously engaged in various campus organizations and a found a home. While in this home I stumbled into and grew friendships that will continue long after college. I explored my interests and found the direction for my life. I build relationships with professors and others on campus. I learned a lot in and out of the classroom. I spent a semester in Scotland and exploring Europe. When I started college, I was hopeful of what the McDaniel experience could bring, and since that time it has surpassed what I had imagined.
Who do you think was/is your best mentor?
Dr. Mazeroff has been my best mentor. I met him when I first visited McDaniel and have had the privilege of working with him throughout my years here. He supported me in little ways, nominated me for awards, at times had more confidence in me than I did, and helped me discover my current path.
What is your best memory at McDaniel?
That’s a tough one…one of my best memories at McDaniel was Galentine’s Day with my friends this year. It was a day full of fun and laughter, and a great example of the wonderful times I have been fortunate to spend with my friends on this campus.
What are some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
I faced a lot of personal challenges in my time at McDaniel, but I got through them with the support of my friends, the resources at the Wellness Center, and understanding from my professors. I am forever grateful for the community I found at McDaniel.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am going to grad school for a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling (or something by a similar name) after graduation. Exactly which one is still being determined, though I know I will be staying on the east coast, most likely in Maryland.
What would you tell yourself as a first-year at McDaniel?
The next few years are going to be a lot harder than you’d expect, but you’ll be fine. The positives heavily outweigh the negatives, and your experience here will be better than you can know. Remember to enjoy the journey.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the McDaniel community?
When you enter McDaniel, you get a chance to be yourself without the judgment of people who have known you for years. Embrace that. It may be scary at first, the priorities in your life may change, but that honesty and self-acceptance is a good thing. Allowing myself the permission to be myself was one of the best things I did when I started at McDaniel. Even if you’re no longer a freshman, give yourself that permission. Live authentically.
