What is your major and minor? What other academic programs were you a part of?
English Major
What are some of the jobs you held while at McDaniel?
McDaniel Admissions Ambassador – president of the program junior and senior years, Resident Assistant, Writing Center Peer Tutor, Library Reference desk worker, Library Intern Fall 2021, summer 2021 research assistant for Dr. Mary (The Westminster Detective Library), chemistry tutor freshman and sophomore years, Men’s Lacrosse Manager freshman and sophomore years
What organizations were you a part of at McDaniel? What positions did you hold?
Alpha Phi Omega Coed Service Fraternity– Alumni Relations Chair, Membership VP, President, Prime Minister, Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta First year Honor Society, Gamma Sigma Epsilon National Chemistry Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, Trumpeters, Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society, McDaniel Live Music Club- Secretary Fall 19-Spring 20, Student Alumni Council (freshman-junior years)
Have you enjoyed your time at McDaniel? If so, what did you enjoy the most?
Yes I have! The thing I enjoyed most is the McDaniel community. All of the professors, faculty, staff, and my peers have truly made my McDaniel experience amazing. I have been given so many different opportunities, the ability to be involved in all of the things I am passionate about, and the support to grow as an individual. I have truly found who I am at McDaniel and have gained the confidence to be who I am and pursue my true goals in life. McDaniel will always be like a second home to me and will hold a place in my heart.
Who do you think was/is your best mentor?
Dr. Mary Bendel-Simso who is a professor in the English department is one of my best mentors. She has supported me and helped guide me to be who I am today. Without her I would never have been able to find my confidence, find my happiness on campus, or be as successful as I have been academically. My other best mentor is Elizabeth Davidson who is the associate director and head of public services for the Hoover Library. She has supported me throughout my senior year and has helped me so incredibly much with pursuing a career in librarianship.
What are some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
As a first generation college student one of the biggest challenges I faced was finding my definition of success. Coming into college I thought that I had to pursue a discipline of study that seemed “impressive,” had to then pursue an occupation that was highly valued by society, and needed to show everyone that I was capable of doing the “hardest things.” I soon became miserable with my studies and struggled to make friends. Once I realized my happiness was more important than others’ approval, I finally pursued the discipline I have always loved and have found an occupation I am absolutely overjoyed to be pursuing.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am planning on attending graduate school for library and information science and hopefully one day becoming an academic librarian working in a college or university library.
What advice would you give yourself as a first-year student at McDaniel?
Be yourself, open up to others, and be willing to change. It is so easy to get stuck in your ways but trying new things and putting yourself out there will open you up to a whole new world of possibilities.
How do you reflect on your senior year during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic?
While COVID has definitely brought some limitations to campus life, I feel as if with many protocols being lifted this year campus came back to life. This year opened me up to some of my fondest memories of McDaniel and has brought me some of my most beloved friends.
