They're beautiful, luxurious and comfortable. I love the views from the windows. My starry-eyed wonder will probably turn to utter disgruntlement as soon as winter hits and I'll have to trudge through all that snow just to get to Vals.
What's the best class you've taken at Amherst?
English 36: Shakespeare, with Professor Pritchard. Who can match Shakespeare's poetry and wit? There's just something in Shakespeare [that] can bring out the romantic in all of us.
Why did you decide to bring The Amherst Spectator back to life?
Our campus is so apathetic! With the exception of a handful of very vocal individuals on campus, not many people seem to know or care about the issues that go beyond the Amherst bubble. The Spectator is a journal aimed at presenting social and political issues from a conservative perspective, but it can benefit everyone. I hope The Spectator can spark intelligent debate by getting the liberals out of their complacent shells and the conservatives out of the closet.
And how challenging has it been?
Haha ... despite all the setbacks we've had so far, I'm very optimistic that things will go well. We expect to have our first issue out right before the presidential elections.
So why Bush?
George Bush is a man of conviction, leadership and, yes, compassionate conservatism. I think he can best protect our nation in a time when our security is threatened by terrorists. He liberated the people of Afghanistan and Iraq from oppression and tyranny. He is staunchly pro-life and promotes freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. He will appoint judges who strictly adhere to the principles of our Constitution. The list can go on and on ...
And what's your opinion on Kerry?
With all due respect to Mr. Kerry, I just don't think he has the credibility to be president of the United States of America. I disagree with practically every issue that he professes to stand for (if indeed he does stand for them), be it abortion, embryonic stem cell research, affirmative action, over-reliance on the United Nations' approval or even diplomatic relations with North Korea. He's way too liberal for me.
Switching gears now ... how hard do you find it to be religious on a secular campus like Amherst's?
As a Christian, I try to live by the Word of God, and it's pretty hard sometimes. There aren't many support networks, temptations abound and some less tolerant people mock me for my beliefs. But if it doesn't break you, it makes you stronger, right? Yes, many people view me as a fundamentalist freak, but it doesn't bother me. I know who I am, and I hope people will treat me with the respect and dignity that I treat other people with. As long as my personal relationship with Jesus Christ isn't broken, I'll be a-okay!
I know you studied abroad in Scotland last year. Are you glad you went?
Most definitely! I love Scotland in all its rugged, untamed beauty. It was interesting to meet new people, study in a new environment and try new food (which was, uh, something else). But going abroad for a year totally helped me appreciate Amherst College (especially the academics). I'm glad to be back at Amherst.
Ideally, what will you be doing 10 years down the road?
I know this sounds horribly old-fashioned, but I'd really like to be a housewife with a loving husband and many kids. That, I think, is one of the toughest but most rewarding jobs out there.
A frivolous question now ... what was your favorite Disney movie growing up and why?
"Cinderella." As a little girl, I always imagined myself being the ever-chirpy servant girl waiting to be swept off her feet by Prince Charming. Now, I'm probably more like the giggly fairy godmother or that goofy little mouse than I am the elegant princess-in-rags.