I spoke pretty well before my semester abroad; I'd studied French for a long time and I'm a major here. But it was incredible how much six months in France improved my speaking and writing; I'm so much more comfortable with the language now, and I even feel prepared to live and work on my own in France.
If you could speak another language, what would it be?
That's a tough one … there are so many I wish I knew. I guess I'd say Farsi. It's the Persian language, and it's got a beautiful script (like Arabic). It's not as widely spoken as some other languages, but I'd like to be able to talk to some of my family members who grew up in Iran. And tell secrets around people.
You've lived in Newport. Do you remember the TAs there?
It was really fun living in the French House and the TAs are always a big part of that. It's awesome to meet and live with French people our age and I remember six or seven of them from previous years. Most of them were in Paris while I was studying there, and it was great to see them again and hang out and get them to explain the French educational system to me! There was one in particular, Delphine, who was really like a big sister to me: She helped me move into Paris, introduced me to her friends and consoled me while I went crazy at the end, doing final exams and packing to go home! This year's TAs are wonderful, too; I'm really glad we're friends.
Do you remember who was your first friend at Amherst, or one of the first people you talked to or befriended when you came here?
I've stayed really close with all my Appletonians from freshman year–but I remember the very first people I met here were Sarah Bass, Jasmine Eucogco and Elise Chad on admitted students' weekend. Sarah and I are both from Chicago and we actually thought we'd prefer University of Chicago to here. But thankfully we regained our senses and I can't believe we're leaving Amherst next semester! As for Jasmine and Elise, when I first met them I thought they were sophomores! Turns out we were in the same first-year dorm, and we've been friends ever since.
So you're from Chicago ... how's the pizza?
I feel like such a bad Chicagoan, I actually don't like deep dish! I'm from the suburbs (surprise, surprise), but I'd say the best things Chicago has to offer are its arts and music and Millennium Park! In other news, my suburb was voted the best place to live and raise children in America … so I wonder what happened to me?
What's your thesis about?
It's on nuclear nonproliferation, specifically the Iranian case. At the beginning when I was just starting to research, I really wondered why I was doing this to myself. But I think it's a really good challenge for me and I might want to continue on with research. I'm enjoying the work a lot and I'm really lucky to have such a great library.
Prior to interviewing you, I meant to look up some background information on you, and I couldn't find you on Facebook. Why not?
Teehee. Umm, it looks fun but I really don't need another excuse to procrastinate. Plus, I'm a pretty private person anyway.
What organizations are you part of on campus?
Even though I told myself I'd cut back on commitments, I've gotten even more involved with the Democrats this year. I'm also a tour guide for the first time, which I really enjoy doing. And I'm taking Tai Chi, which is supposed to teach balance and calmness-quite helpful with black ice and final exams lurking around every corner!
What's your biggest pet peeve?
When people don't knock before they enter a room-like say, a bathroom! I mean really, are they looking for an awkward situation?
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Any warnings to those you are leaving behind after graduation?
Hmmm, my pedantic side is fighting for attention. While it's important to think about careers and such, don't get so caught up in ambition and climbing that you lose sight of who you are and what really makes you happy. It would be quite a waste to be unhappy in what may be our one and only life. Oh, and always put the toilet seat down.