One thing that surprised me about Amherst College was the cultural diversity. There are people who come from very different backgrounds, and I believe those vast differences increase cultural awareness among the students with less culturally diverse backgrounds.
How did you choose your major?
I chose my major, Spanish, after taking a few classes in the department. I enjoyed the courses and professors, so I decided that Spanish is a department in which I could take many enjoyable and exciting courses.
You are a Big Brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Do you have any interesting or heartwarming anecdotes that you would like to share?
I have only been a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters for a few weeks, but one day, an RC and some of her residents wanted to bake cookies for the Little Brothers and Little Sisters in Newport. The oven was not functioning, so they went to other dorms searching for an oven to use. After more than an hour and a half, the group was finally able to enjoy the chocolate chip cookies.
What are you planning on doing this summer?
I applied for a summer fellowship on campus at Amherst, but will not hear back for a few weeks. If I am not accepted, I will take a job working in the D.C. area.
You work for Safe Ride on campus. How often do you get called out to pick someone up? Do you have any interesting anecdotes you can share?
This is my second year as a Safe Ride driver. Last year I worked the Saturday night shift, which required that I drive at least 10 groups of students (between one to six people) per shift. This year, I have worked Mondays and Tuesdays. I get significantly fewer calls now, and sometimes none at all-usually to unlock dorm doors. Last week, during Senior Night (2007 hours until graduation, I believe), I got to meet a lot of seniors, who were all friendly and were out to have a good time. They tagged a picture of me on Facebook driving the van.
What is your favorite video on YouTube?
My favorite YouTube video is the clip from the Amherst v. Tufts game last year when Andrew Olson hit a three-point shot to send the game to overtime.
What movies are you looking forward to watching this year?
I am looking forward to watching "Spider-man 3."
You're from Maryland. What do you miss the most from home?
What I miss the most from home is the diversity. Amherst College hosts immense racial diversity, but my county has a higher percentage of the population in different minority groups.
Spring Break starts this weekend. Do you have any exciting plans?
Instead of going somewhere tropical and spending lots of money, I decided to do something good to benefit the needy. I am joining a group of Amherst students to do some work with Habitat for Humanity in Biloxi, Miss.
What do you usually do on the weekends?
On the weekends, I wake up later and enjoy various Amherst athletic contests. I like to vary the party scene with my girlfriend from time to time, but in inclement weather, I prefer to stay in my dorm and play live music with my floormates.
You're part of an intramural basketball team, "Luau." Why the name? Tell us a little about your favorite part of being on the team.
We got the name "Luau" from the Luau TAP last year. My friends and I got to know each other at that event, and dubbed the rest of the TAPs and other significant events "Luaus." My favorite part of being on the team is that everyone plays about the same amount, regardless of our skills. We are a competitive team in the Advanced League, but we mostly play to have fun.
You were part of the winning and well-received LipSynch group for Room Draw last year. What are you planning to do for Room Draw this year?
I plan on entering LipSynch again, but not with the same group. Only four of last year's eight will return in my room group. Three of the others are going abroad and the last member is being pulled up by an RC.