You're from Washington State. Were you born there? What do you miss from home? What is there about Amherst that you prefer over Seattle?
Yup, [I was] born in Seattle and raised on an island about eight miles outside the city. It's pretty much the most perfect place in the world. I miss the water, the mountains, the forests and the people … the Sonics. Amherst is great and all, but there's no competition.
What advice would you give to underclassmen or prospective students about life at Amherst?
Buy a winter coat and, if you have a car, a snow shovel. Get a CVS card. Also, just enjoy every minute of it and experience every aspect of it. Experiment and try not to get caught up in just one activity, whether it's academics, athletics or other extracurriculars. Finally, don't put so much pressure on yourself; it's probably not as important in the long run.
What is your favorite type of dancing?
Dirrrrty dancing. No, really. I love hip hop, salsa, merengue and every now and then a good line dance.
What is one stereotype about men that you think is usually unjustified?
That they are insensitive-I am surrounded by caring, perceptive, thoughtful men.
You directed this year's performance of "The Vagina Monologues." What was the most rewarding part about directing and participating in the performance?
Absolutely the best part is getting to work with such an amazing group of women [and] watching the process of empowerment and healing that so many cast and audience members go through. That, and I got a new red feather boa.
What are your plans after graduation? Do you have any exciting plans for this summer?
Graduation … that's funny. My plan is to hopefully get hired somewhere, by someone, to do something. The summer will include a whole lot of exciting GRE study sessions and enjoying my hometown. Directly after college I'm looking at going into community education, most likely around domestic and sexual violence. I may apply to the Peace Corps or a similar program after my sister gets married in 2008, or if not then, then after grad school. I definitely want to work abroad at least for a little while. I would like to go to grad school for education and possibly educational administration, so that I can teach elementary school. My advisor also wants me to consider working in foreign relations/international affairs, which I would be very interested in doing as well.
What do you think are three qualities that are necessary or very helpful in a strong leader?
Confidence, sincerity and a really great sense of humor.
If you had to choose to live in one city for the rest of your life, where would you most like to live?
If I had to live somewhere I'd most likely live in Managua, Nicaragua. I have traveled to Managua a few times. The first time was with a small group my junior year of high school. I returned by myself my senior year, and I just went down again this past January. The first two times I was working with children in the streets and at the markets, running daytime and after-school programs as well as health campaigns. This last time was really just to visit my families and friends, whom I hadn't seen in almost four years and who are very dear to me. I absolutely adore Nicaragua and it really does feel like a second home to me. A lot of people get confused when I talk about my mothers plural, but I have about three families in Nicaragua that I truly consider my own, although of course no one could ever replace my real mommy.
What is your favorite movie genre and film from that genre?
Generally the Will Smith genre. I couldn't possibly choose a favorite.
What were your favorite non-major classes at Amherst?
Well, I'm a double-major with a certificate, so this is kind of hard. But of the eight or so classes that weren't required, I really enjoyed Shakespeare, primarily because Sofield's tangents are kind of amazing.