I am an Area Coordinator, specifically for the upper-class and theme houses. My job is simple: I am to make sure that your stay at Hotel Amherst is a pleasurable one … just joking. My job is to supervise the Resident Counselors and make sure that the student body feels safe in their home away from home.

Where are you originally from and what are your favorite things about it?

I am from Norfolk, Va. I am not a big fan of Norfolk: It is hot, humid and uncomfortable in so many ways. You name it, it’s uncomfortable. I love the T-shirt that says, “Virginia is for lovers.” The truth is is that, “They are lying through their teeth hmmm the devil is a liar,” as my grandmother would say.

What is one of your proudest achievements?

I have two proud achievements: In 2002 I ranked third in the country and seventh in the world for Competition Baton Twirling. Also, I was elected student commencement speaker by majority of a student and faculty vote at Hampshire College.

When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a pastor … that still may happen.

What is one of your biggest goals?

I would like to be a professor of sacred movement and social justice at a cushy college, or a talk show host. I think I would call it “Sad Times … with Chris McMillan.” I can see it now:

Your boyfriend left you and is sleeping with your cousin … “Sad times.”

You were walking to Val and fell in the snow … “Sad times.”

You were wishing that someone else won “Project Runway” … “Sad times.”

What is the most important issue in your life?

Universal liberation. I imagine universal liberation as a process by which we measure our privilege and advantages, and through this realization we act in concert with and on behalf of those who have been systematically disadvantaged. These acts of solidarity not only serve those who are oppressed, but release us from personal bondage and ultimately transform not only us but the world we inhabit.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the United States today?

The world is shrinking and we have not yet begun to think globally. We falsely cling to some claim of global superiority. We have this idea of ultimate right and wrong, and we are usually on the right side. I could be wrong, but how many times have we apologized for our part in the calamity of the world? I suppose that until we can blur the lines between them and us, domestically and internationally, we are doomed. I dare say, until we see ourselves as citizens of the world first, and then citizens of this country, our paradigm is damaged and our sight is dimmed. Until this country sees itself as an equal member of a global community and not the global community itself, it will always be behind true progress.

What is your favorite thing about Amherst College?

That people at Amherst continue to surprise me. There are true pockets of truth, dignity and warmth are here.