In seventh grade, I traveled to France for two weeks with my younger sister over winter break. While sojourning there, the family I was staying with viciously tricked me into eating foie gras [duck’s liver] and caviar [fish eggs]. I’m pretty sure that’s when I lost all trust in the French. I think that was also when I decided to become a vegetarian.

What is your favorite activity to do for fun/pleasure/relaxation while at Amherst?

When the weather is tolerable and I feel the need to get away for a bit, I love to visit the trails through the bird sanctuary. It is so peaceful there, it truly is a sanctuary; I feel like all the stress from school is completely gone for those few hours spent there.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Amherst area?

I’d have to say Judie’s! The food there is absolutely incredible. Even as a vegetarian, there are tons of mouth-watering options to choose from. And those popovers are wonderful. Plus it’s fun to eat things that are the size of my head. Did you know you could order a meal comprised of all popovers? One for an appetizer, one filled with entrée-stuff and one filled with yummy goodness for dessert! Although I wouldn’t recommend it at all.

You are from Santa Monica, Calif. What do you miss most about home?

Wearing sandals year-round and being two miles away from the beach. While I’m at home I love to go on runs down to the beach a few times a week. Plus, the weather just doesn’t get any better.

What are your plans for the summer? What are you looking forward to the most?

After sticking around for Commencement, I am going home to work at an environmental non-profit aquarium on the beach. I’ll be working with children to teach them about marine biology, ecology and what we can do to help the Santa Monica Bay. Also, my 19th birthday falls on July 4,—yes, Independence Day!—and my family might go camping for a bit in the Sierras to celebrate.

What activities are you engaged in on campus? Is there anything else on campus that interests you?

Presently I am in the Green Amherst Project, an environmental group on campus that functions as a part of MassPIRG. Our next project is Earth Day/Week coming up, so get ready for some Earth-lovin’ fun! Additionally, my friend Brieanna Carrigan and I are trying to create a community service knitting/crocheting club called The Amherst Stitchin’ Knitters. Our goal is to get it up and running smoothly by the beginning of next year ... so whoever is interested, please contact us!

What is your favorite part about playing volleyball at Amherst?

The whole experience has been unforgettable. Since volleyball is a fall sport, I immediately had a close family on campus. My teammates are friendly, hilarious, great at the game and passionate. I couldn’t have asked for more. We made it to the Elite Eight this year—the best season in Amherst volleyball history!— and I’ll never forget it. Plus my coach, Sue Everden, is frickin’ awesome. Ask her to do the Soulja Boy dance for you.

Do you know what your major is yet?

I plan on double majoring in environmental studies and geology. I just can’t get enough of the Earth, I guess.