Political science major and environmental studies
and international relations minor:
Fort Washington, Pa.

Why Bucknell?

"My dad went here; my brother goes here. I wanted to study political science, so initially I was thinking D.C. was the best place. I was looking at George Washington, Georgetown, American … it seemed that every time I’d visit Bucknell it was a sunny day with perfect weather, and people would be lounging outside with their laptops on the academic quad.

"Having all of this green space is important to me, as opposed to an urban campus. People are very nice, and you definitely feel like this is home. The classes I’ve taken are very well taught, balanced, and I feel very comfortable going to my professors if I have a problem."

Beyond the classroom

"Different parts of politics have inspired me. I worked for Senator (Rick) Santorum (R-Pa.) over two summers, and just seeing him care about issues and consistently work at them, even in the face of challenges, I found very noble. Working for Philabundance, a food bank in Philadelphia, got me really motivated about how to care about individuals and help them through the political system.

"In high school I was pretty involved with science fair — there is a geeky side of me — and I did a lot of my projects on ecology; specifically, different ways to clean up oil spills. I’m trying to further that interest by doing environmental studies as a minor.

"My biggest hope for after I graduate is to get a Fulbright scholarship. I’d like to go to Germany again to teach English to elementary school children. I studied abroad there, which was perfect because I knew German, loved the country, and there was the international relations aspect. I visited 13 countries in four months.

"Another possibility is going to D.C. to work. I interned at the White House after my freshman year with the help of President Mitchell, who wrote a letter of recommendation."

Balancing a busy schedule

"I like to think that I’m fairly active. I’m in student government, and I was the class president. I’m a resident assistant, a student caller, a student ambassador during Reunion, and (checks daily planner) … a member of the curriculum committee for the College of Arts and Sciences.

"I’m in band and orchestra, and when I get stressed out I like to go to one of the practice rooms, take out my trumpet and just play. The other thing that keeps me sane with my busy schedule is Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

"I also intern in Bucknell’s president’s office. The chief of staff worked for Gov. (Ed) Rendell, so we joke around a little about politics. I like having the kind of close relationships that happen at Bucknell."

More of My Interests

• Bucknell Student Government
• President’s Office
• Band and Orchestra
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
• Student Ambassador for Reunion
• Student Calling Program
• Curriculum Committee for College of Arts and Sciences