ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

What’s been a standout moment for you at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ so far?

For me it hasn’t been one single standout moment; it’s been the collection of experiences, lessons, and relationships I’ve built along the way. ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has such a unique culture, shaped in part by its location in upstate New York. Being a bit removed from big-city distractions really encourages you to form deeper connections with your peers and fully engage in campus life and activities. It’s those everyday moments — late-night conversations, shared challenges, and spontaneous local adventures with my best friends — that have made my time here so meaningful.

Could you tell us a bit about your Manzi Fellowship internship?

I was incredibly fortunate to be a Manzi Fellow this past summer, living in Boston alongside a cohort of my amazing peers. I interned at InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW), a nonprofit organization that aligns deeply with my interest in addressing systemic racism and mass incarceration, particularly at the social, rather than legislative, level. 

ICW empowers individuals by helping them secure employment, earn personal training certifications, and ultimately train corporate clients. This model not only provides economic opportunity, but also builds social capital and flips traditional power dynamics in powerful ways. Working at ICW was life changing.

What are you looking forward to at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½?

Academically, I’m excited to explore my majors, economics and political science, on a deeper level. This semester, I’m competing on ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s Fed Challenge team, where I’ll specialize in a specific area of monetary policy and help prepare a proposal with my team to present to the Federal Reserve. I’m especially eager to see how my two disciplines intersect in this experience. As an athlete and a naturally competitive person, I also love that the class involves real competition; it adds another layer of motivation and fun.

Outside the classroom, I’m looking forward to the independence that comes with upperclassman life, especially living down the hill in the townhouses and apartments with my best friends.

What’s your favorite place on campus, and what makes it special to you?

Frank Dining Hall is my favorite spot on campus. It brings together two of my favorite things: food and great conversation. Whether it’s Sunday morning brunch, a post-practice dinner, or breakfast after a 6 a.m. lift, Frank is where some of my best memories and most meaningful conversations have happened.

There’s also something comforting about the sense of community there. Jeremy, who makes the omelets and eggs, somehow remembers everyone’s names and orders. It’s little moments like that that make Frank feel like home.

What advice would you give to future ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ students?

This may sound cliché, but truly: learn as much as you can. You may never again have the chance to explore knowledge so broadly and freely as you do in a liberal arts environment like this. Some of my favorite moments have come from realizing how topics from my Native American Studies, American Politics, Core Conversations, and even Intro to Physics courses intersect in unexpected ways.

Also, take every opportunity to learn from the people around you, professors, coaches, administrators, and especially your classmates. Every connection and conversation has the potential to shape your perspective and growth in meaningful ways.