I wanted to be a Senior Fellow to share with others what an incredible experience I have had at Middlebury. It is a unique place that has given me so much over the past few years, and I wanted to give something back in return. I know how much I benefited from hearing from current students when I was looking at prospective schools. There is no better way to find out about a place than directly from those living and breathing it, so I also think it’s crucial that prospective students get to hear from Midd Kids themselves.

I was an intern at Landor Associates, a branding consulting firm in New York City.

When it came to choosing a college, I was all over the place — big, small, near, far, hot, cold and everything in between. It was a long, at times stressful, process, but along the way I learned a lot about what was important to me. In the end, in addition to incredible opportunities, gorgeous mountain views and proximity to your own ski mountain, I chose Middlebury for the close-knit community and sense of camaraderie among students.

Biggest challenge in transitioning to college

My biggest challenge was learning to manage my time and create a schedule that worked for me, given the multitude of opportunities — academic, social, athletic, extracurricular and otherwise.

Greatest surprise or least expected aspect of life at Middlebury

I didn’t expect there to be such a diversity of interests at Middlebury. There are literally people here from all over the world who bring their passions to this little Vermont campus, which I love.

Choosing a major

I went with my gut when choosing Political Science as my major, and I have never regretted it. The great thing about Middlebury academics is that you can take courses in as many disciplines as you like. I definitely took advantage of that opportunity my freshman year, sampling classes in many areas. After that, I knew that given my interests, Political Science was the right fit for me.

Favorite Class or Professor

Education in America with Professor Tara Affolter.

Favorite Vermont-based activity

Hiking nearby mountains

Favorite Winter Activity

Skiing at the Snow Bowl, doing a snow-shoe race each winter with friends, movie nights and hot chocolate.

Favorite Spot Off-campus

The top of Snake Mountain

Favorite Dining Hall Concoction

Yogurt, fruit, granola, raisins and home-made Middlebury peanut butter in a big Proctor bowl.

Between meeting all kinds of people here on campus and studying abroad in Spain, I have become more open to new ideas and aware of different perspectives. Middlebury may be a small place, but there are some big ideas here; over the course of my time as a student, I have begun to see how to connect and apply those ideas to the real world. 

Farming in the Organic Garden

DJ a show on Middlebury’s radio station, WRMC 91.1