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Student Alumni Ambassadors 2019-2020

Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center

300 East River Road Rochester, NY 14627

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Mohammed Abumuaileq ’21 Hometown: Gaza, Palestine Majors: Biomedical Engineering Clusters: German Language and Culture Campus Involvement:

• Member of SADACA (Student Association of Arab Cultural Awareness)

• Member of UNICEF • Member of BMES (Biomedical Engineering

Society) • Common Connection Office Assistant

Achievements: • Dean's List • Independent Research Study with Professor Edmund Lalor • Undergraduate Chemistry Teaching Assistant

Career Interests: • Neuroengineering Research Professor • Hearing Aids Engineer

What made you select Rochester as your University? I selected the UR because of the many opportunities it has to offer to its students. One aspect that particularly attracted me was the research work being done at the UR. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? One thing I am particularly proud of is the diversity of not only races but also identities at the U of R. This aspect makes the students well-aware and mindful of others. What UR traditions do you enjoy? Meliora Weekend is my absolute favorite tradition. I love how vibrant the campus gets. I also enjoy seeing UR alumni wander around campus reminiscing about their old memories. I definitely love the food trucks too!!! How have you changed since your first day on campus? I have certainly become a person more aware of my surroundings. By that I mean that I am now more conscious about what others might be going through. I am more alert about the opportunities that I can get as a Rochester graduate. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? I am planning to stay connected with the U of R through providing mentorship to undergraduates in the BME department. I find talking to alumni or current students who might have gone through similar experiences a very helpful resource.

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IfeOluwa (Ife) Adefope ’21 Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria Majors: International Relations and Psychology Clusters: Portuguese and Computer Science Campus Involvement:

• No Disclaimers • Debate • Pan African Students' Association • Meridian Society (Tour guide)

Achievements: • Fall 2017/2018 Dean's List

Career Interests: • Diplomacy and Government • Human Resource Management • Student Councilor

What made you select Rochester as your University? I chose the University of Rochester because I wanted a university with a very diverse and international population because I love talking to and learning from people and I believe that the more diverse the school population the more people I have to learn from. What has surprised you the most about UR? I think how friendly and supportive everybody is here. I expected that everybody would be too busy doing their own work to help. However, since I've been here, I have never lacked help whenever I needed it. Not only amongst students but with professors as well. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? Something I always tell my non-UR friends is how diverse the student population is here. It was something we took for granted back home but now it's something I really cherish. Even though I am technically a minority, I never feel like one What is your favorite piece of UR history? The making of Gleason Library. I love this because it shows that the university uses our input to make the university a place we can love and feel at home at. It shows that they actually care about us. We aren't just students but people who can make a difference. What UR traditions do you enjoy? Might seem cliché but I really liked Meliora Weekend. I felt like I was at an amusement park with all the rides and food trucks and I liked how we had all the giveaways. I also thought it was cool to have a weekend to celebrate all our alumni How have you changed since your first day on campus? I have become more proactive as I no longer wait to be told what I need to do. I also feel more responsible because I'm so far away from home so there isn't anyone to run to when things are hard. I need to rise to the occasion.

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Lara Andree ’20 Hometown: Dallas, TX Majors: Political Science Minors: English Cluster: Environmental Science Campus Involvement:

• Executive Director of Community Engagement for Student Government

• Meridian Society • LEAP Tutor • Teach for America Intern

Achievements: • Member of the Rising Leaders Class

Career Interests: • Education- Teaching • Nonprofit Work • Education Policy

What has surprised you the most about UR? I was most surprised at how beautiful our campus is! The UR may be one of the few campuses that live up to the wildly-edited brochures that come in the mail. The tall and beautifully built buildings, paired with authentic landscaping, gives a genuine feeling to campus. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? Funnily enough, I tell my friends about the quirky traditions we have at the UR- like not walking beneath the clock tower or our painted tunnels. These small things are what make up our campus, and without them- the environment would feel completely different. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I think one of that largest changes in myself in the time I’ve been at the UR is how mindful I’ve become. Due to the volunteering and programs I am involved with, I’m completely aware of the impact I have on my environment. I’ve realized that giving back is something I want to dedicate my life to, and the UR has the perfect resources to do so. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? My UR experience has been short- considering I’m a first-year student but also incredibly meaningful. I come from a single-parent household with no siblings, and I continue to look for close relationships everywhere I go. This was easy considering the countless people working here to make the transition to college as smooth as possible. I’ve created a network of peers and mentors that have guided me in the short time I’ve been here, and I’m excited to created more memories! How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? I definitely plan to stay connected with the UR. There are entire offices dedicated to keeping in touch with alumni, and I am going to take advantage of all the emails and phone calls I receive. I’ve already met some great people through alumni networking events.

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Jonathan Bearden ’20 Hometown: Albany, NY Majors: Microbiology and Spanish Cluster: Psychology Campus Involvement:

• Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity • Emergency Department Research Associate • Chemistry Department TA • Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership

Achievements: • George Eastman Young Leaders Award • Study Abroad Ecuador 2018

Career Interests: • Pediatric Medicine • Rheumatology

What made you select Rochester as your University? I chose U of R to be able to explore my interests in both natural science and the humanities. How many people can say they study Virology, work in the ED, and read Don Quixote in Spanish all in the same day? What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? In terms of the University, I tell my friends about all the opportunities there are in Strong Memorial Hospital for all of the students wanting shadow experience or research opportunities. In terms of the city of Rochester, I love to brag about the great food scene we have here. What is your favorite piece of UR history? How Arthur Kornberg discovered DNA polymerase! In the world of genetics, that’s kind of a big deal. What UR traditions do you enjoy? Wilson Day during Orientation Week! Rochester, like any other city, has so much to offer. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I’m definitely more open to adventure and I find myself getting out to explore the city almost every weekend. I’ve also had so many unique opportunities here at UR, and looking back a year ago, I would not expect my life to be the way it is now. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? When I’m old and grey, I’ll be sure to bring my family to every Meliora Weekend so that I can relive my glory days as a yellowjacket and embarrass my kids. I also believe that alumni are such a vital aspect to the success of the University, and I’ll make it a responsibility of mine to keep close tabs on the current state of my alma mater.

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Himi Begum ’20 Hometown: Montreal, QC & Syracuse, NY Majors: Computational Biology Minor: Chemistry Clusters: Visual Arts and Visual Culture and Psychology Campus Involvement:

• UNICEF • Delta Gamma Fraternity • RCMERT • Rare Books and Special Collections and

Preservation (RBSCP) Front Desk Specialist • Teaching Assistant for CHM 203/204 and

CSC 161 Achievements:

• Dean’s List Career Interests:

• Computational Biology Research • Global Medicine • Health Policy

Any family members that attended UR: • Tishin Begum ’19

What made you select Rochester as your University? The freedom found in the academic curriculum. I have always been a student with a variety of interests; UR has been the perfect institution to foster them with its offering of clusters in multiple disciplines for a more holistic learning. What UR traditions do you enjoy? Dandelion Day is by far my favorite tradition at the University! It is so refreshing to see all students set their worries aside for a day to enjoy all the fun rides, good food, and live music organized on campus before the end of the semester. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I entered college with no real sense of direction in what I really wanted to pursue. Now, not only have I been able to cultivate meaningful relationships with my peers and educators alike, but I have gained the confidence in assuming my passions and the access to invaluable opportunities to pursue them. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? Rewarding. My UR experience has consisted of involvement in various student organizations and rigorous courses led by inspiring professors. Combined, they have strengthened my sense of leadership, allowed me to develop long-lasting friendships, and helped me develop a strong sense of character.

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Vlad Cazacu ’20 Hometown: Bucharest Country: Romania Majors: Business and Psychology Clusters: Math & Statistics and Media, Culture & Communication Campus Involvement:

● Community Assistant for Brooks/Riverview ● Resident Advisor for First-Year Housing ● Beta Theta Pi Fraternity ● 2020 Class Council ● Freshman Quad Hall Council

Achievements: ● Dean’s List ● Nominated for the Eli & Mildred Sokol Prize ● Medallion Leadership Program Level 3 ● Co-Founder and CEO of BarterOut, a tech

startup founded at the University of Rochester Career Interests:

● Entrepreneurship ● Accounting

What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I always tell my friends about our open curriculum. I find it so empowering to know that you can always follow your passion without feeling stuck in your past choices. What UR traditions do you enjoy? The Candlelight Ceremony. Researching the history of it and learning how initially, students were sharing light with each other as a symbol of knowledge and mutual help, got me closer to properly appreciating the Meliora spirit as it is at the U of R. How have you changed since your first day on campus? Coming to university coincided with a big transition period in my life. I spent a lot of time trying to understand who I am and what my role in this world is. I learned and developed; I meditated and discovered myself, while the U of R was the perfect catalyst for this change. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? So far, it has been a rollercoaster of amazing experiences. I lived, I studied, I had fun, I explored the U.S. culture, I laughed, I cried, I overcame fears, I grew, I felt empowered to follow my passion. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? After graduation, I hope to continue working closely with the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and the undergraduate business department. I want to help future students start their own companies, network with entrepreneurs and properly develop as business professionals. Having quality mentors is one of the keys in this industry.

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Skylar Cerbone ’20 Hometown: Buffalo, NY Majors: Political Science and Anthropology Minor: Public Health Clusters: English and Earth and Environmental Science Campus Involvement:

• University of Rochester Calling Center • Susan B. Anthony Student Advising Board • Undergraduate Political Science and

International Relations Council, Secretary • College Democrats • Rising Leader Program

Achievements: • George Eastman Young Leader Award • Dean’s List

Career Interests: • Civil Rights Attorney • Non-governmental Organization • Public Policy

What UR traditions do you enjoy? Fall of my first year my best friend and I happened to walk by the line to buy tickets for the Boar’s Head Dinner. Intrigued just by the name, we bought tickets on the spot for ourselves and two other hall mates. Little did we know that the Boar’s Head Dinner was one of the University’s oldest and most beloved traditions! We have since vowed to go every year together until we graduate. What is your favorite piece of UR history? Every time I tell someone I live in Sue B. it makes me appreciate how Susan B. Anthony was a key figure in persuading the University of Rochester to admit women. The $50,000 she raised in pledges included the cash value of her life insurance policy, a fact that both amazes and makes me incredibly proud to this day. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I was always one of those people who worried in high school that I wouldn’t be able to transition well moving away from home to college. Despite my worries, since arriving on campus I have become more capable and independent then I ever thought I could be. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I will always appreciate and be incredibly proud of the high levels of diversity here on campus. Even just in my hall, I have girls not only from across the U.S. but from 5 different countries around the world. I love the constant exposure to other cultures and languages that this university brings.

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John Cole ’19, ’20 (Take Five) Hometown: Oberlin, OH Majors: International Relations and Economics Minors: Mandarin Chinese Clusters: Mathematics Campus Involvement:

● Meridian Society ● D’Lions Organizations Organization - Co

President ● Rush Rhees Library Circulation Desk Student

Supervisor ● Men Opposing Violence Everywhere - Vice

President of Outreach ● Kearns Scholar ● Men’s Rugby Club Team ● Vice President of UR GreenSpace ● Department of Economics TA

Career Interests: ● Foreign Service Officer ● Environmental Policy Analyst

What made you select Rochester as your University? The extremely personal nature of my acceptance letter drew me in immediately. I could tell that there was an immense sense of community within the student body, but also faculty that genuinely care about the student’s well-being. What has surprised you the most about UR? How passionate and involved the average student is! It never ceases to amaze me how interesting the experiences of my peers are. It seems the University attracts the most unique, well-traveled, and ambitious students. It makes me feel all the more motivated in my own passions! What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? We have a resource called the Kearns Center that caters specifically to students who are nationally underrepresented in the college setting. We want students from all backgrounds to succeed in an equitable manner. Those who need help are given resources to excel! How have you changed since your first day on campus? I have definitely become a more focused individual. By being given the opportunity to try everything and get to know my passions and interests, I have been able to specify what it is that I want to be involved in, and I feel my time is much more productively spent. I’m doing what I love! If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? If you were asked to describe your UR Experience (so far)" - Change to "The most intellectually stimulating and rewarding experience of my life. My character has grown, and I feel more equipped to tackle global issues due to my U of R experience

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Phelan Conheady ’21 Hometown: Rochester, NY Majors: Interdisciplinary Major in Disability Studies and Identity Development Minor: American Sign Language Campus Involvement:

• American Sign Language Club • Office Assistant for the American Sign Language

Dept. • Upperclassman Resident Advisor for Southside

Living Center Career Interests:

• Freelance Calligrapher and Graphic Designer • Psychologist specializing in Adolescents with Disabilities

What made you select Rochester as your University? With Rochester having the highest number of Deaf people per capita in the whole nation, I felt like the University of Rochester was a natural fit for me. I never have to worry about getting an interpreter or finding other Deaf people like myself to talk to. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? Oh my gosh, how could I name one?! I suppose I’ll have to say I liked reading about Marcel Maus’ The Gift for my Anthropology class and how there are tribes around the world where gifting is a “total social phenomenon” and dictates how alliances are held with other tribes. What is your favorite piece of UR history? Call me a hopeless romantic with a sour taste in history, but I love seeing all the graffiti on campus—in the tunnels but also on the walls in the stacks. I particularly love those that were scribbled by young couples from years ago leaving behind their mark. It makes me wonder about what became of them. How have you changed since your first day on campus? If I were to meet first-semester me, I would simply just say “brace yourself, kiddo.” since I went from an intended triple major in French, ASL, and International Relations to making my own major which involves courses that are completely different and I’m glad I had the opportunity to grow from that. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? I describe my years at the UR like a love story between a young student and the hometown he grew up in. As much as I wish to see the rest of the world, something about viewing the Rochester skyline from the top of Rush Rhees makes me want to give back to the community and defend it against anyone who doubts its value.

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Hager Elkhidir ’21 Hometown: Rochester, NY Majors: International Relations and Art History Minor: Digital Media Studies Clusters: Computer Science Campus Involvement:

● Deputy Chair of the Committee for Political Engagement

● Hartnett Gallery Member ● Susan B. Anthony Center Student Advisory

Board ● Rochester Center for Community Leadership

(RCCL), Election Fellow ● UNICEF Community Building Chair

Achievements: ● Election Fellow, Monroe County Recognition

Career Interests: ● Diplomacy and Foreign Policy ● Research in Social Sciences and Humanities (PhD)

What made you select Rochester as your University? I think that I was drawn to the University of Rochester because it offered a myriad of research opportunities, especially for social sciences and humanities. This was something that appealed to me because it is very rare to explore research opportunities in non-STEM career paths. What has surprised you the most about UR? I was surprised at the amount of diversity we have here! It is interesting also to see that not only do we have diversity within our student body but also within our interests and career paths. I have met people who strive to implement interdisciplinary and intersectionality within their college career. What UR traditions do you enjoy? One of the biggest days for First-Years is the Wilson Day. I particularly enjoyed this day because it allowed me to give back to my community, especially since I am from Rochester. It gratifying to see people who are interested in giving back to our community, making it a better place to live. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I have changed in the sense that I learned and gained experience on how to be a leader. I think the experiences that I have been through on campus and being a proactive member of Rochester as a whole has primed me to seek more leadership opportunities. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? I would say it was a fruitful experience! I have experienced things in UR that I would have never experienced elsewhere. It has been a gratifying and enriching experience that allowed me to nourish my curiosity and adopt an adventurous personality!

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Payton Elliott ’22 Hometown: Victor, NY Majors: Neuroscience and Pre-Med Minor: Health Psychology Cluster: American Sign Language Campus Involvement:

• E-Board, Partners in Reading Project HORIZONS

• E-Board, URHEAL Campus Presence Chair • D’Lions Organization

Achievements: • George Eastman Young Leader’s Award • Medallion Program Level 1 completion

Career Interests: • Pediatrician (Family Office) • Nurse Practitioner

What made you select Rochester as your University? I selected Rochester because it was close to my heart and close to my home. I was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder when I was 10 and spent 2 weeks in Golisano. UR seemed to be the perfect fit academically and emotionally. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? THE TUNNELS! I think it’s so cool and innovative that the school has a tunnel system that basically connects all of the main buildings on campus! You can walk from Douglass Commons all the way to the engineering quad. I also really think the tunnel painting is a cool tradition. It’s a personal student mark on campus. What is your favorite piece of UR history? When I took my first tour of the UR, I really enjoyed learning this fun fact about the university- George Eastman was a huge contributor to the school but he did not want any buildings named after him. So, naturally, the grass in the quadrangle was named after Mr. Eastman! If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? So far, my UR experience has been the ultimate dream of any first-year student at any university. I made a strong group of friends, had a great first semester, and joined a lot of clubs where I fit right in. The U of R has provided so many opportunities for me to feel like I belong because there are truly so many avenues to explore—I found what I want to do! How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? I hope to land a pediatric career in Rochester- my family, my entire life is rooted in Rochester, and UR is a part of my story that has been helping me achieve success. I owe it to this school to be where I am at today, so I will stay connected by staying proximal to my homes!

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Mawada Elmahgoub ’20 Hometown: Letterkenny, Ireland and Khartoum, Sudan Majors: Public Health/Health Policy Minors: International Relations and Business Clusters: Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Digital Media Studies Campus Involvement:

● Black Students’ Union - No Disclaimers ● Student Association for the Development

of Arab Cultural Awareness (SADACA) ● Pan-African Students Association

Achievements: ● Dean’s List

Career Interests: ● Health Policy ● International public health organizations ● Health administration

What made you select Rochester as your University? Apart from the flexibility in academics through the open curriculum, I chose the U of R because of the large and diverse student body. I wanted to be around so many different passionate people who in turn would allow me to give and do my best. What has surprised you the most about UR? I’ve been mostly surprised about how much there is to do on campus. Whether it’s a club meeting, an event or even just a casual Starbucks meetup, there’s always something to do when you need a study break. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I definitely think that I am more aware of myself in terms of what I plan to do career-wise. Coming here I was undecided and fearful of being that way. However, through accepting where I was and trying out different classes, I was able to really discover where my true interests lie. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? Exhilarating. In my short time here, I feel as though so much has happened in such a little time, and there are so many beautiful moments in between. The thought makes me excited for what’s to come. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? I think I have met some wonderful people here that will keep me tied to the U of R for a really long time. The spirit of Meliora lives in every one of us and so long as we never lose touch of one another we will always stay connected to the university that brought us together.

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Dax Emerson ’21 Hometown: Round Rock, TX Major: Anthropology Minors: Medieval Studies and Environmental Humanities Clusters: Biology and Astronomy Campus Involvement:

● EcoReps ● Taproot Collective Internship Candidate ● Undergraduate Anthropology Council ● College Republicans/Political Engagement

Achievements: ● 3.91 GPA

Career Interests: ● Ethnographic Fieldworker (Anthropologist) ● Director of the Peace Corps

What made you select Rochester as your University? UR was very financially generous in its offer to me. Rochester helped me get an education like no other school would, which was excellent, as I fell in love with the university after I attended the International Baccalaureate World Student Conference here in 2015. What has surprised you the most about UR? Definitely the UR’s relationship with the City of Rochester. It is very easy for students to get off campus, and there are dozens of opportunities for community engagement! This is also good when looking for work over the summer, or simply places to stay near Rochester. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? The tunnels system, the open curriculum, the unlimited swipes option for dining—the list goes on and on! What I like to brag most about is the camaraderie found within the UR student body. What is your favorite piece of UR history? The old 1930’s Otis elevator located in the Rush Rhees stacks. I take it every other day on my way up to the 500M level! The way the elevator operates, especially with the traditional door, is quite fascinating! What UR traditions do you enjoy? My favorite tradition is where students can tour the top of Rush Rhees tower on Halloween and commencement weekends! Though not as much “tradition,” I also enjoy the theory that by walking under the clock tower between Wilco and the athletic center, you won’t graduate in 4 years! How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? I’d love to come back and visit after graduation! Furthermore, the friends and professors I meet at UR will last a lifetime. I can always count on them for life advice and career help! When friends and family have trouble finding a college—I’ll recommend they visit UR!

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Genesis Galindo ’20 Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Major: Business Analytics Minors: Computer Science and Spanish Campus Involvement:

● 2020 Class Council ● Alpha Kappa Psi ● Gamma Phi Beta ● D’Lions Organization Organization ● Students’ Association Government ● Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education

and Connections Career Interests:

● Analytics/Marketing ● Operations ● Project Management

What made you select Rochester as your University? While applying to colleges, I was looking for a university that would give me the opportunity to explore new interests and continue to study the interests I had—Rochester offered just that with their open curriculum and more. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? The incredible sense of community that we have on campus! Everyone is super friendly and willing to lend a hand whenever necessary, not just the students but the faculty and staff as well. What is your favorite piece of UR history? Finding out that not only was Susan B. Anthony one of the main advocates in convincing the Board of Trustees to admit women to Rochester but that she also raised and donated $50,000 to do so do—which is so touching and empowering. What UR traditions do you enjoy? I really enjoy Meliora Weekend because there is an incredible number of alumni who come back—some of which are having their class reunions—and it is always great to hear their perspectives and about things that have changed on campus. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? An incredible experience where I have had many opportunities to grow academically and personally—all while making amazing friends and even better memories that will live on with me past graduation.

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Cherine Ghazouani ’21 Hometown: Tunis, Tunisia Major: Optical Engineering Cluster: Economics Campus Involvement:

• Meliora LaunchPad • UR Scholars Community • Hillside market employee • Optics Students Association • Society of Women Engineers

Achievements: • S.A.L.S.E.R.O.S

Career Interest: • Optical Engineering • Entrepreneurship and Business

What made you select Rochester as your University? First, University of Rochester has an amazing optics department, and as an optical engineering student, this school offers me the best professors in this field and so many opportunities to immerse myself in optics. Students here are very smart, helpful and approachable. It is a tight knit community where everyone looks out for everyone. It is very easy to make friends and to get help around here. What has surprised you the most about UR? I was positively surprised with the diversity on campus. That means that our campus is very rich in culture, different perspectives and vibrant ideas which makes it the perfect environment to learn from others and to become a global citizen. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? I am part of the SALSA club on campus. Learning how to dance has always been a dream of mine but I have never really gotten the chance to learn until I got here on campus. Now, I am learning different kinds of dance and I am a part of SALSEROS future performances. Saying that “I have become somewhat of a dancer” is definitely cool. What UR traditions do you enjoy? Wilson Volunteering Day during 1st year orientation was not only a day to pay it forward and reach out to the community but it was also a bonding experience during which 1st year students get to know each other and actually form friendships through a mutual goal of helping others. How have you changed since your first day on campus? Transitioning from a high-school student to a college student is not just about the difficulty of the courses or the start of a career. It is also about the responsibilities, independence, and personal growth that come with that transition. As an international student, I learned to live within a community without being lost within the crowd. Finding your own unique voice while also synchronizing that voice to the community is a little difficult at first, but as time goes by you find your place and your perfect niche.

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Ananya Goyal ’20 Hometown: New Delhi, India Major: Biomedical Engineering Minor: Mathematics Cluster: Philosophy Campus Involvement:

● Meridian Society ● Biomedical Engineering Society ● Student Blogger, Office of Admissions ● Ecoreps program ● Quad Hall Council

Achievements: ● Dean’s List ● Study Abroad: Sydney, Australia, Spring 2018 ● Independent Research, Biomedical Engineering

Career Interest: ● Engineering Consultancy ● Biomedical Research

What has surprised you the most about UR? How amazing and helpful people are at UR! Be it the professors, staff or students- people here really want you to succeed and are always willing to help you out. I’ve received a lot of support at Rochester, and it’s great knowing that someone has got my back. What UR traditions do you enjoy? My favorite tradition at Rochester is painting the tunnels! During Spirit Week, you get to paint your name on the walls, and throughout the year, various clubs and organizations advertise their events. I think it’s really awesome how these things will stay painted in the tunnels for years to come. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I feel that I’ve become more outgoing and confident in my abilities since my first day. I started out as a very shy person, but over time, I’ve really come out of my shell, and I owe it all to the supportive community at UR. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? I would say, it’s been a journey of constant improvement. At UR, I’m continuously inspired to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, be it dissecting eyes for research or speaking in front of people on campus tours. In the end, I learn something important from all my experiences. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? I plan on staying involved through events like Meliora Weekend so I can keep in touch with my classmates, professors and advisors. I also want to connect with prospective students through alumni interviews and meet-and-greets, as I would love to offer them insight about what being a student is like at Rochester.

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Muhammad Hadi ’19, ’20 (Take Five) Hometown: Faislabad, Pakistan and Muscat, Oman Major: Mechanical Engineering Minor: Electrical and Computer Engineering Clusters: Media, Culture and Communication T5: Multimedia Journalism in a Developing Country Dynamic Campus Involvement:

● Residential Adviser ● Teaching Assistant for Mechanical Engineering

department ● Beta Theta Pi Fraternity ● Engineers Without Borders ● American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Achievements: ● Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society ● Undergraduate researcher in the Advanced Computational Mechanics and Materials Lab in

the Mechanical Engineering department ● Dean’s List ● Senior member of Team Gyan, a non-profit that builds earthquake proof schools in rural

Nepal Career Interests:

● Anthrobotics and medical applications of nanorobotics ● Non-profit civil engagement in developing countries ● Investigative journalism

What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? I had to do a piece on the Carillon for a class, and it was honestly just fascinating to learn all about those 50 bronze bells just sitting atop Rush Rhees! So, when working on this piece, I decided to take the old 1930 Otis elevator up to have a look at the bells, only to find out that the top “dome” of Rush Rhees is, spoiler alert, completely empty! Turns out the bells are housed on top of the dome. What is your favorite piece of UR history? The reason there is a tunnel connecting Sue B to Spurrier is because the Sue B dorms were actually women’s only; the tunnel let the residents of the building get to the gymnasium without having to go outside! How have you changed since your first day on campus? My leadership skills have undeniably been enhanced more than I ever though they would be. The UR, as a whole, has been an exceptionally enriching experience, but I feel blessed to have gained such great insight into what kind of leader I am, and how I can actively contribute to my society going forward! Not to mention that I feel much more accepting and welcoming, just because of how incredibly kind and loving everyone here has been! If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? Let’s just say that if I could go back in time and change anything about my college career, I wouldn’t.

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Bianca Hall ’20 Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica Majors: Integrated Sports Studies Minor: Audio Music Engineering Cluster: French Campus Involvement:

● Campus Center Building Manager ● GlobeMed - ghU Coordinator ● Black Students’ Union - Student Organization for

Caribbean Awareness ● Water Polo Club Team

Achievements: ● Dean’s List

Career Interests: ● Sports Medicine ● Youth Development through Sports ● Human Movement & Exercise Sciences Research

What made you select Rochester as your University? When choosing to leave the warmth of the islands, I wanted to attend a school that had the same mindset as myself. U of R prides itself on continuous self-improvement, not to mention allowing students to have as much control as possible about the direction of their learning. What has surprised you the most about UR? I’ve been surprised the most by the numerous resources, whether it be through peer-mentors, faculty advisors or simply your friends. There is a huge willingness for the UR community to support one another and help each other be successful. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I have become much more open-minded and more culturally sensitive to the different cultures of a diverse campus. Since then, I have also found ways to use my voice to champion the causes of others that may not have the same culture as me. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? My UR experience has been an unbelievable collaboration with my peers and advisors to identify and integrate newly founded interests into my personality and academics. Without the advice and guidance of everyone around me, I believe I would've missed out on crucial life-changing experiences that I can say now defines me. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? As an international student, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak and interview with Admissions representatives in Jamaica. Because of this I would like to create more opportunities for Caribbean students to attend UR through special counselling and scholarship funds.

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Bryce Ikeda ’19, ’20 (Graduate Student) Hometown: Tacoma, WA Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering Cluster: Psychology as a Social Science Campus Involvement:

• Men’s Varsity Soccer Team • Robotics Club • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers • eSports Club

Achievements: • Graduate Engineering at Rochester (GEAR)

Career Interests: • Virtual Reality

What made you select Rochester as your University? When I visited the school and met the soccer team I felt welcomed and immediately knew I would fit in with these guys. Since I want to be an engineer, the great academics, being accepted into the GEAR program and the amazing campus were huge pluses. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? One thing I have learned is how to navigate the tunnels from each of my classes to places to study to places to eat. This has been a life-saver for me knowing I couldn’t survive walking in the cold weather from class to class each day. What UR traditions do you enjoy? D-Day. Best weekend of the year! Everyone is enjoying the sun, having a good time and it’s exactly how I would describe a perfect college day. How have you changed since your first day on campus? Coming from Washington State I have made a whole new group of friends away from my old ones. I’ve learned new traditions, been immersed in new cultures and I have become part of my new family. Studying this far away from home is something I never expected myself to do and I feel that I have grown immensely from this experience. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? After I graduate I am going to stay connected with the Men’s soccer team. Coming back for the alumni games, cheering on the team from home, I will always cherish the opportunity to play here and I’d like to give back the school and the sport that has given me so much once I graduate.

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Haris Kalač ’22 Hometown: Rožaje, Montenegro Majors: Political Science, International Relations, and Brain and Cognitive Science Minor: Spanish Campus Involvement:

• Rush Rhees Library Office Assistant (CEILAM) • European Horizons • Undergraduate Political Science and IR Student

Council • Pan African Student Association • SADACA

Achievements: ● Dean’s List ● Universal Leadership Symposium in Kuala Lumpur 2019 ● European Student Conference at Yale University 2019

Career Interests: ● Diplomacy/Politics/Human Rights/Nonprofit Work ● Computational psycholinguistics

What made you select Rochester as your University? Regardless of how cliché might this sound, I chose the University of Rochester because of the multicultural community, open curriculum, and opportunities to be involved on and off campus. What has surprised you the most about UR? The sense of community; wherever you go, you will have someone to say hi to. The most shocking was the fact that there is always something going on; do not be surprised to see a legit Luna Park in front of Wilson Commons on Fridays honoring different UR celebrations and seeing a famous singer or speaker in Strong Auditorium on Saturdays; so many things to see, learn, and experience!! What aspects of UR are you most regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I regularly ‘brag’ about our open curriculum and opportunity to try different things so I tell them that I can take Astronomy class in the morning (if I wake up) and Arabic class in the afternoon (still...if I wake up) even though I’m majoring in totally different fields. What is your favorite piece of UR history? Definitely the myth of not walking beneath the clock tower because you will not graduate (I did it twice without knowing this so pray for me I get that diploma.) How have you changed since your first day on campus? I feel I am way more open-minded because I have been exposed to so many people from various backgrounds which I would not experience back home, for instance, meeting people from all over the world who are freely expressing their different beliefs, sexuality, and many other differences.

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Celia Konowe ’21 Hometown: Reston, VA Major: Environmental Studies Minors: French, Theatre Cluster: Linguistics Campus Involvement:

● WRUR ● International Theatre Program ● Meridian Society ● UR Club Field Hockey

Achievements: ● One-month study abroad program in Rennes,

France (summer 2019) ● Dean’s List

Career Interests: ● Environmental Science & Sustainability ● Digital Media & Performing Arts ● Foreign Languages

Any family members that attended:

● Adam Konowe ’90

What made you select Rochester as your University? As a legacy student, I grew up surrounded by the UR culture and passion, constantly a witness to the positive effect that this powerful community can have on an alum and their family. From an early age, I was easily able to call this university “home.” What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? The unique campus vibe—life here is truly what you make it, both academically and socially! Students have the flexibility to explore their interests, without fear of needing to fit in a box. What is your favorite piece of UR history? The multi-functionality of Todd Union: what started its life as our Student Union is now home to even more unique spaces. The former dining hall is now a blackbox theatre, and WRUR is located in what used to be the building’s kitchen, with the recording studios in the meat lockers. What UR traditions do you enjoy? Meliora Weekend is by far my favorite tradition. Having attended every year since age five, this event is a staple for the University. I love celebrating the school and its accomplishments with the UR community—students, staff/faculty, and alumni, included.

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Nicole Kuznetsov ’21 Hometown: Flanders, NJ Major: Brain and Cognitive Sciences Minor: Computer Science Cluster: Russian and Public Health Campus Involvement:

● Teacher’s Assistant (Chemistry and Computer Science)

● Technical Assistant in Research Lab at Strong Hospital

● Residential Advisor in Southside ● Intramural soccer ● UR Maker

Achievements: ● Dean’s Scholarship ● Coauthor on research publication for the Otolaryngology department at Strong ● 1st Place American College Foundation National Scholarship Essay Contest

Career Interest: ● Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

What has surprised you the most about UR? Because my brother has called this school and city home since 2010, I was worried that my experiences in UR and the surrounding area would be too familiar. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how dissimilar our lives here have been and how much I can still discover about Rochester. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I love telling them that if they visit the school, they’ll never be viewed as an outsider and will get the same social experience as a U of R student. What UR traditions do you enjoy? My best friend and I promised each other that we’d go to most activities during Winterfest Weekend. Last year we were able to take advantage of free giveaways, my favorite comedian coming to campus, and bingo until 1 am. How have you changed since your first day on campus? Since the start of school, I’ve become more comfortable in all aspects of my life. I feel more comfortable with myself and my abilities as well as with my friends and place on campus. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? It’s been an exciting growing process so far and I look forward to the pleasant surprises Rochester has to offer in the coming years.

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Daniel LaSalle ’20 Hometown: Albany, NY Majors: International Relations and Environmental Studies Minor: German Campus Involvement:

• Midnight Ramblers A Cappella • Residential Advisor

Achievements: • Study Abroad (Frieburg, Germany Spring 2019)

Career Interests: • Corporate Sustainability • Non-Profit Management

What made you select Rochester as your University? UR was the first university I toured. From the moment I stepped foot on the campus, I felt like I was at home and that no matter what major or minor or activity I chose to pursue, I knew deep down that I would be abler to thrive. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? Since I have arrived, I learned that Quidditch was an actual collegiate sport, that the U of R had a Quidditch team, and that the U of R’s Quidditch team WON THE COLLEGIATE QUIDDITCH CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2018! Who would’ve known?! What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I always love to brag about how River Campus students are able to take advantage of the fact they can take classes and lessons at Eastman FREE OF CHARGE! I have taken three semesters of vocal private lessons at Eastman, so I know firsthand how useful these resources can be. What UR traditions do you enjoy? One of my favorite traditions is the annual A Cappella Jam during Meliora Weekend! Each of our six (!) a cappella groups perform both their new hits and old favorites, and we all come together at the end to sing our school’s alma mater, The Genesee! How have you changed since your first day on campus? Since arriving on campus, the sheer choice and flexibility of the Rochester system I experienced has pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me try new things that I never thought I would have wanted to embrace. Suffice to say, it’s resulted in me adding on another major! If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? I would describe my UR experience so far as nothing less than transformative. I’ve succeeded and I have failed. I’ve thrived and I’ve come up short. But most importantly, I’ve learned never to give up and settle for less when I know I can always do more.

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Victoria Liverpool ’22 Hometown: Montclair, NJ Majors: International Relations & Psychology Minor: Spanish Clusters: Media, Culture, & Communications and General Economics Campus Involvement:

● 2022 Class Council ● First-Year Hill Hall Council ● Committee for Political Engagement ● URFOOT Trek Leader ● Sigma Delta Tau Sorority

Achievements: ● Study Abroad: Madrid, Spain and Chios, Greece Summer 2019

Career Interests: ● International Policy ● Congresswoman

What has surprised you the most about UR? Something that has really surprised me about UR is that there really is something for everyone to be involved in. From clubs, to political organizations, to special interest housing, students can find somewhere they belong. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? In my psychology 101 class, we were studying developmental psychology and we learned about attachment styles. Once I understood the root of a person's attachment, I could not only understand myself better, but the people around me including my family. For weeks, I went around telling everyone what I thought their attachment style was. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? When my friends ask me about my UR experience so far, I tell them that I found my home. I came onto this campus and found amazing friends that I’ll have for a lifetime. I walk around campus and there are so many familiar faces everywhere that I go. The professors that I’ve had want their students to learn and be able to apply the material in the real world and I appreciate that more than anything. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? It’s going to be amazing coming back to UR after graduation and being on the other side of Meliora Weekend. In the future I want to stay involved by participating in alumni events and perhaps give talks at the UR based on my career/field that I will be in.

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John Gerald Maqui ’22 Hometown: Anchorage, AK Majors: Biology and Anthropology Cluster: Studio Arts Campus Involvement:

● Student Programming Board ● Active Minds ● Fashion Club ● Filipino-American Student Association ● Campus Times

Career Interests: ● Trauma Surgeon ● Wildlife Photography ● Culinary Arts

What made you select Rochester as your University? What made me choose Rochester over any other school was the community and the people. Upon setting foot on campus during a visit for an interview, I fell in love with how the people on campus could easily interact with each other with kindness, amiability, and good humor. What has surprised you the most about UR? It has always surprised me how every UR student has so many different and diverse interests, from being interested in martial arts, to photography, to maker’s club. Students are so well-rounded and engaged on campus no matter how busy they get. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? Learning the proper stance and techniques in fencing was definitely one of the coolest things I’ve learned on campus. Putting on the fencing uniform and lunging at a fencing partner was such an empowering and freeing experience to have. It’s something I definitely recommend people try out at least once. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I am most proud of the flexible and accommodating curriculum that Rochester offers to its students. Students are welcome to create their own curriculum and experiment with what they want in order to fully explore all the interests that they may have by taking classes in those fields. What is your favorite piece of UR history? My favorite piece of UR history is of how the land for the campus was acquired and how the dandelion became the symbol for the school. I think that it’s interesting how this land used to be a cow pasture that was filled with dandelions thus making dandelions the flower of the school.

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Dalia Mitchell ’20 Hometown: Dallas, TX Majors: Molecular Genetics and Psychology Minor: Studio Art; Chemistry Campus Involvement:

● Teaching Assistant for General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Introduction to Psychology

● Meridian Society ● Strong Hospital Inpatient Pediatrics Child Life

Volunteer ● Campus Times Editorial Staff: Illustrations Editor ● Journal of Undergraduate Research Content Editor ● UR Special Olympics E-Board

Career Interests: ● Research Assistant with Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at URMC ● Research Assistant in the Noble Lab at URMC

Career Interest(s): ● Developmental Pediatrics ● Autism Research ● Neurogenetics

What made you select Rochester as your University? I loved that UR allows you to truly study what you’re passionate about, and how much the school celebrates the diversity of interests of students here. My acceptance letter even had a couple of personalized sentences about specific things from my application, which showed me how much this school truly cares about its students. What has surprised you the most about UR? I am constantly floored by how passionate and involved every student I meet here is, from extracurriculars to research to pure academic coursework. Everyone here loves what they are doing and has passion and self-motivation driving their work, which I think is very unique! What is your favorite piece of UR history? I’m not certain whether it’s a myth, but George Eastman donated a lot of money to the University with the caveat that no building be named in his honor. So, they named a patch of grass after him (the Eastman Quad). This quirky, clever response is so representative of UR students! What UR traditions do you enjoy? Definitely Winterfest. From having huskies on the quad, to warm hot cocoa and camp fires outside, to the ever-present “build a buddy” workshop where you can hand stuff all kinds of stuffed animals (for free), Winterfest is a really exciting way to take a break from midterm studying and enjoy all of the wonderful things that winter has to offer!

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Sekelile (Seke) Mkhabela ’21 Hometown: Mbabane, Swaziland Majors: International Relations and Economics Minor: French Cluster: Introduction to Calculus and Contemporary Math Campus Involvement:

● Model United Nations ● Pan African Students’ Association ● Meridian ● Orientation Leader

Achievements: ● Study Abroad – Belgium Fall 2019

Career Interest: ● Education policy maker ● Work in a Non-Governmental Organization

What made you select Rochester as your University? I chose Rochester for its open curriculum and the large amount of diversity that the school incorporates into everything that it does. I chose Rochester because it made me more independent and trusted me to make the right choices about my education. What has surprised you the most about UR? I wasn’t really expected such a close-knit community when I came to Rochester. The stereotype of Americans abroad is that they are self-involved people but once I came here and I learnt how caring people are. It really warmed my heart. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I am most proud of the fact that UR is constantly pushing itself to improve. We don’t just say “Meliora” but rather we live it out. What UR traditions do you enjoy? I love candlelight ceremony, it is always so breathtaking to see the quad lit up in, everyone holding candles and singing “The Genesee”. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I would definitely say that I am more adventurous than when I first arrived on campus. I am not afraid to take risks and know that not everything will end in a successful end. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? It has been an eye-opening experience that has pushed me to do more. I have met so many people and done so much which inspires me to go further and be more in my life.

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Tiffany Nicholas ’19, ’20 (Take Five) Hometown: Pittsford, NY Major: Biomedical Engineering Minors: Music and History Campus Involvement:

● Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity ● Meridian Society ● BME Teaching Assistant ● Orientation ● Peer Advising

Achievements: ● Alpha Eta Mu Beta National Biomedical

Engineering Honor Society ● Take Five Scholars Program ● Dean's List

Career Interests: ● Medical Device Sales ● Event Planning

What made you select Rochester as your University? I wanted to go to a school where I could pursue all of my interests, not just one. Rochester has allowed me to study engineering, but also take classes in music and history, as well as spend another year studying gender in the media through the Take Five Scholars Program. What has surprised you the most about UR? The people. I never knew how truly passionate people could be until I set foot on this campus. Whether it’s a class, work, research, a club, or something else, everyone here cares so much about what they do, and that makes the whole community (ever) better. What UR traditions do you enjoy? The Candlelight Ceremony is my favorite. My first year, it was where I first felt like I was actually part of the Rochester family. Being part of Orientation has allowed me to witness it every year since, and it never fails to bring back those feelings—especially when singing The Genesee. How have you changed since your first day on campus? When I first got here, the idea that in two years I would be on a stage on Eastman Quad addressing the entire incoming class would have had me laughing. But it’s something I actually did. And I would never have done it without an environment that encouraged me to not be afraid of failure.

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Eugene Nichols, III ’20 Hometown: Chicago, IL Major: Business Finance Minor: Legal Studies Cluster: Computer Science Campus Involvement:

● Meridian Society ● Black Students’ Union ● The University of Rochester Consulting

Group Achievements:

• Early Scholars Program Scholar • Kearns Scholar

Career Interests: • Litigation • Financial Literacy • Marketing/PR

What UR traditions do you enjoy? Besides Meliora Weekend and Winterfest. My favorite tradition would most certainly be tunnel painting. Sometimes I wonder how wide the tunnel actually was when it first began to get painted, or if eventually it'll ever get too narrow to walk through. What has surprised you the most about UR? What has surprised me the most about the University is the unique amount of opportunities it has. A unique opportunity that I’ve utilized, in particular, is the Gwen M. Greene Career and Internship Center. This organization has helped me tremendously with enhancing my resume and building my brand as a future leader in the workforce. What is your favorite piece of UR history? My favorite piece of UR history is Todd Union. Todd Union is one of the oldest buildings on the River Campus to this day, and the stories I have heard about the building’s history are extremely remarkable. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? Often times I tell friends how friendly students at the University are. I usually describe the typical Rochester student as someone who is extremely welcoming and easy to talk to. Most students at this University come from a variety of different backgrounds. Nevertheless, these attributes are things that I believe unite us all.

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Vennela Pandaraboyina ’20 Hometown: Acton, MA Major: Cell and Developmental Biology Minor: Political Science Cluster: Media, Culture, and Communication Campus Involvement:

● 2020 Class Council ● Sigma Delta Tau ● Campus Times ● UR Health and Education Advocacy Leaders ● Lab Assistant at Dumont Lab at URMC

Achievements: ● Dean’s List for all semesters so far ● Order of Omega

Career Interests: ● Internal Medicine ● Health Policy

What has surprised you the most about UR? I knew that UR students really valued having a diverse education ranging from theatre to optics. What surprised me was that this mentality translated into all aspects of their lives. People at the UR are involved in diverse activities, befriend all people, and overall strive to further enrich the variety in their life. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? This is a bit nerdy, but I really appreciate UR’s libraries. UR has amazing libraries, from the grand and historic Rush Rhees to the modern and spacious Carlson and a host of other smaller libraries. They’re treated with respect and are a hub of learning and collaboration. What UR traditions do you enjoy? I really enjoy the Boar’s Head Dinner. It features one of my favorite activities – eating good food. I love how the event honors a faculty member each year, and holiday carols we all sing at the end - the singing of The Genesee always makes me sentimental about my college home. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I have learned to say yes more. Coming into college I was hesitant to take risks or commit to something I didn’t have control over. UR has taught me that some amazing experiences can come out of saying yes—and especially saying yes to things you are scared or hesitant about. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? I see myself staying connected is through organizations I’m part of. That could be through reading the Campus Times, or donating to whatever creative fundraiser Sigma Delta Tau has organized.

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Joshua Rosario ’21 Hometown: Rochester, NY Major: Chemical Engineering Minor: Psychology Campus Involvement:

● S.A.L.S.I.T.A ● Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity ● U of R DJ’s

Achievements: ● Research Assistant, General Pediatrics Asthma

Team Career Interests:

● Medical Doctor ● Pharmaceutical Chemist

Family members that attended UR: • Jose A. Rosario III ’10S (MBA)

What made you select Rochester as your University? I chose the University of Rochester because of the freedom it gives you to cater to whatever interests you have. Coming in I wanted to be indulged into science and medicine, but also wanted to have the ability to take a great history class, learn music theory, and collaborate with diverse communities of thought and expertise. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? Whenever I am home I always end up telling my friends about the amount of people from around the world that I have met at the U of R. I learn so much about their culture, traditions and ways of life. I am pretty sure I just need to meet someone from Antarctica to round out the list. What UR traditions do you enjoy? In my time here I enjoyed Wilson day the most. It was a great opportunity to work with other first years to make and impact on the Rochester Community. Even as a Rochester native I learned things about the Rochester community I would not have known otherwise. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I would say that I have become a person who has become more open to expressing the things that make me different from everybody else. I have grown to fully embrace and share my differences, and the environment at the U of R, which is centered around acceptance and diversity has aided in this. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? As an alumnus, I would love to stay connected with the various groups I am a part of on campus, seeing how they have grown and progressed. I would also like to be a resource to students who wish to pursue the career I enter, giving them advice and access to a network they would otherwise not have.

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Sophia Rosman ’19, ’20 (Take Five) Hometown: Reisterstown, MD Majors: Philosophy Campus Involvement:

• Strong Jugglers • Spark Entrepreneurs • Running Club • Alpha Phi Sorority

Achievements: • Founded a professional body painting

business Career Interests:

• Arts and Entertainment • Improve the World

What made you select Rochester as your University? The students I met seemed genuinely interested in exploration, and their pursuits were aimed at benefitting greater things than themselves. I knew they would show me how to go about doing great things. What has surprised you the most about UR? What surprised me is how much I appreciate the compactness of the campus. As I sprint from a practice in GAC to a rehearsal in the May room, I realize that at a larger school I probably wouldn’t be able to be involved as many back-to-back activities. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I tell friends that everyone here gives strangers the benefit of the doubt. Students enter conversations assuming the other person is the most interesting person in the world, and they make it their mission to discover how. This makes for a welcoming environment conducive to great growth. How have you changed since your first day on campus? At the start I figured I would graduate with a couple majors, some minors, and maybe 2 clusters. I also expected to actively attend around 8 clubs. I now see value in streamlining my focus; I still value exploration, but no longer at the expense of developing deep bonds with people and activities.

If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? My UR experience brims with exploration of diversity, both of new activities and life stories. I have met people with stories I couldn’t have even imagined. Listening to them has made me incredibly grateful for the opportunities I had my entire life, and their outlooks provide endless inspiration. For me, this is the collaborative diversity that characterizes UR.

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Jacob Rozowsky ’20 Hometown: Newton, MA Major: Computational Biology; Chemistry Minor: Public Health Cluster: Philosophy Campus Involvement:

● 2020 Class Council ● Men Opposing Violence Everywhere (MOVE) ● Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity ● Meridian Society ● Teaching Assistant

Achievements: ● Undergraduate Researcher in Brisson Lab ● Dean’s List ● Study Abroad at University of Sydney (Fall

2018) Career Interests:

● Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals ● Computational Neuroscience Research ● Medicine

What made you select Rochester as your University? When I was looking for the best college, I wanted to find the place where I felt at home. Many schools “fit” my desired major, location, and size, but not many places made me feel as comfortable as Rochester did. The traditions I learned about on the tour—Meliora Weekend, the painted tunnels, the clock tower myth—made me feel like a Yellowjacket before I had even enrolled. What has surprised you the most about UR? The dedication that UR has towards making students the best they can, surprised me. This is true in the classroom, where we are supplied with countless resources to help us succeed (tutors, teaching assistants, note takers, the writing center, etc.) Outside of the classroom, being at a research university, we are always encouraged to find our own love of learning; we really do strive to be “ever better!” What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I am most proud of the supportive nature that the UR encourages. I often hear of the cut-throat environments that my non-UR friends suffer through, though this has never been what I experienced. My peers want me to be the best I can be, and vice versa. Students are willing to sacrifice their own time to help others, which cultivates a welcoming and caring community. What UR traditions do you enjoy? Being on a college campus, it is too easy to ignore the outside world. Wilson Day was one of my favorite traditions that was introduced very early on in orientation. It seamlessly brought us into the Rochester community, and taught us how to be responsible and engaged members within our city. This day of community service made the city of Rochester our home.

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Sydney Shannon ’20 Hometown: The Woodlands, TX Major: Biomedical Engineering Minor: Chemical Engineering Cluster: Psychology as a Social Science Campus Involvement:

• Women’s Varsity Swimming & Diving Team

• Undergraduate Independent Research: Benoit Therapeutic Biomaterials Laboratory

• Kappa Delta Sorority • Biomedical Engineering Peer Advisor • Teaching Assistant

Achievements: • Dean’s List • Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society

Career Interests: • Pharmaceutical Development • Biomaterials: Cell & Tissue Engineering

Any family members that attended UR: • Thomas Shannon ’84

What made you select Rochester as your University? Because my father is an alumna, I grew up attending Meliora Weekend events, reunion outings, and regattas on the Genny. When I first started the college process, I had no desire to follow my father…I wanted to pave my own path. As soon as I went on an official visit for the swim team, however, I immediately realized that I had already started paving my own path at UR and I loved it! I knew that the little girl who grew up sporting her oversized Rochester sweatshirt and sleeping with her UR tie dye blanket had found a home! What UR traditions do you enjoy? Dandelion Day is my favorite day of the year! It marks the final chance for students to gather and soak up sun, music, and fried food before buckling down for final exams. If you were asked to describe your UR experience (so far)–what would you say? My UR experience has been absolutely incredible! With the encouragement of my peers and faculty, I have been able to step out of my comfort zone in all aspects of life and have been challenged to do and accomplish things that I had never experienced before becoming a Yellowjacket.

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Prajita Shrestha ’20 Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal Majors: Public Health and Finance Minor: Statistics Cluster: American Sign Language Campus Involvement:

● Research Intern at Dr. Hill’s Lab ● Research Intern at University of Rochester

School of Medicine and Dentistry ● Office Assistant at the Office of International

Admissions ● Business Manager for Rochester Rangoli ● International Student Mentor ● Student’s Helping Honduras ● Medallion Program

Achievements: ● Dean’s List

Career Interest(s): ● Epidemiologist ● Health Analyst ● Hospital Administration

What made you select Rochester as your University? Ever since I realized that I was interested in Public Health, UR became my top priority. What has surprised you the most about UR? I definitely had a good idea about how URis one of the top research universities in the country, but I didn’t know we were this big on research. I had never imagined having two research internships before first-year spring. It’s overwhelming! What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I talk about the open curriculum all of the time to my friends from back home who are also studying in the US. Not having a core curriculum allows more time and freedom to explore our true passions. What is your favorite piece of UR history? For one of my classes, we learned about Susan B. Anthony Hall. We went through the old floor plan of the hall and learned about the integration of female dorms into the building. I enjoyed learning about how the residence hall evolved with the changing priorities of the university’s values. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I think I have become more independent and mindful as compared to my first few days on campus. I am transitioning towards intrinsic learning and skill building. I have also grown to be more grateful, respectful, and accepting of the experiences that I have lived through.

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Emily Tworek ’20 Hometown: Edinboro, PA Majors: English: Theatre and Business Minors: Spanish and Literary Translation Studies Cluster: Computing for Social Sciences Campus Involvement:

• ROC Players • TOOP • Todd Theatre • Meridian • Writers’ Lounge Mentor

Achievements: • Study Abroad: Theatre in England (Winter

2018) Career Interests:

• Non-profit theatre • Theatrical producing • Directing

What made you select Rochester as your University? The community of diverse, multi-talented people and the University’s commitment to providing a student-directed education that lets me study across so many disciplines to create a perfect program for me. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? The greatest learning experiences often don’t happen in the classroom. They happen in dorm lounges, in club meetings, and in coffee shops around Rochester. What is your favorite piece of UR history? This is oddly specific, but while I was working on the ITP’s production of In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the other students and I discovered so much about UR’s role in the Manhattan Project. We even found a picture of Oppenheimer himself standing in the room in Todd Union that now is Todd Theatre! What UR traditions do you enjoy? My favorite tradition is absolutely the candlelight ceremony at the end of first-year orientation. The ceremony is so sacred, and reminds all incoming classes that they are a part of something so much larger than they can imagine, spanning generations of students all over the world who have stood in their shoes. How have you changed since your first day on campus? I’ve absolutely become more open-minded, collaborative, and confident in my ability to succeed post-graduation.

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Anna Weldy ’20 Hometown: Irondequoit, NY Major: Chemical Engineering Minor: Biomedical Engineering Clusters: Legal Studies

Campus Involvement: ● Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles

Member ● Computational Fluid Dynamics Research

Assistant ● First Year Fellow ● Peer Career Adviser ● American Institute of Chemical Engineers

Career Interest(s): ● Pharmaceuticals ● Biomaterials: Tissue/Cell Engineering ● Academia

What made you select Rochester as your University? The University stood out to me because it provides the research resources and the diversity of a large school in a small community setting. I knew that I would be able to maintain my individuality while having endless access to various opportunities and resources. What has surprised you the most about UR? I am constantly amazed at the average UR student’s passion and involvement. It’s impressive to see how UR students dedicate their full energy to both their academics and to their interests outside of the classroom. What UR traditions do you enjoy? Dandelion Day is one of my favorite days of the year on campus; I love the live music, the endless food truck options, and the chance to celebrate the end of a semester (and the tardy arrival of warm weather) with friends. How have you changed since your first day on campus? Embracing continuous change has been my biggest transformation since arriving to University. Living on such a dynamic campus has taught me that new ideas, people, and developments are an exciting part of life; embracing change opens the doors to endless opportunities, friendships, and experiences. How do you think you’ll stay connected with UR after you graduate? As a Rochester native, the University and city will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to stay in touch with the faculty, staff, and friends that I have met during my time here, and visit to see what new happenings are occurring on campus.

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Lauren White ’20 Hometown: Rochester, NY Major: Political Science Minors: Legal Studies and Psychology Clusters: Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Media, Culture, and Communication Campus Involvement:

• Sigma Delta Tau • Meridian Society • College Feminists • Service Assistant at the Alumni and Advancement Center • Undergraduate Council of Political Science

Achievements: • Study Abroad- Prague, Czech Republic

Career Interests: • Attorney (legal sector undecided)

What made you select Rochester as your University? When applying to college, the only flaw the University of Rochester had was its 12-minute drive to my house. However, after touring campus three times, I ultimately chose UR because of its open curriculum. I also knew my professors would know my name, rather than refer to me as a number. What is the coolest thing that you have learned since you arrived? My favorite course thus far was “Hitler’s Germany,” which focused on the Third Reich and post WW2 Germany. I took this class on a whim, as it had no relation to my major or minors. With that being said, I think the beauty of this class was not only the extremely enriching material, but the simple fact I was taking the class for its content and out of sheer enjoyment, rather than as a necessity to fulfill a requirement. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? Whenever I describe UR to my non-UR friends or family, the first thing that comes to mind is self-sufficiency. Every student at the University of Rochester is independent and self-driven, whether that is displayed through his/her academics, athletics, or extracurricular activities. UR students are leaders who create the best atmosphere to be a part of.

What UR traditions do you enjoy? Apart from Dandelion Day, my favorite UR tradition is First Year Move-In Day. I had the opportunity to work on this hectic day and the emotions felt by the First Years and their parents resonated. I gave genuine advice, welcomed apprehensive students, and lent my hand for any help. How have you changed since your first day on campus? A laundry list is needed to list how I have changed since my first day on campus. Throughout my time at the University of Rochester, I have grown into the independent woman I wanted to be as a little girl. Through my affiliation with specific organizations and self-made academic agenda, I have blossomed from a self-conscious girl into an ambitious, confident woman.

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Xinyuan (Tom) Yi ’20 Hometown & State: Changsha, Hunan, China Major: Psychology Minors: Philosophy and Music Cluster: Advanced Mathematics Campus Involvement:

• Fundraising Chair for Off Broadway On Campus

• Secretary of Social Media and Publicity for UR Stand-Up Comedy

• Active member of UR Swing Dance Club • First-year Residential Advisor in Susan B.

Anthony Hall Achievements:

• Previous volunteer and Committee Member for Orientation Program Career Interests:

• Higher Education What made you select Rochester as your University? I chose U of R because I have always had interests in a variety of subjects and here I am allowed to dabble in all of them. Also, despite spending four years here as a high schooler, I always knew that this city had a lot more to offer and I wished that I could make the best out of it by attending this university. What has surprised you the most about UR? I was totally surprised by the relationship between Professors, faculties, and students. For almost every class I took, I never had any trouble to get to know the professor and to have many enjoyable and intellectual conversations. For my time at both Orientation and Res Life Office, I found both of my supervisors extremely approachable. What aspects of UR are you most proud of/regularly tell your non-UR friends about? I really appreciate the fact that U of R allows me to fully pursue my passions! I wish to do education in the future so I am currently taking psychology as a major and even planning on creating an Education major through the interdepartmental program; I really enjoy thinking and music so I am also doing a double minor in Philosophy and Music. I also love musical theater, and I was able to find an entirely student-run musical theater club. What UR traditions do you enjoy? I really love the Candlelight Ceremony. It is difficult to remember anything happened during orientation, but I was able to experience this event three times thanks to my time at the Orientation Office. Being able to stand in front of the Rush Rhees Library and to sing the alma mater for the first time with my future classmates, the Candlelight Ceremony was truly a fascinating experience.