- Colorado College

Name: Dominic Alvarado

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Neuroscience/Asian Studies

Dominic enjoys playing the bass, hanging out with friends, listening to music and has loved every moment at Colorado College. He is an active member of SOMOS, the Asian American Student Union hosting program and is interested in different cultures and theological ideas. Dominic also finds it deeply gratifying to help other students in his age group and believes leading an NSO trip would be a great way to continue his involvement in community service and leadership activities.

Advice to First-Year Students: “A block can seem overwhelming at times, but a professor will never give you more than is humanly possible to do. Sure, you might have to pull a late night or two to get everything done, but nothing is impossible.

Name: Francis Arena

Hometown: Johns Creek, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Art History

Baker, as he prefers to be called, is a declared Art History major and served as Vice President of the Class of 2011 during the 2008-2009 school year. He is actively involved in both environmental and community service activities and is excited to help further the relationships created during the NSO experience. Baker hopes that incoming First-Year Students will keep an open mind and a willingness to learn from their mistakes.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Relax, everybody else is new here too, figure out who YOU are. This is a transition time for you between your parent’s house and your own. This is where you discover yourself in that brief intermission. Approach every new situation with an open mind and don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes.”

Name: Jess Arnsteen

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: History-Philosophy

Jess has committed himself to a number of Colorado College and local organizations including The Loafer, BuyWell Coffee, the CC Farm and New Harvest Gardens. Among his many life accomplishments, he cites his Colorado State Champion Chess title, which he earned in the 4th grade, as one of his proudest! Jess feels he is a natural, energetic leader who loves to meet new people and share ideas. As a native Coloradan, he is very familiar with and passionate about CC and the Pikes Region.

Advice to First-Year Students: “If there is something at school (or in life) that you would like to see done, or done differently, do it yourself!”

Name: Thomas Ashley

Hometown: Newton, MA

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Geology

Throughout high school Tom was an avid skier and was ranked in the top 100 juniors in the United States for Giant Slalom. Skiing allowed him to take on leadership positions and to travel the world for competitions in South America and Europe. At Colorado College he continues to play sports as a member of the rugby team and has also been involved in drama and Dance Workshop productions. In the past, Tom has been a camp counselor at several summer camps and has worked with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans building houses following Hurricane Katrina.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I was told to get more involved. Freshman year I started out not really doing much and got really bored, really fast. I worked so hard in high school that I wanted to take a break, and it took me a while to find out that I really like to be productive.”

Name: Haley Barton

Hometown: Gunnison, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Mathematical Economics

Haley is a three-year player and captain on the Women’s Club Hockey team at CC, as well as a Boston Marathon qualifier in the Phoenix Marathon and 1st in the Pikes Peak Ascent race in 2004, 2005, and 2007. She is involved in almost every CC event and is a noted member of the Student Advisory Board of the Economics Department, Investment Club and is a current Summer Services Intern at the Center for Service and Learning.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Although the block plan seems impossible, it’s really not. With dedication and hard work inside and outside of class, it is easy to be successful at this school.”

Name: Joseph Beach

Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Music

In addition to his Music major, Joe’s passion for music has him involved in the African Drum Ensemble and various events sponsored by CC’s Drama/Music departments. He enjoys playing the bass, guitar, piano, harmonica and drums, as well as snowboarding, traveling and really likes pirates. Being a returning FYE mentor and NSO leader, he is hoping to help other First-Year Students transition to college and be a good resource, as well as a friend.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I want to impart on first-years the knowledge that going outside one's comfort zone can be the best thing to do: try climbing, snowboarding, an art adjunct, etc. Making friends is easy, but making the right friends can be more difficult.”

Name: Ann Bernacchi

Hometown: Granger, IN

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Biology/Anthropology

As a student-athlete at Colorado College, Ann is a member of the Varsity Volleyball and Tennis Team. During the school year, she is also involved in CC’s Greek life as a Kappa Kappa Gamma member. Ann wants to lead an NSO trip this fall to have an opportunity to meet the incoming freshman volleyball players early and help them feel more comfortable with their transition to college life and CC.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Just to be yourself, and not worry about peer pressure or what others want you to do.”

Name: Alexandra Blumenfeld-Falcao

Hometown: Needham, MA

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: English-Creative Writing, Spanish

Alex utilizes her creative abilities as a member of the fiction committee of the Leviathan where she helps facilitate writing workshops and determine stories for publication. Some of her interests include photography and go kart racing, a hobby she has been involved in since she was eight and has earned her the #2 rank in her class for the Northeast region.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Stay true to yourself and you’ll make the best friends and have the best time in college.”

Name: Kristen Bukowski

Hometown: Dubuque, IA

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Studio Art/Asian Studies

Throughout high school, Kristen was an active member in her school’s German Club, French Club, Discovery Club and other community service organizations. Through these clubs she was able to mentor and tutor junior high students on a frequent basis. As a rising sophomore at CC, she enjoys taking Yoga and Life Drawing classes, while also finding time to occasionally volunteer at the CC Community Kitchen.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish someone would have told me to set more boundaries with my roommate. My roommate and I are friends and get along very well for the most part, but I have noticed that most of our arguments deal with boundary issues.”

Name: Kasi Carter

Hometown: Fountain, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Drama and Economics

Kasi’s interest and devotion to the theater has led her to declare a Drama major as well as an Econ major, become the Artistc Director of Theater Workshop, act and stage manage in CC Theater productions, stage manage Dance Workshop and participate in CC’s Annual Vagina Monologues sponsored by the Feminist and Gender Studies department. As a returning NSO leader, Kasi feels that being able to help new students prepare for their college experience by answering questions they may have and helping them form a community with other incoming students is a rewarding process.

Advice to First-Year Students: “As a first year student I often tried to work out questions or issues I was having on my own. I wish I had been informed of the many resources available to me at CC and encouraged to use those resources. CC has many people who are there to help students and there is never a time that you have to go at something alone.”

Name: Alexandra Caspary

Hometown: Hidden Hills, CA

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Biology

Alex’s many social activities include membership in Colorado College’s Delta Gamma sorority, the Women’s Rugby team, the Ally program and participation in Dance Workshop. She continues to volunteer throughout college with local organizations like the Marion Soup Kitchen and Service for Sight. Alex’s believes her NSO trip was a great introduction to CC, college life, and the beautiful state of Colorado and hopes incoming First-Year Students will feel the same way.

Advice to First-Year Students: “In college, take advantage of what is at your fingertips, have fun, but use it for your improvement. Build life experiences, friendships, and memories, but most importantly, build the foundation of your future with the tools you have at hand.”

Name: Shan Shan Chan

Hometown: Saint Cloud, FL

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Dance/Asian Studies

Shan Shan loves to volunteer and has led numerous Saturday of Service, Spring Service Celebration and Break Out trips during block breaks for the Center of Service and Learning. She also volunteers with Rotaract and Cool Science, which has allowed her to play chess with elementary students, tutor French classes and work with children. Shan Shan’s love for dance has her involved in Dance Workshop productions, Salsa Club and inspired her to co-found the Ballroom Club.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I had been told how many resources the campus has to offer to an incoming student.”

Name: Sydney Chun

Hometown: New York, NY

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Though only a rising sophomore, Sydney has a very full schedule for extracurricular activities on the Colorado College campus with involvement in the Women’s Club soccer team, Photography Club, the Relay for Life Committee and future plans to organize a 5k race affiliated with Race for a Cause. Sydney enjoyed her NSO experience because it gave her a chance to get to know a small group of First-Year Students before having to deal with meeting so many people all at once; she hopes this year’s First-Year Students will have the same opportunity.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I would say make sure to set up the boundaries with your roommate at the beginning of the year. Don't necessarily worry about having to be open with everything, regarding your roommate, as you get to know them better during the year, these boundaries will be adjusted whether naturally or through conversation.”

Name: Trevor Cobb

Hometown: Corrales, NM

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Anthropology

Entering his senior year, Trevor will be a 4-year player on the Colorado College Men’s Soccer team and 2-year Co-Captain. His passion and love for soccer has also translated into volunteering for Southwest Youth Services, coaching soccer and teaching the importance of health in New Mexico. Trevor is also Co-President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, a member of the Investment Club and involved with LiveSounds.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I had been told to take care of my West in Time requirement as early as possible in my college career, and to take care of the all college requirements while finding out what my interests were.”

Name: Emily Cronin

Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Possible Political Science-History

Emily keeps a busy schedule with social activities ranging from Speed Dating organizer for CC Student Organization for Sexual Safety to co-founding CC’s chapter of Invisible Children. This past semester, she helped bring a former child soldier from Uganda to campus to speak and hosted a screening of the Invisible Children: Rough Cut video, a documentary that highlights the plight of child soldiers and the brutality thousands of peoples are affected by in Uganda.

Advice to First-Year Students: “The best thing to do is to go out of your comfort zone to take every opportunity that CC has to offer. There are so many interesting and different things that I can do here that weren’t possible in high school, and with all the staff and the resources at CC, its possible to find yourself loving something you’ve never imagined even trying.”

Name: Jacqueline Danzig

Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Music/English

Jackie was voted Most Inspirational in 2007 by the Colorado College’s Division 1 Women’s Soccer team and has been a team player since Fall 2006. This past year, she took on a variety of leadership roles when she became junior class president and a First Year Experience Mentor. Her interest in music has also led to her involvement in CC’s Concert Band, Jazz Band, Balinese Gamelan, piano lessons and LiveSounds.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish that an older student would have told me that at times it is important to experience life at CC, and that at times it might be necessary to study one or two hours less to experience what is going on around you: lectures, art shows, concerts etc.”

Name: Alexander Desmarais

Hometown: Crested Butte, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Alexei, as he prefers to be called, is a sophomore from Crested Butte, CO. His major is undecided but he is leaning towards Philosophy and loves to engage in discussions over Kierkegaard and Schopenhauer. Alexei is also a gifted musician and plays the violin, the electric and acoustic guitar, the piano, and the tin whistle. He enjoys playing rugby, soccer, skiing, cooking Thai food, and hanging out with his 150 lbs Newfoundland. Alexei is also the Mentor for the FYE course, PS101/MU227 What is Politics? and Topics in Music: Music and Society.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish that I had been told earlier this year to meet as many people as possible and not to be chained to or exclusively spend time with one group. I have met scores of amazing people I never would have otherwise met just by being active in the Colorado College community.”

Name: Bradley Dixon

Hometown: Rowayton, CT

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Political Science/ Environmental Issues

Throughout college, Brad has been involved in a variety of Colorado College activities and organizations. Much of his time has been spent with the North Boys Enrichment tutoring and mentoring program, the student initiated and sponsored Club Baseball team and the CC Learning Initiative in the Mountains (CCLIM) that promotes self and environmental respect.

Advice to First-Year Students: “College is what you make of it. Explore every opportunity this college provides and it will only make you a stronger, wiser, better individual.”

Name: Alicia Drapkin

Hometown: Tuscon, AZ

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Biochemistry

Alicia took on leadership roles this past year when she became a co-chair of the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) on campus and was Treasurer of the CC Film Series. She has a strong interest in Feminist and Gender issues and regularly attends and participates in FemCo activities. In her spare time, she also teaches beading classes in the CC Arts and Crafts center.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish that someone had told me all of the resources that are available to me and how to access all of them. I know so many people who barely understand how the points system for picking classes works; let alone how to apply for a Venture Grant, get help on resumes from the Career Center, or create an independent study.”

Name: Margaret Edmunds

Hometown: Wellesley, MA

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Throughout high school Maggie held numerous leadership positions and memberships in a variety of clubs and organizations including Class President, Freshmen Orientation Leader, Youth Group Coffee House co-chair and founder of her high school’s Teens Against Drunk Driving group. Some of her hobbies include photography, sailing, skiing and tutoring ESL students.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I was really nervous coming to CC, but I am so lucky to have joined and tried so many new things on campus. By joining numerous different activities at school I was able to meet so many new people and see what I was interested in.”

Name: Christopher Ellis

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Economics/Spanish

This fall, Chris will be a 4-year senior on Colorado College’s Varsity Men’s Soccer team where he has undertaken various leadership roles over the past few years. In addition to sports, Chris has been involved in a number of student organizations such as SOMOS, the Black Student Union (BSU) and the North Boys Mentoring program. This past year he even ventured out and successfully reestablished the Photography Club on campus after finding out the previous club no longer existed.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I had been told to become involved in all possible opportunities availed to me during my time at CC. Colorado College truly offers a unique academic experience with chances to get involved in clubs, sports teams, and volunteer opportunities. An essential part of the CC experience is being an active member of the college.”

Name: Kelsey Elwood

Hometown: Eagle, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Kelsey’s freshman year at Colorado College was busy with a multitude of social and extracurricular activities. Among the many activities she participated in Amnesty International, tutored in the Spanish Club, danced in Dance Workshop productions and played intramural sports like inner-tube water polo and ice broomball. During breaks and winter seasons, Kelsey has taught ski lessons and instructed dance classes for children.

Advice to First-Year Students: “As admitted students to CC, everyone is used to being super involved with their school and extra-curricular activities. One lesson from my freshman year was that it is nice to wait before becoming really involved in any one activity in order to explore the wide range of opportunities that CC offers.”

Name: Tracy Fields

Hometown: Saint Charles, MO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Philosophy/Feminist and Gender Studies

For the past 2 ½ years Tracy has choreographed many performances for Dance Workshop productions and is very involved with the Dance department. Other social activities include participation in Colorado College’s Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA) and volunteering at TESSA, a women’s advocacy center that promotes domestic violence awareness and victim’s assistance.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Colorado College is an eccentric, hilarious and sometimes crazy place. I remember when I first got to CC I thought that everyone was involved in everything and I had to be the same way. What I have come to understand is that there are things out there for every student, and finding something you love is much more worthwhile than being overcommitted and halfway involved in everything.”

Name: Sarah Fletcher

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Mathematics

Sarah is regular volunteer and leader for Early Birds Tutoring that provides mentoring and tutoring to elementary students Monday thru Thursday mornings. She is also a member of the Health Professions Club and helps coordinate Colorado College’s Annual Girl’s Day in the Lab, a program that exposes middle school girls to various fields of college level science.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish someone had told me not to be intimidated to get involved in new groups or activities. There are so many on campus opportunities, and it is not necessary to become involved in all of them, but pick a couple that sound interesting to you. I also wish someone would have told me to stress a little less, because there really is enough time to do it all.”

Name: Matt Franco

Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Neuroscience/Pre-Med

In the fall, Matt will be a junior and 3-year player on Colorado College’s Varsity Men’s Soccer team. Outside of playing soccer, Matt also enjoys rock climbing and snowboarding.

Name: Samuel Franklin

Hometown: Upper Montclair, NJ

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Though only a rising sophomore at Colorado College, Sam has participated extensively in intramural sports and even captained an intramural basketball team in the fall. This past year he also became a member of the Outdoor Recreation Committee (ORC), a campus organization that offers student led camping, backpacking, mountain biking and other outdoor trips.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I was told more about the class selection system, so as a first-year be sure to ask other students and faculty if you need help with it.”

Name: Jenny Friedler

Hometown: Glencoe, IL

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Comparative Literature

Jenny’s passion for writing extends beyond her Comparative Literature major and into her work as an editor for the Cipher, Colorado College’s award winning alternative news and art magazine. She also works as a tutor during the year in the Writing Center and is a FYE Mentor. During her time at CC, she has volunteered with various groups including the North Boys Mentoring program, BreakOut service trips in New Mexico and the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I think the one thing I didn’t realize when I got to college was how important it was to surround myself with positive people during my transition here. Sometimes, putting a smile on my face with my more positive friends, even if I didn’t mean it in the moment, made real happiness a lot easier to arrive at eventually.”

Name: Justin Garoutte

Hometown: Monte Vista, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Throughout Justin’s freshmen year, he was involved in a number of volunteer events and organizations like Operation Smile, Rotaract and Relay for Life. He also worked on campus at Sacred Grounds Coffee House as barista, while also finding time to volunteer in Memorial Hospital’s Pediatric Playroom and on occasional Saturday of Service trips.

Advice to First-Year Students: “As a first-year student, I wish I had been advised to be aggressive in finding friends, not being afraid to go up to someone and introduce myself. If you think about it, everyone is in the same boat, right?”

Name: Anaïs Gude

Hometown: Denver, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Sociology/Asian Studies

Since Anais freshmen year, she has performed in Dance Workshop productions every semester. She is also a member of the Colorado College Learning Initiative in the Mountains (CCLIM), a group that has allowed her to mentor middle school students and organize outdoor activities for at-risk youth. In CC’s 2008 Fashion Show, Anais was both a fashion designer and model for the dresses she designed and made.

Advice for First-Year Students: “First-year students should constantly be aware of the expectations they have set for college. Although it is difficult to avoid setting expectations, I wish someone had told me to at least keep them in check and try to limit anticipating the future. Upon arriving at college, everyone has an image built up, but not everything works out how we would like it to. Therefore, to avoid disappointment and unnecessary stress, it is absolutely necessary to keep an open mind when coming to college.”

Name: Stuart Hackley

Hometown: Conifer, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: History

As a rising junior, Stuart has hosted prospective students for the admissions office, tutored in the Writing Center for the past year and continues to take voice lessons in the Music department. This past semester, has also helped judge middle school and high school student projects for the local History Day competition.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I had simply been told not to be afraid of the NSO trip. Going in, I was under the impression that everyone who went to CC was outgoing and unafraid, and that I wouldn't fit in. However, on meeting the other people on my trip, I realized that I was not alone. Everyone was experiencing the same fears and apprehensions I was, and we were able to work through them together. I came to realize that the whole purpose of the Priddy experience was to help people like myself acclimate to CC.”

Name: Hallie Harness'

Hometown: Garden City, KS

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Environmental Science

Hallie is interested in environmental and conservational issues, as well as music, art and travel. During the school year, her activities include ceramics classes, the executive officer position on the Worner Activities Committee (WAC) and leader of the student recycling team. Hallie also has a weekly alternative rock show on KRCC HD, the Colorado College’s radio channel.

Name: Samara Haver

Hometown: Portland, OR

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Psychology/Art

Samara is a typical active CC student. She is involved with the ORC, the psychology department, and the arts, where she dances in CC workshops. She encourages incoming students to drop their expectations
about college and come to CC with a clean slate and fresh perspective.

Name: Hannah Heckman

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Environmental Science-Chemistry

Hannah’s past three years at Colorado College have been busy with social activities and volunteering events, as she has been involved in Rotaract, the CC Community Choir, Salsa Club, the campus’ Catholic Community and interning in the Chaplain’s office. She has taken on numerous leadership roles including managing the CC Community Kitchen, being a Residential Life Advisor and giving tours for the Admission’s office. Hannah enjoys taking adjuncts in Korean, Italian, Hebrew and French, as well as Arts and Crafts courses.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Nothing is set in stone and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! I felt that every decision I made in the first months would dramatically affect my time at CC. Now I’ve found that everything is variable—if I come to find that my life is not what I want it to be, I can change it! Hopefully, incoming students can have the confidence to take advantage of all their time at CC and jump in with enthusiasm and without fear.”

Name: Lauren Hinkle

Hometown: Reno, NV

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Computer Science-Physics/Mathematics

Lauren’s social activities range from Colorado College’s Figure Skating Club to CC Democrats, while she also finds time to participate in Girl’s Day in the Lab and be involved in Student Ambassadors. She has also acted in two CC theatrical productions, “Attempts on Her Life” and “Fail Better.”

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I’d been told to sign up for everything that sounded even vaguely interesting at the clubs/activities fair; you can always decide later if you don’t want to participate. I wasn’t involved in as many things freshman year as I would have liked, and I know now that it would have enhanced my year. I have met a lot of wonderful, like-minded people in the clubs I’ve joined this tear, and become more involved in community service, which is very rewarding.”

Name: Anne Hoyt

Hometown: Wilton, CT

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undeclared

Anne is a life long runner and has been participated in Cross Country and Track & Field throughout high school and continues to run Varsity Cross Country at Colorado College. Anne is also a frequent volunteer at the CC Community Kitchen, where she helps organize donations and serve food on Sundays. She really enjoyed her NSO trip to Taos and hopes that this year she can show first-year students there is a lot to be excited about at CC.

Advice to First-Year Students: “You should make a real effort to bond with your FYE classmates.”

Name: Bryce Ingram

Hometown: Tuscon, AZ

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Bryce’s interest in medicine has led him to join the Minority Association of Pre-health Students (MAPS), the Health Professions Club (HPC), volunteer at Memorial Hospital’s Emergency room. During college, he has also worked in Breckenridge’s Outdoor Education Clinic, aiding instructors on special-needs and adaptive ski lessons.

Advice to First-Year Students: “The biggest problem I had once classes started was that I did not have a clear understanding of how academically different Colorado College and the block plan were from high school. Basically, although I had heard the block plan was tough, I didn’t ever understand exactly what that meant until classes had already started, so I was unprepared. Students should go into classes with the understanding that the block plan is significantly different from high school academics and should therefore be over-prepared if anything.”

Name: Caroline Janeway

Hometown:

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Neuroscience-Dance

As an avid dancer, Caroline is currently the co-chair of Dance Workshop and has also performed in a number of the past productions. She enjoys taking a variety of dance adjuncts on-campus, while also finding time to be a dance instructor at Kids in Motions, a dance studio that provides dance lessons to children of low income families.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Don’t worry about settling into a new environment too quickly. Take your time. I think most first-years do not realize that they have been “comfortable” in their perspective homes for about 19 years before they leave to go to college. Transitioning into college and feeling comfortable takes longer than you think. It is important to meet many people at first and choose your friends wisely.”

Name: Lauren Jenkins

Hometown: Laramie, Wyoming

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Sociology

Lauren has committed herself to a wide variety of community serve and social organizations both on and off-campus throughout her time at Colorado College. She has volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the CC Community Kitchen, Partners in Housing and lead a number of Saturday of Service trips. She also enjoys playing intramural Ice Broomball and Dodge ball in her free time.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I had taken even more advantage of the first few weeks as a first-year student to be more outgoing, meet new people, and make new friends. During this time there are so many opportunities for socialization, the NSO trip included, and it was my experience that during this time is also when everyone is the friendliest and open to meeting new people. Although I feel like I did take many chances and stepped outside of my comfort zone in the name of meeting new people, I wish I had done so even more.”

Name: JT Kanipe

Hometown: Aspen, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Economics/International Affairs

During JT’s sophomore year he helped to co-found the Colorado College Men’s Club Baseball team while also making several appearances as Prowler, the school’s mascot, as a member of the Student-Alumni Association. JT has also been a natural leader on campus as a Residential Life Advisor and current Vice President of his fraternity.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I would have known to talk to upperclassmen about selecting classes and which specific teachers to take those classes from.”

Name: Molly Katz

Hometown: Denver, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: History-Political Science/Classics-English

Throughout college, Molly has volunteered for Early Bird’s Tutoring on weekday mornings, assisted with events in the Asian language house and canvassed for the Barack Obama campaign. Molly has also interned at Governor Bill Ritter’s policy office and currently works as a tutor in Colorado College’s Writing Center.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I had been told how much professors matter. When I select classes, I think carefully about which professors are teaching those classes, and much less about the particular topics and subjects of the classes. Of course, this does not mean that the subjects themselves do not matter, but ultimately I feel that the approach one takes with the material, especially in the humanities and social sciences, is what I value and remember, and what makes college truly worthwhile.”

Name: Josephine Kingery

Hometown: Bend, OR

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Comparative Literature

Jo will be a senior this fall and while she has spent most of her days as a Romance Languages major, she has recently switched to Comparative Literature. In her spare time she enjoys going to concerts and movies, as well as yoga and horseback riding when she can. Her favorite author is Tolstoy and she will never pass up a good chicken pot pie.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I had been told to not spread myself too thin. Coming to CC as a freshman, I signed up for way more than I was ready to take on. As a result, I never committed to any one group or organization, instead only really focusing on my academic studies and my new social milieu.”

Name: Phoebe Lamb

Hometown: Lafayette, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Spanish

Phoebe has been a Residential Life Advisor and a member of Room 46, an a cappella group that provides the campus with a fresh, alternative style of music. Phoebe has a long history of volunteering, including participation with Saturday of Service trips, working with Down’s Syndrome patients and aiding teachers in elementary school classrooms.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I received all the information I could possibly handle at the beginning of my first year, and so I received all the right information. There is not a single regret or wish that I have about my NSO trip and for this reason, I hope to use the techniques of my NSO leaders and give everything that I can to the first-years.”

Name: Zachary Luna

Hometown: Lafayette, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undeclared

Though only a rising a sophomore, Zach was captain of the Improve Theater team this past spring and will be a First Year Experience Mentor this upcoming fall. He has performed in two Colorado College drama productions, The Odyssey and The Duchess of Malfi, and volunteers regularly for Project Yes, a non-profit that offers leadership and service project opportunities to local youth.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish I had been told quite plainly to let go, breathe, and learn to complete the task at hand without sacrificing my peace of mind. You can handle this, and your job is not to attempt to figure out and plan every aspect of your life and worry about how it could not work out. Your job is to learn, to participate in order to expand your mind and to appreciate the amazing opportunity you have here. You will settle in, and you need not be afraid in order to do so.”

Name: Lisa Ly

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: International Political Economy-Asian Studies

Throughout college, Lisa has taken on a variety of leadership and volunteer roles, most notably her co-chair positions for the Asian American Student Union (AASU) and South Asia Student Awareness (SASA) organization. She is currently the Vice President and Event Planner for Rotaract Club, and has led a Saturday of Service trip to the local Habitat for Humanity for service projects.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Everyone tells you to “take your time” to figure out your major. I wished that someone had added that I still needed to focus and find a major. I had taken random classes my first year in college. I wished that someone had told me to take classes towards a direction so that I had experienced a little bit of everything that was relevant.”

Name: Michael Lynch

Hometown: Princeton, NJ

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: French-Economics

Michael is a student-athlete at Colorado College who plays for the Varsity Men’s Lacrosse team and Club Rugby team. In addition to leading a New Student Orientation trip this fall, he will also be a First Year Experience Mentor for the French Civilization course.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Be Patient. Students jump into college thinking that they need to be having the time of there life within the first two weeks of school, they binge drink, get into trouble and ignore there academic work. Don’t worry if you’re not having fun right away, things will all work out in the end, they always do.”

Name: Sophia Maravell

Hometown: Potomac, MD

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Sociology/Asian Studies-Nonviolence Minors

Sophia is very involved in the student run garden on campus, as well as the student run coffee house, Sacred Grounds. She also likes to play Ultimate Frisbee and go to Josh and John's, a local ice cream shop started in town by a CC graduate.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Try out as many things as possible and don't take college too seriously.”

Name: Colin McCarey

Hometown: Oak Park, IL

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Anthropology

Colin is currently Vice President of the Student Anthropological Society on campus and a member of the Salsa Club. He enjoys taking pottery and jewelry making adjuncts while also finding time to lead Saturday of Service and BreakOut trips for the Center for Service and Learning. This past year Colin spent over 50 hours volunteering in the CC Community Kitchen and canvassed for the Barack Obama campaign.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Get involved with service work. You meet a lot of good, reliable people. It will help you relax. It will make you feel less guilty about the amount of money being spent on your education.”

Name: Caroline McCarthy

Hometown: Kenilworth, IL

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Art History

On campus, Caroline is involved as an elementary school mentor for Colorado College’s Volunteer Action and was recently voted co-chair for the 2009-2010 school year. Off campus, she works as an intern at the Colorado Co-op, assisting with web design maintenance and store management

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish someone had told me to think of possible majors early on when fulfilling required credits and sampling courses. I would have loved to start my major sooner!”

Name: Joel Minor

Hometown: Lafayette, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Environmental Policy/Southwest Studies

Joel has been an active student on the Colorado College campus as a Residential Life Advisor, member of the Honor Council, First Year Experience Mentor, member of the Debate team and News Section reporter for the Catalyst. He also plays in CC’s Concert Band and currently tutors ESL students for Aprender Mediante Amistand a group that works with youth in the Colorado Springs community.

Advice to First-Year Students: “There are a ton of really fantastic opportunities at CC, and a plethora of incredible groups to get involved with. But bear in mind that a big part of college is also figuring out who you are as a person, so be careful not to over commit. Make sure to leave yourself time to spend time making close friendships without having to be stressed about getting everything done. You can always join more groups in later years if you have time -- you can’t go back and spend more time with friends during the first two blocks of your freshman year in later years!”

Name: Brittney Moore

Hometown: Security, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Psychology/Spanish

As a student-athlete at Colorado College, Brittney is a member of the Varsity Diving team and Track & Field team. In the fall, she will lead her 3rd New Student Orientation trip and serve on the Student Conduct Board. She currently volunteers at the CU Aging Center conducting neuropsychological testing and is a Summer Services Intern at the Center for Service and Learning.

Advice to First-Year Students: “There is no such thing as asking too many questions, whether it is in the classroom, at a job, while volunteering or any other point in your life. It will benefit you tremendously to be as informed as possible for everything you do or want to do in life. There are so many opportunities people miss out on because they dot not pursue it or simply do not ask the right questions. Be curious, be inquisitive, it goes a long way.”

Name: Eleanor Mulshine

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Economics

In her past two years at Colorado College, Eleanor has participated in a number of community service trips through Alternative Spring Break, BreakOut and International Service programs sponsored by the Center for Service and Learning. She is currently co-chair of Students Taking Action Now: Darfur (STAND) and a member of the Refugee Assistance Program (RAP).

Advice to First-Year Students: “I recommend taking advantage of all of the resources provided on campus. CC provides a great support system for all students, such as faculty, staff, and other students (RAs, FYE mentors, etc.). Be independent, but don't be afraid to ask for some guidance if you need it.”

Name: Katrina Naeve

Hometown: Hanover Park, IL

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: History/Spanish (undeclared)

At Colorado College, Katrina is involved in intramural soccer and ice broomball and mentors elementary students through CC’s Volunteer Action. She is also an active member of Amnesty International, a group that discusses human’s rights issues, informs the campus through information sessions and organizes fundraisers for Jamnesty.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Be open to new experiences.”

Name: Khanhsong Nguyen

Hometown: Thornton, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Psychology

On campus, Khanhsong has participated in Dance Workshop productions, the Faculty Choir and this year’s Relay for Life fundraiser. In the past she has volunteered in elementary schools and worked with dance outreach programs. This fall, Khanhsong will be leading her second New Student Orientation trip.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Try to get involved; the college experience will be so much more fun, and less stressful because you’re having fun. You get to meet some great people, and some not so great people, but in the end you will learn a lot about yourself because of the different dynamics you have to face.”

Name: Braden Ohlsen

Hometown: Longmont, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Biochemistry/Spanish

For the past two years, Brady has started and been the leading scorer on Colorado College’s Varsity Men’s Basketball team. He has also been on and led multiple outdoor trips, including trips sponsored by the Outdoor Recreation Committee (ORC), Foot trips, New Student Orientation trips and even completed a snowshoeing trip up a 14er.

Advice to First-Year Students: I wish I’d been told that everything in college really comes down to time management and how you choose to spend our time will determine what kind of experience you have.

Name: Kristin Oller

Hometown: West Chester, PA

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Biology-Anthropology

Kristin is a staff member for the Catalyst, CC’s major news publication and a member of the Health Profession Club. She also participates in the Sustained Dialogue series on campus and is part of the Student Ambassador program. Kristin still finds time to volunteer at local schools and nursing homes, and often works as a swimming instructor.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Don’t jump into a major right away. Take the opportunity to try a number of classes that sound interesting before you commit yourself, whether on paper, or simply in the classes you take freshman year. Also, make sure you take one or two classes AFTER the FYE to get adjusted to the block plan. Don’t just jump into a really hard science class.”

Name: Ryan Patterson

Hometown: Santa Fe, NM

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Throughout Ryan’s freshmen year he played several intramural sports and joined the Club Soccer team on campus. He is also active in Colorado College’s Greek life as a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, in addition to participating in the Outdoor Recreation Committee (ORC).

Advice to First-Year Students: “As a first-year student, I wish that I received more advice on the point system and the best way to select courses for the rest of the year.”

Name: Whitney Petersen

Hometown: Littleton, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: History

Whitney has been involved in competitive and synchronized swimming for over 11 years and continues to compete for Colorado College’s Varsity Women’s Swimming team. In the past she has volunteered as a child craft leader at her local library and taught swim lessons to Girl Scouts during the summer.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Try to get to know your professors and other faculty as well as possible! Every professor I have had has been so knowledgeable on more than their particular class. Developing more personable relationships with the faculty ultimately benefits you more than you could imagine in that on average they have been at CC long enough to offer wisdom and insight your peers lack. In addition whenever you need a recommendation it is quite a bit easier if you’ve connected with a professor outside of class.”

Name: Mariana Pimenta

Hometown: Granja Vianna, Brazil

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: International Political Economy-Asian studies

Though only a winter-start, Mariana still managed to get involved during her freshmen year on campus with activities like Mesa Portuguesa, a Portuguese speaking club, and intramural broomball. This past semester she also completed service projects in New Orleans during an Alternative Spring Break trip with other CC students.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Liberal arts will develop many new passions in you, which can at times be rather confusing, don’t be afraid of that and don’t be afraid of exploring this confusion.”

Name: Marissa Prawl

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undeclared

During Marissa’s freshmen year she played intramural soccer and performed in Dance Workshop productions both semesters. Beginning last fall, she became involved with Volunteer Action where she mentors and tutors 4th and 5th grade students from Edison Elementary.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Take advantage of the resources and activities that CC offers because we are very lucky to have so much.”

Name: Jayne Reynolds

Hometown: Denver, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Chemistry

During Jayne’s freshman year she played on a number of intramural sports teams including soccer and is currently captain of a broomball team. She also works for Safe Ride, the campus’s nightly transportation service offered to students, faculty and staff.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish that I had been told that while you don’t need to pick a major your freshmen year, you should start thinking about your top three choices because it makes picking classes for your sophomore year much easier. And to take as many “fun” classes as you can your freshmen year.

Name: Daniel Rheiner

Hometown: Boulder, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Economics

Danny is a rising junior and returning New Student Orientation leader. He is also an active member in Greek life as the Risk Management Chair of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. During the past two years at Colorado College, Danny has also acted in two drama productions, “Attempts on Her Life” and “Hamlet Police or Synchronicity.”

Advice to First-Year Students: “Don’t be afraid to say no when you want to. Sometimes you can’t worry about impressing other people, and need to do the right thing for yourself.”

Name: Virginia (Ginny) Rider

Hometown: Manakin Sabot, VA

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Creative Writing-Poetry Tract/Music

Over the past three years, Ginny has been an active member of Colorado College’s Honor Council and played on the Varsity Women’s Lacrosse team. She has also taken drumming lessons for a year and is currently a percussion member of the CC Concert Band.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Try to make a real connection with your FYE professors and mentors. They will help you more than you realize throughout your CC career. FYE professors are the most “hands on” professors you will likely have (at least until senior year), and therefore can be your most helpful support throughout your time at CC. FYE mentors are mentors because they like being a support system as well as having new friends. They can help you immensely, so try to be responsive to the opportunities presented to you.”

Name: Madalyn Rilling

Hometown: Longmont, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

During Madalyn’s freshmen year, she performed in Theater Workshop and Dance Workshop productions, while also taking several dance adjuncts. She received the First Year Experience (FYE) Paper Publication Award in 2008 and will be a FYE Mentor this fall.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I am sure that somebody gave me this piece of advice along the way, but I wish someone had emphasized it more: put yourself out there. Stretch yourself, try new things, and always have the openness and enthusiasm to give something your all. I think that going into Colorado College with this attitude is the key way to get the most out of one’s experience here.”

Name: Ashley Rosenberg

Hometown: Englewood, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undeclared

Ashley was very active her freshmen year as House Manager of the Delta Gamma sorority, Community Outreach Officer for the Hillel of Colorado College and a committee member for Holocaust Remembrance Week. She currently volunteers at the local Ronald McDonald House and with campus groups such as Rotaract and the Biochemistry Club.

Advice to First-Year Students: “No matter how hard your block is, it is only going to last for three and a half weeks. As long as you use the resources available on campus you can get the help you need to successfully make it through the block.”

Name: Andrea Ruybal

Hometown:

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Psychology/Feminist and Gender Studies

In the past two years at Colorado College, Andi has served as secretary for SOMOS and historian for FemCo. She has also danced for Tiger Eyes, the campus dance squad, and performed in Dance Workshop productions. This upcoming fall, she will be a First Year Experience Mentor and mentor for the Priddy program.

Advice to First-Year Students: “It is really important to balance and prioritize academics and activities. There are too many students that fall to the extremes. I was one that ignored my social life for academics and it made me miserable. I also knew people who partied too much and failed classes. College is about learning in an academic sense and learning about who you are.”

Name: Andrew Salimbeni

Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Music

AJ gets his kicks from skiing, sailing and being outside. He is a Music major, formerly a biochemistry major, but is willing to study just about anything. If he had a motto, which he doesn't, it would be something to the effect of "Life is too short for ___________." You fill in the blank.

Advice to First-Years: “Try new things, you never know what you may learn about yourself. And don't be afraid to redefine how you see the world. This is the time and place to awaken into who you really are.”

Name: Anna Sanger

Hometown: Tulsa, OK

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: International Political Economy/Spanish

Over the past three years at Colorado College, Anna has been a dedicated volunteer at Aprender Mediante Amistad, a local tutoring group for ESL students in the Colorado Springs area. She is also a member of the Club Soccer team and a writer for the student run newspaper on campus, The Catalyst.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I was told this, but I would place additional importance to it- jump into college with all of your heart and soul and get in there! It’s so important to get involved, get excited, and relish every minute. More specifically, I wish I would’ve been given the advice that professor relationships are key and that you should try to build them from the beginning.”

Name: Lauren Schaefer

Hometown: Denver, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: English/Art

Lauren is very active in many of areas of campus life, including Greek life as member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She has also served as the President of the Class of 2010, Homecoming 2007 Chair and a member of the 2008 Commencement Committee. Lauren has led a Spring Service Celebration trip and is a member of Volunteer Action on campus.

Advice to First-Year Students: “CC is an amazing place and there are going to be times when you feel like you can’t keep up with the work load, you aren’t sure where you “fit” socially, but as long as you keep your head up, find someway to laugh when things get hard, and as long as you stay true to what you believe you will have the most amazing four years of your life.”

Name: Bridgett Shephard

Hometown: Evergreen, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: International Political Economy-Elementary Education

This past year, Bridgett served as the Sponsorship Chair for the Relay for Life Committee and was an active member in Rotaract. During the fall, she volunteered and canvassed for the Students for Obama group on campus and worked as a TESSA intern in town. Bridgett also works for Court Appointed Special Advocate program, specifically in the Supervised Exchange and Parenting Time program.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Meeting friends and getting to know people with similar interests and passions is one of the great things about college. It is absolutely essential at a school as dynamic and diverse as CC for the students to get involved in things that they are passionate about and committed to.”

Name: Victoria Silver

Hometown: Northbrook, IL

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Philosophy/Asian Studies

Since freshmen year, Victoria has been a member of Colorado College’s Ellement, an all-female a cappella group. Though she no longer plays collegiate sports, she is an avid yogi and loves to run. In the past, Victoria has also taught ESL classes and helped build foundations for apartments in Mexico.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Try everything the school has to offer. The clubs and activities, the trips the school facilitates, the abroad blocks or science classes that camp for most of the block- these are the things that made my CC experience what it is. This school has it all- so try it!”

Name: Rebecca Spiegel

Hometown: Wilmington, CT

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Becca has proven herself to an involved student leader on campus, though only a rising sophomore, through her work as Slocum Hall Representative and Vice President of Student Concerns in the Student Government Association. She is also the Publicity co-chair for the Relay for Life committee and plays on the Women’s Rugby team.

Advice to First Year Students: “As a first-year student, many people advised me to try new things and to get involved with any club or activity that sounded interesting to me. I think that this advice was helpful, but I wish that someone had also advised me that over-scheduling could be a consequence of trying to participate in everything that looked or sounded cool, and that I needed to seek a realistic balance between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social life.”

Name: Vivian Spiess

Hometown: Lakewood, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

During Vivian’s freshmen year she was a disc jockey for SOCC, the campus radio station where she worked once a week selecting songs. In the past, Vivian has volunteered with Camp Paha working with disabled children on trips around the city. She has also led outdoor trips for sixth graders and participated in the Second Wind Walk/Run, a fundraiser for teen suicide prevention.

Advice to First-Year Students: Instead of trying to make as many friends as fast as possible, be yourself, stand up for your values, and figure out who you are and what people will appreciate you. You won’t meet your best friends right away, but you meet new people every day that will and do appreciate who you are for the same reasons that you appreciate yourself. It may take a little bit of time, but stay strong because you will make lifelong bonds with other people at this school.

Name: Alex Stiller-Shulman

Hometown: Pueblo, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Economics

Alex is currently the co-chair of Aprender Mediante Amistad, a student group that tutors ESL students whose parents have immigrated to the Colorado Springs area. He also gives tours on a regular basis for the admissions office and is a member of HIV: Helping Ignorance Vanish, a group that provides information and free testing for HIV/AIDS related issues.

Advice to First-Year Students: “CC can be many, many things – that’s why it’s a liberal arts school. Try out what we have to offer, and see what excites you, even if it’s something you didn’t even know you liked. Then, take advantage of the myriad opportunities that the college provides for that passion. You’ll find excellent support no matter where your education takes you.”

Name: Bernadette Stocker

Hometown: Flagler Beach, FL

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Political Science/Latin American Studies

During Bernadette’s freshmen year, she ran Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field. She also found time to be involved with CC’s Invisible Children group, the Outdoor Recreation Committee (ORC), Salsa Club, Ballroom Dancing Club and the Catholic Community.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Take some time for yourself. I was so enthusiastic for college life that for my first couple of months at CC, I threw myself into every trip, club, game, and get-together that sounded like it could be fun. I soon realized that ‘missing out’ on a few events in order to get some sleep or go through my mail was not necessarily a bad thing. I would encourage first-years to experience all they can and try new things, but also to take a day off every now and again to center themselves and get some more rest.”

Name: Berenice Torres

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Sociology

Berenice is currently a member of Colorado College’s Student Organization for Sexual Safety, which organizes Take Back the Night every spring and serves as a student hotline for advice on issues surrounding sexuality. Throughout college, Berenice has worked at various elementary schools, homeless shelters and interned at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Travel and don’t look back.”

Name: Melissa Tran

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Undecided

Melissa kept herself busy throughout freshmen with a multitude of social activities as a member of the Relay for Life committee, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Student Venture Partnership and Student Ambassadors program. She also served as the secretary of the Asian American Student Union on campus and a member of the AppreCCiate Scholarship committee.

Advice to First-Year Students: “The single piece of advice I wish that was given to me was to be told that it’s essential to break out of your shell…This second semester, I’ve taken courses that I would not have usually taken and involved myself in campus groups that I would never have joined before coming to CC. I’m so much happier now that I’ve broken out of my comfort zone to find my niche here at CC.”

Name: Hank Vogel

Hometown: Whitewater, CO

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Mathematical Economics

Hank is very involved in community outreach in the surrounding community, volunteering as a mentor at Fox Meadows Middle School, where he inspires students to continue their education to the college level. He is also a member of Kappa Sigma here on campus and this fall, Hank will be leading his third NSO trip. He hopes that incoming students have the drive to set high expectations for themselves, as CC expects the same.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I would say that it was very easy for me to find comfort as I got settled in to a new place. Only now have I begun to realize that the limits and boundaries here at CC are vast, and had someone told me to start looking for them earlier, I would have saved myself a few months of ignorant bliss.”

Name: Elizabeth Votruba

Hometown: Gate Mills, OH

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Sociology (undeclared)

During freshmen year, Lizzie regularly hosted prospective students and was captain of a glorious broomball team. In high school, she used to ride and train horse for clients, as well as volunteer in the Cleveland Clinic at the Children’s Hospital. Lizzie believes her NSO experience was a wonderful transition into college and hopes she can help incoming students have the same kind of experience.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Give every person you meet a chance at becoming friends and welcome everyone with open arms.”

Name: Julie White

Hometown: Wayzata, MN

Year: Junior

Major/Minor: Asian Studies

Julie has a variety of interests, and she has found an outlet for each one at CC. She is a member of Delta Gamma sorority, and has served on the Winterball Committee, responsible for organizing CC’s annual winter formal dance. She is also on the Tiger Eyes Dance Team, and is a skilled metalworker/jewelry maker. This fall, Julie will be leading her second NSO trip.

Advice to First-Year Students: “I wish that I had been told what to expect from Colorado College. Being a first-year student, I was confused about the block plan and how to construct my schedule. In addition, I wanted to know how CC worked, and what information was necessary to know from an upperclassmen perspective. Be sure to ask upperclassmen and myself about these issues.”

Name: Felicity Wood

Hometown: Deer Isle, ME

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Geology

Felicity, Tia to her friends, is a member of the Women’s Rugby, Dance Workshop and various intramural sports on campus. This past year she was a First Year Experience (FYE) mentor and as a Geology major, she has had the opportunity to take some excellent field trips and classes not only locally, but to such exotic locales as Hawai’i and New Zealand.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Be open to anything.”

Name: Christina Yong

Hometown: Centennial, CO

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Sociology/Pre-Med

Christina is a member of KASA (Korean American Student Union), as well as Student Ambassadors, Volunteer Action, and Rotaract. Her service interests include ESL, literacy, and Women's issues. She will be leading her third NSO trip this upcoming fall and believes NSO trips provide freshmen with a good foundation to transition into college.

Advice to First-Year Students: “You should have confidence in your actions as a first year, if you do this it is possible to spend four years at CC with no regrets.”

Name: Amy Yoshimura

Hometown: Denver, CO

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Biology/Asian Studies

During freshmen year, Amy became a member of Colorado College’s Volunteer Action group, mentoring 4th and 5th grade students. This past semester, she also got involved with Dance Workshop productions. Throughout high school, Amy was competitive gymnast and dancer at the Arvada Center Jazz Company.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Just relax when things start getting hard. You can’t start freaking out about things, because for one, you don’t have time to stress, and it just makes you more tired. If you start to stress, take some time off eating, getting coffee, talk to some friends, take a long shower, etc. because it makes you feel so much better.”

Name: William Zuke

Hometown:

Year: Sophomore

Major/Minor: Engineering Program

Billy joined Rotaract during his freshmen year at Colorado College and through it was able to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. He has spent past summers life guarding and attending government leadership programs.
In the past, he has also participated in Mission trips where he helped completely refurbish dilapidated houses and apartments.

Advice to First-Year Students: “Do not limit yourself, in terms of meeting people, to the first few people you meet.”