Hometown: Reading, PA

Hobbies: Art, spending time with my friends and dogs, exploring the city, watching true crime and psychology videos, and playing fun simulation games like The Sims

Future major, if chosen: Psychology, minors in Spanish and Neuroscience

What made you choose Drexel?

It's the perfect campus, the right distance from home, has tons of opportunities, amazing people, co-op, and gave me a great financial aid package.

What made you choose FYES?

I was recommended by another advisor to check it out because I was unsure of what path to take when I first got to Drexel.

What are the academic and professional benefits of exploring your first year?

Exploring my first year allowed me to make academic progress while having the freedom to find out what I'm really interested in. I could check out tons of different courses and subjects while still being on track with college coursework, so it took a lot of stress off me.

What has your experience been like with your advisor?

My advisor was Nina and I love her so much. She made me feel so much better when I was overly worried about my major decision. She made my adjustment to college much easier by just being available for me to turn to with any questions. Nina also was able to connect me to other academic advisors and career counselors so I could have access to every source of information.

Any memorable classes or instructors?

I took ENGL 102 and ENGL 103 with Professor Alexis Apfelbaum, who was absolutely amazing. She was so kind, respectful, and amazing as an instructor. Prof Apfelbaum truly cared about the subject material and wanted to help us all become better writers, which made the class much more enjoyable.

Biggest takeaways from the FYES classes or the whole FYES experience?

FYES taught me that it's okay to not be sure of yourself right away and that there is plenty of time to explore and figure out the right fit for you. The program also gave me a wonderful support system and showed me that the Drexel community is so welcoming and accommodating.

What else are you involved in at Drexel? How can students get involved in university groups?

My main involvement is the FYES Peer Mentor program, since it's been difficult to get involved due to COVID. However, I'm also a Global Engagement Scholar and am looking to join the Psychology honor society and possibly the Neuroscience club. I applied to the Pennoni Honors College this spring as well, which I hope to be admitted to. It's so easy to find clubs through DragonLink and to attend virtual and on-campus events through FYES.