Why did you choose Daemen College?

I chose Daemen because of the small school atmosphere. When I initially visited Daemen, everyone you met was so happy and welcoming which made it easier to decide on which school to attend. I really enjoy the fact that my teachers know my name and that I’m not just one in a crowd of hundreds.

Why did you choose your present major?

I chose History and Political Science because I love to read about historical figures and events. I love when you get to know a prominent figure in history for who they actually were and not just a name on the page in a textbook. I love learning and reading about all of the untold stories of history and how they have impacted our lives.

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen. 

My academic experience thus far has been incredible. Thus far, all of the courses I have taken at Daemen have been a lot of fun. Currently, I am the Past President of the Honors Program and I think the program in particular has really pushed me to succeed. There are so many opportunities within the program and I think it should be mandatory for the Trustees to be a part of it. The multifaceted nature of the program focuses on academics, social involvement and community outreach, and is undeniably the most beneficial program on campus.  I really do appreciate and care for my professors. They have all done so much for me academically and also with my personal growth as an academic.

Do you live on campus? Please tell us about your on-campus experiences.

I don't live on campus, but I still manage to experience a lot of activities and events. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to continue my education and eventually acquire my PhD in Cultural and Medical Anthropology. I would also love to teach overseas, conduct research, and ultimately become a Professor. 

What clubs or organizations have you been a part of at Daemen? What kinds of things do they do?

I am the Past President of the Honors Program and a Trustee Scholar. The Honors Program is a great gateway for research and making connections. I owe a lot of my successes to the Honors Program, including a one of my scholarships, the ability for me to travel to conferences across the United States, and for all of the networking I have been able to do. 

Please describe the impact Daemen faculty, staff and advisors have had on you.

Alongside my passion for the Honors program, I am also a huge fan of the faculty here at Daemen. Dr. Ward has assisted me in my leadership skills as well as pushing me to present at conferences. Dr. Thurman is actually the faculty member to blame for guiding me to find my newfound passion for anthropology. Because of him, I have switched my major to history and political science, I am currently starting my thesis sequence and focusing on a native American ritual, and I will be going to graduate school for Cultural Anthropology. Dr. Tekin has been an incredible mentor to me in the past year.  Dr. Campbell and I have been working on an international project on the Archeology of Iraq that has exposed me to applied history and the historical research. I would not have gotten this opportunity without her approaching me about the subject—all because I took great interest in one of her classes. From meeting with me over the summer and weekends to talk about my future, to aiding me in writing and creating my own philosophical arguments, she has been a great idol for me to look up to. In all, I would say the faculty at Daemen is by far the most caring, respectful, and personable and I am very thankful to have gotten to know as many professors as I have.