Why Furman? Personally, the most important quality during my college search was finding a small student body. I loved the idea of walking past familiar faces on my way to class. I believed that finding a stunning campus was another major factor in my application process. Great scenery outside of my dorm window seemed beneficial for my mental health during freshman year. Additionally, I knew that I needed a college with rigorous academics, so that I would be prepared for my career, and graduate school. I discovered that Furman was the embodiment of my checklist. The small student body provided the opportunity of small class sizes. Having smaller classes has helped me to connect with my professors and fully understand the information that is being taught, this urged me to think beyond what I thought I was capable of. I love walking to class, studying by the lake, and looking out my dorm window because of the beautiful scenery that surrounds me while living on Furman’s campus.

Which professor has made the biggest impact on you while at Furman, and why? Dr. Ilka Rasch is my favorite professor at Furman. I had Dr. Rasch as my german professor freshman year. This was my first German class so as one can imagine I was quite overwhelmed. I found myself in Dr. Rasch’s office three times a week. I would ask questions about the content in class, practice my German speaking skills, or just catch her up on my Furman social life! She had quickly morphed into my “go to” person on campus. I haven’t had her as a professor in class since Freshman year yet throughout my sophomore year she has had a great impact on me. Despite being on Sabbatical and traveling abroad, she found the time to write to me 3 recommendation letters. Additionally, she single-handedly got me a job in her department! Being close with Dr. Rasch has gotten me countless opportunities on Furman’s campus.

What is your favorite Furman memory? My favorite memory at Furman occurred during an October evening. I was tired and stressed from staying up studying the past few nights. My friends had convinced me to take a study break so we could go to a soccer game. It was quite chilly and we were hungry, so we grabbed Moes from the Pden, and blankets from our dorms. We snuggled up with our blankets while eating Moes, and cheering on the boy’s soccer team. We laughed and bonded and I completely forgot about how stressed I had been that whole week. Although the academics here are tough, this day reminded me that there are always opportunities on campus to relax, have fun, and feel at home.

What is your favorite thing spot/activity to do in Greenville? Studying in the library on campus is fun Monday-Friday but it gets boring on the weekend. This is why every Saturday morning most Furman students head downtown to find a bakery or coffee shop. Coffee Underground is my favorite place downtown to study in. It is such a chill environment and the pastries are to die for!

In my spare time, I like to... I love to find the wooden hammock behind the lake whenever I have free time. For a few minutes, the hammock allows me to escape the hectic world of organizational duties and academic stresses. It is almost like a charging station that gives me the energy to take on the rest of my day!

Organizations:
MOSAIC
Furman Creative Collaborative
TedX Furman University

Others:

• Shi Center for Sustainability Fellow