What is something you love about your school? I really appreciate the welcoming atmosphere at Villanova. Coming into a completely new environment was initially intimidating for me, but I quickly realized how approachable and friendly everyone was. People are always willing to start conversations and make others feel included, which made the transition much easier. I also love the strong sense of school spirit throughout campus because it creates such a connected community. Seeing students dress up for games, and make signs makes the environment feel energetic and unified.
How/why did you choose your major? I chose to major in criminology because I’ve always been really interested in understanding why people commit crimes and how the justice system responds to them. Over time, I became especially interested in white-collar crime and investigations. I added Russian in the mix since I believe it will be useful in learning about current issues and understanding a different culture opens the mind to think in different ways. Learning the language allowed me to connect with different people and become an asset for the future.
What is your relationship with your ZF coach like/In what ways have they helped you? My relationship with my ZF coach Ken, has been really meaningful because he has supported me throughout the past three years. Whenever I need advice, reassurance, or even just a quick phone call to ask questions, he is always willing to make time for me. What I appreciate most is that his advice is always honest and genuinely helpful, and it is clear that he truly wants to see me succeed. Some of our conversations are lighthearted and focused on catching up about school or life, while others are more focused on planning the next steps toward my goals and future career. Beyond professional guidance, his encouragement and perspective have also shown me what strong leadership and mentorship should look like, which is something I hope to carry forward in the future.
What hobbies/extracurriculars/other interests do you have? Some of my hobbies are exercising, hiking, and reading. I first got into exercise through playing volleyball, and over time I realized going to the gym not only made me feel physically healthier, but also gave me a great mindset. Hiking is something I have loved since I was younger because my parents would take my family on trips to places like Acadia National Park. Being surrounded by nature and animals has always been calming to me, and hiking combines both of those things. I also really enjoy reading because I love how books can both educate you and completely transport you into different stories and perspectives every time you open one.