Hannah Piazza ’24
Major: Exercise Science; Early Assurance Physical Therapy
Minor: Spanish
Organizations involved on campus: Hornet Ambassador, Health and Life Sciences Club, The Hidden Opponent, The Sting, and the Health and Life Sciences Club.
What is your favorite part about being a member of the CAS Honors Program?
The honors program has connected me to some other amazing students in this college as well as given me some more challenging classes.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
The best thing to do is to just relax. Stress will not help you when it comes to studying or doing work. Taking time for yourself is one of the most important things to do for your mental and emotional self.
What has been your favorite class?
My FYS class is surprisingly my favorite class. I am in Taking it Slow: Walks and Pilgrimages from Around the World and I enjoy being able to go outside and enjoy hikes with students outside of my major. Also since President Tracy Fitzsimmons is one of my professors for this class it is definitely the best class on campus.
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
My favorite memory at SU is going up to Skyline Drive with all of my friends one weekend and spending 3 hours up there after sunset.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
President Tracy Fitzsimmons is definitely my favorite professor this semester as she is very easy to work with and takes the time to all of the students in her class.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Take my hammock out on the quad and study, do my work or just be outside with my friends.
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Sandella’s is definitely my favorite place to eat on campus since they always have really good food, I’ve liked everything I’ve gotten from there.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
Brewbakers is my favorite restaurant on the walking mall in Winchester. My family and I go there whenever they visit, they have the best burgers around.
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
I have been able to manage all of the adjustments for COVID-19 fairly well, it has definitely been a learning curve.
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
Talk to your professors and reach out to them for anything. With all of the new adjustments it is better to reach out to your professors with any questions or uncertainties.
Justus Whittington ’23
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Organizations involved on campus: Biology lab aid, Biology tutor
What is your favorite part about being a member of the CAS Honors Program?
I am a very introverted person and it is very hard for me to connect, so being a part of the Honors program allows me to be connected with a group of students
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Construct a solid study and organization routine early. Every teacher has a different format, location, and types of homework and what works best for me is physically writing out all my assignments for each week. Usually on my iPad or on the Mac, and crossing them off when I complete them.
What has been your favorite class?
Microbiology, because the study of microscopic life is so fascinating, and lab was so much fun. All the micro-pipetting and culturing. It is a subject I want to be well versed in, and hope to take Immunology and Virology to broaden my scope of knowledge on the subject.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
I guess I will have to go with Dr. Rodgers, the way her class was laid out and the way she delivered her lectures made learning a really challenging class facilitative and gave all of her students a runway to succeed if they put in hard work.
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
Either welcome week, playing pool and/or ping pong at the BSC, seeing the all female 1776, or honor’s snow tubing in February 2020. I don’t know, I’ve had a lot of fun smaller moments as well.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
I enjoy walking around our beautiful campus and also lifting in the gym everyday
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
The BSC, I always go there in the back and do work while eating. But, the Buzz Inn is becoming a close 2nd quickly.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
Macados, they have amazing sandwiches with so much customizability – and nice pickles if that’s your thing.
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
I have gotten a lot better at emailing professors about things, due to a lack of in person communication.
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
Keep a steady sleep schedule, don’t let the fact that your classes are online keep you from waking up, eating, and staying healthy. Because classes are online you may have more work to do, so dedicate some of that new found time to your homework.
Skye Austin ’23
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: Biology
Organizations involved on campus: Environmental Club President, Broadcast Technician, Native Garden Caretaker
What is your favorite part about being a member of the CAS Honors Program?
I love the diversity of projects I can work on when I’m in an honors class. I can really mold assignments to fit my interests and goals!
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Most people will tell you not to party too hard, or hang out with your friends all the time, but I’m of the opposite camp; hang out with your friends, go out and have fun, “party” as much as you need too (but also still get work done). One of my biggest regrets in college is hole-ing myself in my room and doing nothing but studying. Go do fun things!
What has been your favorite class?
HON-301 — The Scholarship Process. As someone who’s extremely interested in a career in research, getting to write a full research proposal on a topic that I was fascinated with was challenging, fun, and rewarding!
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Grab a pair of waders and stand in the stream! There’s something relaxing about letting the cool water rush past your feet.
Patrick Maneval ’23
Major: Exercise Science & Physiology
Minor: Biology, Coaching, Physiology
Organizations involved on campus: Men’s Cross Country, Track and Field, President and Division III South Head Campus Captain for The Hidden Opponent, Hornet Ambassador, Summer Orientation Leader, First Year Seminar Mentor – Slowing it Down: Walks and Pilgrimages Around the World, Thrive Guide
What is your favorite part about being a member of the CAS Honors Program?
Getting to meet all of the awesome people in my class!!!
As a student athlete, how do you manage your time both as a student and an athlete?
Planning. Google Calendar is my best friend now – minus the awesome friends I’ve made on campus 🙂 – I have learned that it is okay to take time for myself and scheduling in self-care is crucial to staying afloat. Utilize study hall hours, tutors, and exam review sessions!
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
College can be a scary transition! Know that you always have people in your corner, whether you are one mile or one thousand miles away from home! I wish I had known that it’s okay to struggle and not be perfect. As Honor’s students, many of us grew up striving for perfection, and it is truly okay to struggle. Nobody is perfect! We are all human!
What has been your favorite class?
I really enjoyed my Honors Medical Ethics class during the Spring 2020 semester. Our professor was very kind and relatable. We were able to have great discussion about ethically challenging medical scenarios, based upon excerpts we read from journals, books, and magazines. It was different from the normal class with exams, and was very intellectually engaging and stimulating!
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
This is a tough one. I would have to go with my advisor, Dr. Peacock. I have not even had her for a class yet but she has been so helpful in my transition to school. She is a very real and down to earth professor who has her students’ best interests at heart. She’s also a sport psychologist and she helped me add a Psychology major so I can go into that field, as well! 🙂
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
I loved having the chance to be selected for the Global Citizenship Project (GCP). We had a huge celebration with the President and all of the freshman class and I found out that I got selected to go on an all-expenses paid trip to Indonesia!
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Hammock on the quad by the SU sign with friends:)
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Allen Dining Hall, AKA “The Caf”. It has a wide variety of all you can eat foods. Plus, it has ice cream. I love ice cream. Plus, the people who work get to know your name within a few weeks and are very helpful!
Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
I’m a big Waffle House kind-of-guy (the Winchester Waffle House is good, by the way), but as for Winchester specific restaurants, I’d have to go with Red Fox Creamery. It’s an ice cream shop on the walking mall and it has so many good flavors! It is definitely worth checking out!
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
Create a schedule to keep some level of normalcy in my life! Just anything to keep a normal routine helps. I also took up some new hobbies. I began reading a lot more and drawing, working in the yard, and listening to new podcasts (never was a thing for me before!)
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
Be patient and forgiving of yourself! It’s hard to juggle all of the responsibilities in college while also adjusting to life away from home amidst a pandemic! Be kind and understanding of yourself and others, we are all trying our best!
Hailee Wick ’23
Major: Elementary and Special Education
Organizations involved on campus: Resident Assistant for East Campus Commons, Directorship team for the Buzzin’ Dozen Pep Band, Alpha Lambda Delta, Active Minds, Diverse Games for Diverse people, American Sign Language club, and work study with the Campus Activities Network.
What is your favorite part about being a member of the CAS Honors Program?
All of the connections I’ve made or strengthened since joining! I knew a lot of people in the program when I joined but I’ve strengthened all of them. It really feels like a community and a place to grow.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Go to things! You never know when you could meet someone at an event. Even if you don’t meet someone then, you can meet someone later on who also went to that event and have something in common. I wish I had known that life can get overwhelming but taking everything one step at a time is the best way to go.
What has been your favorite class?
Environmental Studies with Dr.Degrassi! It was my first honors class and my first summer class. It was so interesting and I learned a lot of the world around me. It has made me more conscious of the trash and pollution I produce. I was also able to make my first educational video which I loved being able to put together.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
Dr. Denkler. She’s so nice and helpful with everything. She checked in on me when I was having a rough time and helped me love history again. She helped me look at history in a whole new way and was always willing to have a conversation with someone.
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
Just laughing and being around my friends on campus. There’s too many good memories! I love them all whenever my friends are around.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Sitting in Sarah’s Glen and watching the sunsets throughout many of the places on campus
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Buzzins! You have to know the right times to show up when it’s not busy to get in but the food is always incredibly good. It’s a new place this year but it has blown me away at how awesome it is every time I’ve gone.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
Brewbakers! It’s right on the walking mall and there’s outdoor seating so you can hear all the music and soak in the lively atmosphere of downtown. The food is also amazing!
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
Yes. The school has done an awesome job at making sure everyone is safe and all the professors have been extremely flexible to the situation.
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
Reach out to people. We are all going through this pandemic and it can be really helpful to talk to people who are feeling similar to you. Even though everything is insane, also try and have some kind of fun. Be safe and healthy about it but have enjoyable experiences.
Sophia Gillam ’23
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Organizations involved on campus: Psychology Club, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society
What is your favorite part about being a member of the CAS Honors Program?
My favorite part of being a member of the honors program is being able to take my classes, such as anatomy, with other people who really care to learn. I am able to surround myself with others who want to learn the information as badly as I do and learn it to remember it not just for the next test
What advice do you have for incomingfirst-year students?
Canvas will tell you what your homework is for the whole week. I would go through and write those assignments down in an agenda. This will make sure you never miss an assignment and help best manage your time. Find somewhere you are comfortable completing your homework (For me this is either the common space of my dorm hall in the mornings when it is empty or in the library).
What has been your favorite class?
My favorite class so far was my honors Bio 121 my first semester as a freshman. That class all around was amazing. I made some really good friends during that class, Dr. Rodgers is awesome, and during that class you get to take a trip to the cadaver lab.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
My favorite professor was my FYS professor. He had us call him Keith, which was super weird calling your professor by your first name. But he taught a Walking Dead class so it was really fun getting to talk about the worth of people’s lives and if some mattered more than others.
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
My friends and I play Dungeons and Dragons. One of my favorite memories of SU so far was one night as we were getting ready to play my friend said that they really wanted a glass of milk. So next thing we know, me and her left to drive to Walmart, after the long trek down to freshman parking, and each bought a gallon of milk. We came back and then started playing DND an hour later drinking from our cartons of milk. This was more memorable because it was the first time I ever drank milk out of the carton and not a glass.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Sit in Sarah’s glen by the water and complete my homework
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
The Grill
Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
There is this really good Thai place in the walking mall, called Thai Winchester. They have really good food and what is also nice is being able to walk around, if you walk down the mall for about 1 minute you will come across a really good ice cream store, Red Fox Creamery.
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
I honestly did not have a very hard time adjusting to covid. The thing I struggled with mostly was personal care. I actually got a gym membership off campus where they do not mandate masks (due to proper distancing and proper ventilation) so I can keep up on my personal care.
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
Communication with your teachers is very important. So make sure that you introduce yourself to them so that if you find yourself struggling with how the format of the class is you’re able to talk to them about it. Most of the time your teachers will work with you if you talk to them.
Minakshi Nepal ’23
Major: Cybersecurity
Minor: TBD
Organizations involved on campus: Residential Assistant in Parker Hall, Interfaith Council.
What is your favorite part about being a member of the CAS Honors Program?
My favorite part of being a member of the CAS Honors Program is that we get the opportunity to be a part of a bunch of amazing folks with different mindsets who always stand out among others. It provides learning opportunities and a fun place to hang around with friends and build connections.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
My advice for the incoming first-year students would be do not procrastinate. Plan your work ahead of time and do not get overwhelmed with the studies. Have the most of your college life experience. I wish I had known that the professors are really welcoming and you should make the most of their office hours.
What has been your favorite class?
My favorite class was Navigating Religious Diversity by Prof. Kevin Minister. I really loved that class because it teaches you about almost every religion of the world and how to embrace that diversity. Additionally, that class taught me how to think and learn critically.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Jessica O’Shaughnessy. She teaches programming and I love her because her way of teaching enables the students to master a particular topic before moving to something else. That way, you are definitely going to learn and understand that.
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
Going to snow tubing
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
My favorite thing is to stay near the stream and observe the water flowing. It is a stress reliever for me.
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
The Grill
Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
I like Roma which is in Winchester. I love their pizza.
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
It is not easy but definitely not very hard. Finding excuses is not going to work. So, I actually make a schedule and stick to it. Planning ahead of time and working accordingly is helping me so far.
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
Do not stress. These are not easy times, but you will get through it. You will have a story to tell when you graduate about how different your college experience is because of the pandemic. Be smart and positive.
Addison Denney ’26
Major: Biology
Minor: Public Health
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
The variety of courses available and the way the courses are taught.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Do the honors program if you can!! It’s a great thing to add. Don’t be nervous, you are capable if you got into it! You’ll never regret it.
What has been your favorite class?
Honors Gen Bio 1
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
Dr. Rodgers because she is one of the smartest women I know and I can learn a lot from her. The way she teaches is amazing.
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
Meeting all of my friends!
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Hanging out and going to the grill to get a cheese quesadilla.
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Buzzins
Where is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
Taste of India
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
It was definitely harder. The studying was harder and the responsibility of having to actually do well was a lot of pressure. With time management and lots of patience, I’ve started to level out and do my work on time with less stress.
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
Study! Practice good studying habits. Stay motivated. Grind out what you need to grind out and don’t take the easy way out, you’ll thank yourself later.
Annika Rodoff ’25
Major: Public Health & Dance
Organizations involved on campus: Alpha Lambda Delta, Sigma Rho Delta, First-Year Seminar Mentor – Globesity, Shenandoah Conversations Fellow, Delight Ministries, Health & Life Sciences Club
As a double major, how do you manage your time?
For me, self-discipline is really key. Holding yourself accountable for getting things done when you have the time is so important. Also, I find I do a lot of planning and need to keep myself organized in order to make sure I am using my time effectively.
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
I really love being able to take classes with other Honors students. Interacting with similarly driven and committed students in both the Honors seminars and my other academics has truly been one of the most amazing aspects of the Honors Program at SU.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Look for opportunities and pursue them. I am constantly overwhelmed by all the amazing opportunities offered by SU and the SU Honors Program. I wish I had been more aware and less afraid to go for the things presented to me when I was a freshman. Really putting yourself out there, trying new things, and seeing where opportunities lead you can take you in directions you never suspected. There are also so many opportunities in college that you are never going to have again in your life, so pursuing them while you can is key.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
Dr. Gollenberg has been my favorite professor at SU. She is always so friendly, and I know I can come to her for anything. Dr. Gollenberg brings so much joy to every class and is so passionate about her field and sharing her expertise with students. I know that she genuinely cares about student learning, success, and wellbeing within and beyond her class.
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
My favorite memory at SU so far was the Internal Convocation during which I found out I would be traveling to Botswana for a Global Citizenship Project! Not only was the reveal of my designation very exciting, but the portrayal of the diverse cultures composing the SU community by musicians, dancers, and speakers was a unique celebration that I am so grateful I was able to experience.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
I love simply walking around campus because it is so beautiful throughout the whole year! I especially enjoy the decorations and lights put up around the holidays.
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Buzzin’s! The food is delicious, and I really like that you can get breakfast all day!
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
I would say that finding a routine for myself was essential to adjusting to college post-pandemic. As I presume is the case for many others, I let my daily routine slip and meld together during the pandemic, so finding a sense of rhythm and routine again in college is something I have found to keep me on track and successful as a student.
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
My advice would be to think of college as a reset, as an opportunity to start over and truly explore yourself. During the pandemic, so many things were taken away and out of students’ control. Coming to college now allows you to take control of who you are. New college students cannot get caught up in the limitations they faced in high school as that blocks their view of what they can do now in college post pandemic.
Olivia O’Grady ’25
Major: Exercise Science & Psychology
Minors: Biology, Physiology, & Spanish
Organizations involved on campus: Field Hockey
As a student-athlete, how do you manage your time?
Being a student-athlete does require a lot of time management and organization, because often times during your designated athletic season, there is very little time to complete school work. I often use the time on the bus to away games as a way to get ahead on school work. I believe that getting ahead of school work by one to two days while in season is greatly beneficial because it lessens the stress from school while in season.
As a double major, how do you manage your time?
As a double major, a good portion of my coursework overlaps, especially with my minors. Again, time management and organization are essential to ensure that all of your class work is done on time and done well.
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
The Honors Program provides so many opportunities during the school year to network both inside and outside the university that are beneficial for future careers.
Who has been your favorite class?
My favorite class has been SPAN-311 because there are so many interesting conversations and topics that we cover in the class. Speaking in Spanish also adds another fun element to the course.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
Dr. Adela Borrallo-Solís has been my favorite professor because she genuinely cares for her students and is the most approachable professor that I have met on campus. She goes above and beyond to ensure all students are comfortable in her classroom, and she makes SU feel like home.
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
I think that the shift to all online content following the pandemic really facilitated the way that many SU courses are run currently. Most classes are completely digital, so schooling during the COVID lockdown really helped adjust to this method of learning.
Ruth Castellano ’25
Major: Psychology
Minor: Music
Organizations involved on campus: Hornet Ambassadors, Marching Band, Pep Band
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
My favorite part of being a member of the SU Honors Program is having a community of hard-working and determined students who all want the best education possible. I have always been a good student, but by having Honors classes and meeting other Honors students it pushes me to keep growing and striving for greatness in my academics and in my life overall!
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
My biggest piece of advice for incoming freshman is to not be afraid! College is new and can be scary at times, but it is also exciting and fun! I encourage all incoming freshman to be fearless and meet new people, ask questions in class, go to office hours, be your own advocate, and share your passions with the rest of the University!
Who has been your favorite class?
My favorite class so far at SU was my public speaking class my first semester. I loved my professor, Dr. Corr, and he made the class and the lessons so much fun to learn! My fellow classmates were comfortable with one another which made the class easier because we were all comfortable talking in front of one another and we always gave entertaining speeches for one another. The atmosphere was so supportive and welcoming and it made me feel confident that I chose the right school my first semester here.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
My favorite professor at SU is Dr. Carlson! I have had her for two of my psychology classes so far and I have loved both classes. Her teaching style is very easy to understand and she incorporates a lot of interesting videos, assignments, and activities into her lessons that help you not only understand definitions but be able to fully grasp the concepts and apply them to your own life. Dr. Carlson is also my advisor and has been a wonderful resource to me at SU!
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
My favorite memories at SU are how I met all of my friends on campus! I met friends through welcome week activities, classes, campus organizations, a GEL trip, and through mutual friends. Each initial interaction with the people I now call my friends are memories I will cherish forever and I am so grateful for finding so many amazing people at SU.
What is your favorite place to eat on campus?
My favorite place to eat on campus is Buzzins! They have really good food and I love to go eat with friends at Buzzins because it gives us time to sit down, relax, and catch up in between our busy schedules. It is also really good for take-out because they are always quick, efficient and reliable.
What is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
My favorite place to eat in Winchester is Benny Meleto’s pizza!
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
My best advice for new college students who spent part of high school in a pandemic is to take advantage of every opportunity you are given. Going through high school during a pandemic, we all experienced disappointment by classes being moved to online formats, sports and clubs being cancelled, and feeling isolated from our friends. Knowing how much we missed those things in high school makes having those things again so special, and you have to take advantage of every opportunity you have now that you have it!
Paige Eagleton ’26
Major: Undeclared
Organizations involved on campus: Softball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Delight, YoungLife
As a student-athlete, how do you manage your time?
Time management is absolutely the key! Having designated time to focus strictly on homework has helped a lot with productivity.
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
I love the community that Honors has. Everyone taking Honors has the same goal and mindset regarding classes and overall success.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Do NOT be afraid to ask questions! Whether in class, about random things around campus, or even about life as a college student, reach out!
Who has been your favorite class?
Honors public speaking is so much fun!
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
So far Dr. Corr has been amazing. He knows what he is talking about and is super friendly!
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
A couple of the girls in my quad and I went to a pumpkin patch to walk around, eat, and just take a break from school for a little bit.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
I like going to the game room in BSC to hang out with friends.
What is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Sandella’s
What is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
Papermill Place
What is your best advice for new college students during the pandemic?
Get involved! I spend very little time in my room because I am always doing something. There are a ton of opportunities to get involved with clubs on campus, and there are many places close by that are fun too.
Maria Pomares ’25
Major: Exercise Science & Dance
Organizations involved on campus: Health and Life Sciences Club, Sigma Rho Delta, Shenandoah Conservatory Student Council
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
I really enjoy the opportunity of being in the same classes as people who are academically focused.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Stay organized and take it day by day. If you are organized it will help you not have to worry about everything you have to do and I have found that trying not to look too far ahead and just taking it day by day has helped me be less stressed.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
Dr. Cantwell. She is a really great and kind professor and is always willing to help/explain things so you can get a better understanding.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
I like to hang out by Sarah’s Glen during the warmer months. It is relaxing and a good place to do homework.
What is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
Chopstick Cafe. They have a lot of allergy-friendly options
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
I think that making sure I had good organizational and time-management skills was important to make sure that I did not feel overwhelmed.
Allison Cherwier ’25
Major: Biology
Minor: Environmental Studies
Organizations involved on campus: Tennis Team, Honors Program, Health and Life Sciences Club
As a student-athlete, how do you manage your time both as a student and an athlete?
I manage my time of being a student-athlete by making sure that I stay ahead on studying and homework assignments.
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
Getting to challenge myself and be around other like-minded, rigorous, students.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Be sure to apply and challenge yourself. Don’t just blend in with others, standout.
Who has been your favorite class?
Microbiology, very interesting material both in lecture and in lab.
Who has been your favorite professor? Why?
Dr. Cantwel, because she is very intelligent and it is clear she wants and cares about her students being the best version of themselves.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
(When it is nice out) I enjoy walking around campus.
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
I like the sushi!
What is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
El Centro
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
It was weird at first, but after time things felt normal.
What is your best advice for a new college student who spent a chunk of high school in a pandemic?
Do not be afraid to be social, it is important in college to have friends and teachers that can/will be your support system.
Grace Maciejewski ’23
Major: Biology, Early Assurance Pharmacy
Minor: Chemistry and Public Health
Organizations involved on campus: Orientation Leader, Hornet Ambassador, President of the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program, Active Minds, Health and Life Sciences Club, Shenandoah Conversations Fellow, Anatomy Lab Assistant Work-Study, Anatomy Peer Tutor, and ALD Member
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
I really like when we can have different fun events around town- my favorite was probably our axe-thowing event!
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
Download Goodnotes or Notability to take notes on your lectures during class.
Who has been your favorite class?
Developmental Biology
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Taking part in the various events that are held on campus like 5ks, club fairs, or community related events (Apple Blossom!). There are often a lot of fun, cool things for you to see or take home- like food, stickers, and t-shirts.
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Buzzins
What is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
Thai Winchester
What is your best advice for a new college student who spent a chunk of high school in a pandemic?
Put yourself out there and join new clubs and groups to meet new people. Meeting new and different people for me has led to more community connections and opportunities that I never would have had if I did not.
Sarah Katherine Brenner ’26
Major: Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy
Minor: Physiology & Dance
Organizations involved on campus: Early Assurance Program for Physical Therapy, Hornet Ambassadors, Community Conduct Council, Active Minds Club, Health and Life Sciences Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Delight Ministries, Young Life Bible Group
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Honors Program?
I love getting to know students in the SU Honors Program. Their experiences are fascinating and I enjoy hearing about how they chose their specific major at Shenandoah University. There are a variety of different majors within the SU Honors Program and I think it is amazing that we have the opportunity to work together to pursue a greater education in our fields of study. I find encouragement in knowing that we have a common dedication to learning and are willing to push ourselves toward future success.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year students?
I would advise incoming first-year students is to not be afraid to participate in college programs and activities. If there is an SU academic or club-related opportunity they are interested in, all they need to do is try it out. There are so many opportunities at Shenandoah University and if one does not turn out as intended, do not be afraid to try something different or even try again.
Who has been your favorite class?
My favorite professor is Dr. Laurel Rodgers because, in the midst of having an information-packed general biology course, she has devoted time inside and outside of her office hours to help me study and prepare for her exams. I know that I would not have been able to get through her class without the time and help she gave me. I am thankful and happy to have had her as my professor during my first semester of college. I hope to take another course with Dr. Rodgers in the future!
What is your favorite memory at SU so far?
My favorite memory at SU so far is the first time I ate at Buzzins with my roommate and friends. We had all heard that the food was great there and wanted to try it out. We had a blast together and the food did not disappoint!
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
I love participating in student clubs and being with other students who have similar interests or values as me. Every night I try to get involved with some sort of student activity because it is my favorite part about being a student at Shenandoah University.
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
I love eating at Buzzins with my friends.
What is your favorite place to eat in Winchester?
I have not eaten at very many places in Winchester, but I went to El Centro in Old Town with some friends and really enjoyed it.
How did you adjust to being a college student post the SARS-CoV-2?
I have surprisingly adjusted well and am very happy at Shenandoah University. I feel safe, and knowing that I have a support system has helped me adjust with little difficulty.
What is your best advice for a new college student who spent a chunk of high school in a pandemic?
My best advice for new college students who spent a chunk of high school in a pandemic would be to keep working hard even through the challenges the pandemic has created. We often use the excuse “I cannot do this now because I was supposed to do it during COVID-19.” Even though this is true, I want new college students to know that they can do it because of their determination and perseverance. There is always someone that you can reach out to for help if you do not think you can do something. I truly believe where there is a will, there is a way.