Honors College Mentors 2016-17
The Honors Mentor program pairs incoming freshmen with current Honors students based on shared academic areas of interest. Mentors strive to integrate the new students into the Honors community throughout the year by being resources to answer questions and by organizing activities where new friendships are forged. Their most important job is to help new students adjust to, and engage with, the academic challenges that a top-tier research university offers.
2016-17 Honors College Mentors
Bre Kelsey, Mentor Chair
Allisa Horst
Amber Robbins
Becca Pabona
Becka Bence
Bethany Tegt
Colleen Reynolds
Garrett Kalt
Hannah Booth
Jaquie Kunz
Jessi Howe
Bre Kelsy, Mentor Chair
From: Everett, WA
Year in school: Senior
Major: Genetics and Cell Biology
Minors: French, Psychology, Microbiology
Email: breanna.kelsey@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I love the sense of community that Honors students and faculty have with one another. Everyone is so incredibly friendly and ready and willing to help you out, and it really does feel like a family. The Honors College definitely made my transition to WSU much easier, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue giving our new students that experience.
Hobbies: I love to read, dance (ballet, modern, and jazz), sing in the shower, laugh, make new friends, do community service, attempt to cook, watch movies (especially Disney), do arts and crafts (with LOTS of glitter), and have fun trying new things. I also love kittens.
What’s surprised me most about being in the Honors College: Even now as a senior, I am still pleasantly surprised by the sincerity and thoughtfulness of not only my fellow Honors students but the faculty as well. Every time you walk into the office, you are greeted by everyone who walks by and they are all so happy to help you if they’re not busy. I was told about the “family” feel of the Honors community, but I was surprised just how true that is. When someone tells you about that, they aren’t just trying to sell the Honors College to you, they’re telling it like it is. This Mentor program is the first step in fostering that community feel, and we start it before new students even arrive on campus. :)
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? Being a part of HSAC, our Honors student club (Honors Student Advisory Council), has been so special for me. I really enjoy being part of a close group of people who sincerely care about Honors and make change in the Honors community by bringing students, faculty, and parents closer together during our various events. I’m super excited for what this year has in store for us!
I also studied abroad in Scandinavia during summer 2014 with an Honors faculty member (where my bio picture with the Coug flag was taken), and I never would have been able to do so if it weren’t for the Honors College and its support. It was a life-changing experience and I can’t wait to go back someday to learn more about my heritage.
Allisa Horst
From: Bremerton, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Computer Science
Email: allisa.horst@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I like that it opens me up to a lot of opportunities that I would not even know about if it weren’t for the Honors College. It has also given me the opportunity to take Honors courses that are equivalent to other courses that have higher student to teacher ratios.
Hobbies: I am the president of Stephenson East. I am also a part of the Student Alumni Ambassadors. I enjoy hanging out with friends, particularly over a meal. I love watching movies and just being able to relax every once in a while.
Are all Honors students alike? No, they definitely are not. Honors College has a wide variety of students that they accept, and I believe that is what is so great about it. One of my closest friends is a Music major – I am an Engineering Major – and I don’t think I would have every had the chance to meet him if I wasn’t a part of Honors College.
What’s surprised me most about being in the Honors College: Studying is important, but taking a break and getting sleep is even more important. If all you do is study, you are more likely to get exhausted by the end of the semester and by finals week.
Amber Robbins
From: Pullman, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Biology/Undecided
Minor: French
Email: julie.robbins@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors program feels much more personal than my general education classes, and students feel welcomed and excited to participate. My other Honors classmates are always engaged, prepared, and excited to learn. The smaller class sizes allow for more student participation and for the opportunity for students, not only to connect with each other but, to connect with the professors. The classes themselves cover extremely interesting and unique topics, such as the UH 280 class which has a section focusing on Sci-Fi and Philosophy – I can’t wait to take this course! I find myself always intrigued and excited to learn.
Hobbies: Living in Pullman year-round, I often enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking at Kamiak Butte or in Moscow with my black lab, Piper. I also like to play tennis when the weather warms up; singles or doubles. When the weather is not-so-nice, as it can often be here on the Palouse, a blanket, hot cocoa, and my favorite Netflix series is my favorite was to combat a rainy, windy, or snowy day!
Are all Honors students alike? All honors students are most definitely not alike. In my first two semesters I have met a variety of honors students, each with different experiences and backgrounds. Honors students are involved in a huge range of different sectors within the WSU community. This includes the Greek system, different clubs, and a variety of majors. Honors students show just as much diversity in activities and academic interests as the rest of the WSU community, if not more.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? When entering the selective Honors College, I worried a lot that my peers would be far superior and possibly standoffish, as that is often the perception of “Honors type” people. However, I have enjoyed the time spent with my peers, who have been more than friendly and welcoming. They have qualities I look for and appreciate in friendships. I would also say that if you are accepted into Honors not to worry about living up to any preconceived expectations because you worked hard to get where you are, and no matter who you are, you will find where you belong within the Honors community.
Becca Pabona
From: Oak Harbor, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Nursing
Email: becca1397@gmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I really appreciate how helpful the faculty is. I know I can go to them with any questions I have and also for advice on things such as scheduling and advising. I have enjoyed every one of my Honors courses and the professors that taught them. I appreciate the small class sizes and discussion-based atmosphere. I find my professors very helpful and approachable and appreciate the fact that they know me, which is really nice compared to some other very large classes where the professors have over 200 students. The Honors courses are some of my favorites because of the small class sizes, faculty and I also feel like I learn a lot from listening to my peers and having discussions in class. The topics of the courses are interesting, different, and intellectually stimulating.
Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include playing sports, hanging out and spending time with my friends and family, and exploring the outdoors. I really love playing soccer and have done so for many years. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, especially if we go out to coffee! I also like to hike and explore outdoors, especially the beach. Where I’m from I’m surrounded by the ocean and beautiful parks and trails for hiking.
Are all Honors students alike? No, I believe all Honors students are different. I’ve realized being in the Honors College and surrounded by other Honors students that we all come from different places and there is such a wide range of majors and interests. I feel within the Honors College there is diversity within the students which make it interesting. Some students are science majors, math, business, criminal justice, or pre-health. Everyone is different. What I find really neat is that no matter your interests or majors, there is valuable knowledge to gain from all of the Honors courses and from each other. I find that in most of my other classes, I’m surrounded by people more similar to me who are all science majors and pre-health programs, whereas in Honors we aren’t all the same.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? I would tell any incoming student that it is so important to be organized. Having a planner of some kind where you can write down and keep track of all of your commitments, assignments, etc. will make all the difference. Being organized and planning ahead alleviates so much stress and makes managing your workload so much easier.
Becka Bence
From: All over! (Dad is in the military)
Year in school: Senior
Major: Environmental and Ecosystem Science
Minor: Geology, Spanish
Email: rebecka.bence@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: For me, the Honors College has provided a tight-knit community within my larger Cougar Family, allowing me to have opportunities I feel would not have become available otherwise. I love the way the Honors program encourages students to think critically with a global lens, in addition to challenging their creativity. The faculty and professors are caring and approachable, allowing students to make connections with many different departments on campus.
Hobbies: My hobbies include playing intramural soccer, baking cupcakes, spending time around horses, getting involved with clubs, hiking, any activity related to the ocean, and taking naps in the sun.
Are all Honors students alike? No way!—I love looking around my classes and seeing the most apparent differences, style, friend groups, etc., but also getting to know my peers and hearing about the wide range of backgrounds, involvement, and future goals from each person. Each Honors student is encouraged to express his/her creativity and to explore new topics, which I feel truly allows each student to be retain/nourish a unique identify. However, I will also say that Honors students may share one common trait—the desire to make a difference. Honors College students possess a distinct drive that shows in their interactions with faculty and each other. We want to make a difference in this crazy world. With the preparation of the Honors program, I am pleased to say students continue to do just this, while often giving back to WSU and to the Honors College to help the next generation of Cougs succeed.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? When I first heard about the Honors College, I immediately felt I needed to be part of the program. As I waited however, I began to realize that I had not taken the time to truly consider what I was getting myself in to. Would Honors classes have huge amounts of homework like my IB classes did? Could I fulfill the foreign language requirement without ruining my GPA? What is an Honors Thesis? I called my older sister, who had encouraged me to apply to the program. I told her about my apprehension and that I was considering rescinding my application. She simply laughed and said, “I promise, you’ll love it. It’ll be the best decision, other than deciding to attend school at WSU, that you will make for a long time.” Putting my trust in her, I entered my first semester as a member of the Honors College. Within my first month, I realized that my sister was right. I loved my Spanish classes and was thrilled to find out I could minor in my language as well. I learned what the Honors Thesis entailed from very supportive faculty and quickly began brainstorming interesting topics I could investigate.
Bethany Tegt
From: Ferndale, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Science
Minor: Spanish
Email: bethany.tegt@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: My favorite part about the WSU Honors College is its sense of diverse community. When I first came to WSU, I felt an extreme sense of community. I believe a large part of that was because of the Honors College because it allows students to connect on both personal and intellectual levels. Due to the dynamics of the Honors College, students are able to better connect with their peers, professors, and advisors, creating a sense of community within the college. I believe this is a unique feature to the Honors College that optimizes one’s college experience.
Hobbies: My hobbies include art, hiking, volunteering, listening to music, exploring with friends, and handling raptors.
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? Being in the Honors College has given me so many unique opportunities that I would not normally have. For example, I have been able to take honors classes on unique and varying topics that I would not normally be able to learn about in my major. In addition, I have been given the opportunity to study abroad this summer for three weeks in Ecuador through a faculty-led honors study abroad program. In Ecuador, I will be able to study Spanish through an immersion program, as well as conduct ecological research in the Galapagos Islands.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? I think the biggest piece of advice that I would give to any incoming student is to become involved within WSU. Whether it be in clubs, Greek life, ASWSU, or residence life, there is truly a community for everyone. By becoming involved, not only does one get to discuss common interests with other students, but these people become some of your best friends. College can be very intimidating when one is starting out, but if one can overcome this fear, he or she will be able to flourish in their newfound home.
Colleen Reynolds
From: Kelso, WA
Year in school: Senior
Major: Sports Science/Kinesiology, Pre-Med
Email: colleen.reynolds@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: There are so many things I appreciate about the Honors College, but most importantly the Honors College makes me feel like a person and not just a number. Coming from a small town to a large University I was afraid I would get lost in the shuffle. But, the Honors College has not allowed that to happen they have helped me every step of the way and I appreciate them for that. In addition, I have taken classes that given me a much better understanding of the things I am most passionate about, the flexibility in class topics has allowed me to stay engaged in classes that ordinarily I would not have the slightest interest in.
Hobbies: I love to hike and explore all over the Pacific Northwest, I also enjoy running, weightlifting, teaching, cooking, and exploring. Lately I have also been attending autocross events across the Pacific Northwest, and creating anatomy games in my free time.
What has surprised you the most about being in the Honors College? What surprised me most about being in the Honors College was the variety of classes and the amount of knowledge I obtained from those classes, in addition I was shocked at how welcoming and helpful the Honors faculty and professors are. The faculty and staff of the Honors College are wonderful resources and very friendly and incredible mentors.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? If I could give one piece of advice to an Honors Student it would be appreciate every moment of your time in undergrad. This experience will go by very fast and don’t be afraid to try new things, even if it sounds impossible there are people within this program who will help you no matter what you are trying to accomplish.
Garrett Kalt
From: Fallon, NV
Year in school: Junior
Major: Communication/Public Relations, Political Science (Pre-Law)
Email: garrett.kalt@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The WSU Honors College is one of the many support systems and circle of connections I have formed as a student at WSU. I enjoy the critical thinking and down to earth conversation I can have with Honors College Faculty and my peers. This college has always had my best interested in mind and has provided me with countless opportunities and friendships I will cherish for a life time.
Hobbies: Garrett enjoys being in the presence of his friends and living an adventurous lifestyle. He likes to hike, travel, and explore new things. Garrett finds his greatest joy in helping others and participates in many service activities year round.
Are all Honors students alike? Honors students are alike but all so different at the same time. There is not a typical “honors student” however, I’d say all of us are curious and ambitious to change the world with the abilities we were given. Honors students are members of the Greek community, PAC 12 athletes, research assistants, and more. That is one big aspect I like about honors – we are similar, yet have a presence in almost every community on campus.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? The language requirement can be daunting at first. I came in having two years of Spanish early in my high school career. I thought I was behind and would have to take extra classes. Turns out I was on track and without making a foreign langue a priority in my college career, I wouldn’t have been able to travel to Cuba on a backpack journalism trip!
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? Get involved. College is a lot more than what you learn in the classroom. Challenge yourself and do something you love. By being involved you will be more connected with the university and have an overall better college experience.
Hannah Booth
From: Kennewick, WA
Year in school: Senior
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Biology, Spanish
Email: hannah.booth@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The thing that I like most about the Honors College is that it feels very personal. This is due not only to the small class size, additional advising, and other resources that the Honors College provides, but also the way that all of the faculty and even other students encourage everyone to challenge themselves, push out of their comfort zones, and in general grow as students and people. I like that there is a community in honors that develops when you have many of the same people in multiple classes and get to know them well. And I definitely appreciate the connections with faculty that the Honors College has afforded me. Through the opportunities the Honors College provided, I have traveled to two countries, started undergraduate research, and made many of my closest friends at WSU.
Hobbies: Being in a challenging major in the Honors College can make it seem like all you have time for is school. But the reality is that while school is the reason we’re all here, there is so much more to college than just classes. During my time here, I’ve had the chance to be involved in many student organizations including Residence Life and clubs for my major. In my free time, I play the trumpet in the Symphonic Band and the guitar in my room where no one can hear me (I’m still learning). I also like taking fitness classes like yoga, ballroom dance, and zumba at the Rec center. In the fall, you’ll find me at every home football game, because even if I have no athletic talent to speak of on my own, there’s no better place to be on a Saturday night than in Martin Stadium. And if you need any restaurant advice, hit me up because I love eating at the local places with a group of my friends!
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? The biggest opportunities that Honors has given me include being involved in undergraduate research. While I was hesitant at first because that idea was pretty intimidating, now I’m so grateful for that involvement because I’ve learned so much from that. Last summer I got to go on a faculty led trip to Ireland which was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had in my entire life.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? When I first thought about joining honors, the foreign language requirement really intimidated me. But once I got into my classes, I discovered that I really loved the Spanish language. I loved it so much, in fact, that I decided to minor in Spanish.
Jaquie Kunz
From: Sunnyvale, CA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Science
Minors: Comparative Ethnic Studies, Psychology
Email: jaquie.kunz@gmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I like the small, discussion-based courses. Professors treat us like adults and do not hold our hands, which allows us to learn about ourselves and how we work independently. I also love the sense of community of being a part of a group of 200 in a school that has 30,000 people. It makes WSU feel smaller and more like a home.
Hobbies: Dancing, swimming, dog walking, writing. I am part of the Wildlife Society and Raptor Club.
Are all Honors students alike? The Honors College has provided many interesting opportunities. A lot of the courses I have chosen focus on subjects completely different from my own. I have done this on purpose to make sure I get the most I can out of Honors. I love learning and the fact that these courses are unique makes the learning experience better. I have learned about women in Chinese culture, medical humanities, the complexities of analyzing and writing short stories, and how music affects the brain through Honors. These courses have taught me important skills, such as asking hard questions and being able to push myself. I am so glad I am a part of Honors.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? Yes. I was worried that all of the people I met would be different from me. The image of an Honors student, before coming to WSU, was of students who took many AP courses and focused on school rather than being a well-rounded person. While that is true of some people, I have been able to find a community of like-minded individuals who question everything and love having intellectual conversations. I took a total of one AP course in high school and understand that AP courses are beneficial, but not necessary for a successful college career. I would love to teach other students that it is okay to focus on their passion and love for learning rather than focus on the letter grade attached to courses. When one focuses on the percentage in a course, they are not learning from mistakes or truly immersed in the course.
Jessi Howe
From: Bothell, WA
Year in school: Senior
Majors: Civil Engineering, Environmental Science
Email: jhowe22@hotmail.com
Hobbies: I love to explore the great outdoors! I go hiking, backpacking, and cycling whenever possible. I also love to scrapbook, watch movies, and listen to country music. Right now most of my time goes to athletics. I’m on the women’s rowing team here at WSU and so I get to spend a lot of time down on the Snake River!
What has surprised you the most about being in the Honors College? My Honors classes have always seemed like my easiest classes because I can always relate big research projects to topics that interest me personally. There are a variety of classes to fit each requirement and then within each class it is possible to research what most interests you! I’ve been able to focus on topics I am passionate about, which makes the research process much less stressful. It really can be fun!
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? When I first thought about joining the Honors College, I worried it would add more work to my life and make college even harder than it already would be. In reality, I think the Honors College has made my life easier and has given me opportunities I never would have had otherwise. As an engineer in the Honors College, some classes were removed from my engineering requirements and some classes filled requirements for both the Engineering College and the Honors College. Additionally, the honors classes I’ve taken have been enjoyable and often less stressful compared to some of my engineering classes.
Julianna Brutman
From: Bothell, WA
Year in school: Junior
Major: Neuroscience
Email: jnbrutman@brutman.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I enjoy the community aspect of Honors. More specifically, I really like the fact that, although WSU is a large university, the Honors community feels tight knit. For me personally, as a freshman entering a large university, the Honors community certainly provided me with a sense of belonging right off the bat, and this sense of belonging has continued to this day. Additionally, I am grateful for the opportunities which being a part of Honors has afforded me. For instance, I love the small class sizes in Honors as well as the diversity of the topics being studied. Creative flexibility is something I thrive on academically, and having options within Honors has made my learning much more enjoyable as well as in-depth and valuable.
Hobbies: I had two pet fish, but unfortunately, they passed away (RIP Bender and Zoidberg). So now, I am growing a small herd of plants— 72 to be exact. I have a mixed variety of garden flowers, Nasturtiums, Four O’Clocks, as well as California poppies. I’m proud to say that I’m having better luck with the plants than I had with the fish.
In my “free” time, I inhabit the lab of Dr. Jon F. Davis. We study gut brain communication and binge-like feeding disorder— aka what’s going on with obesity??? When I’m not watching my flowers grow or playing in the lab, I really enjoy taking a walk out on Grimes Way and seeing the fuzzy grizzly bears. My boyfriend likes to sing to them… I haven’t quite gotten to that level of coolness yet, but I hope to get there someday.
Are all Honors students alike? Honors is fun because the students, as well as faculty, come from very diverse backgrounds. All Honors students are alike in the sense that we value learning, however, we differ significantly in how we personally relate to the subjects that are taught in Honors courses. This diverse array of perspectives always leads to fascinating conversations, as well as unexpected learning outcomes, which is what makes Honors courses unique and valuable.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? Your calendar is your friend. Use it early, use it often, and do not spread yourself too thinly.
Keesha Matz
From: Chehalis, WA
Year in school: Junior
Major: Microbiology
Email: keesha.matz@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College is great because it is a small college within a large university. This means that you really get to know the faculty and students within it. I felt more comfortable coming to WSU knowing that I had the support of the Honors College faculty who cared and were always willing to help. The wide variety of classes that the Honors College offers also challenges me to think critically and consider new viewpoints.
Hobbies: I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my family through hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking, and camping. I am also an avid traveler who loves to experience new places and cultures. In my free time at WSU I like to take fitness classes through the REC, go to a church group gathering for college students, watch Criminal Minds, and get involved on campus as much as possible.
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? It has given me the opportunity to learn Spanish through taking classes. Also, with the support of the Honors College I was able to participate in a full immersion Spanish program in Costa Rica during summer 2015.
Kevin Pool
From: Silverdale, WA
Year in school: Junior
Major: Entrepreneurship
Email: kevin.pool@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I love the charismatic connection I receive from my honors advisor, the encouragement I receive to strive for the best I can do, and to challenge myself. The college gives me a sense of satisfaction and excitement when it comes to completing classes and starting new ones because every learning opportunity is by choice and these are not normal classes offered.
Hobbies: Reading, writing, playing games of any kind, listening to music, cooking, exercising, learning
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? Growing up, I’ve always had the fear that “I’m not smart enough” and that often caused me to shy away from academically challenging myself. But after attempting to join the honors college and then talking with Cathy Elstad about my initiation into the college. Those fears dispersed because I learned that everyone is going to learn at their own rate, do their best for themselves, not others, and can always challenge themselves by choice.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to get involved. It seems like the most difficult thing to do at first, especially if you’re shy or uncomfortable with asking questions, but if you can embrace those feelings and jump into things. You’ll enjoy your experience a lot more here at the college, and be satisfied that you did get involved. Getting involved can go a long way.
Lily Niemi
From: Pullman, WA
Year in school: Junior
Major: International Business
Minor: Music
Email: lilyaniemi@gmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: An outstanding feature about the Honors College seems to be a unique character of every section for each class. This helps everyone in the Honors College to create a completely individual experience that is most fitting for their personal interests and passions. The classes shaped according to the individual interest patterns become particularly enjoyable. The professor contributes their share of professional involvement encouraging everyone’s motivated presence in the class. The Honors College is dedicated to pay special attention to the factors that are often overlooked in the educational process: motivated style of teaching, interest for other languages, studies abroad, personal success, thus providing students with a world of opportunities to grow and learn. To me, this serves as direct evidence of the Honors College being a community of people who care about ways to pass on their knowledge to those who come to learn.
Hobbies: Swimming, singing, photoshoots, writing, traveling with friends, reading
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? I remember walking into the Honors Hall and feeling nervous. I felt as though I may not be good enough to be an honors student. But after talking to Jessica Cassleman during orientation, I felt relief in the realization that the Honors College was not about perfection, but rather about connecting with people who are vastly different from myself, and learning from them. It is about craving to seek knowledge, and grabbing the opportunities that are there for you, and really enjoying the college experience. I think realizing this not only took away the fears that held me back, but gave me a sense of excitement to be part of the Honors College.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? Consider your college time as a unique opportunity to explore the world of knowledge. Think of your approach to studies in terms of training your mind how to think and process abundant information to meet the challenges of tomorrow, not just in the context of a narrow specialty. It is what you make of it.
Lindsay Schilperoort
From: Sunnyside, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Majors: Business Management & Operations
Email: lindsay.schilperoort@gmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I love the sense of community within the Honors College. It’s one thing to be a Coug, but it’s another to be an Honors Coug. I have classes with students with similar goals and outlooks on education and it has been a wonderful way to connect with my peers.
Hobbies: Swimming, dirt biking, snowmobiling, jigsaw puzzling, and swing dancing!
Are all Honors students alike? I would have to say no. I have met Honors students in the Greek system, those who want nothing to do with Greek life, student athletes, students from across the country, and students from every kind of backgrounds, interest, and majors. Every friend and connection made so far has been a different, yet wonderful experience.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? Before arriving at WSU, all of my high school teachers impressed upon me that college is an entirely new level of learning, that it would be way more work and stress than I was used to. I was nervous that being a part of the Honors College would raise the work and stress even more, but I have found that even though classes can be stressful, I have a great support network to lean on. Being an Honors Coug is incredibly more rewarding than I expected.
Liz Rice-Reynolds
From: Bonney Lake, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Majors: Genetics and Cell Biology
Minor: Pre-Genetic Counseling
Email: earicereynolds@gmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: What I like about the Honors College here at WSU the most is that it is so inclusive. I never feel like I don’t belong. I also really enjoy how I am constantly surrounded by people who care about and enjoy learning as much as I do, so I always feel challenged. Additionally, the mentorship, through both counselors and peer mentors, has been so complete in Honors that I always feel like there is someone there to talk to when I’m having an issue, or someone who cares about my success at WSU.
Hobbies: I am an avid nerd of all sorts! I enjoy watching and acting in theatre productions, I am an undergraduate researcher here on campus, and I love Zumba! I also can tell you most everything you could ever want to know about the TV show Friends and giraffes :)
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? Joining Honors, I was worried that I would be surrounded by a bunch of people who were way smarter than me, that I would be way out of my league, and that I would have an incredible amount of homework. While I am surrounded by very intelligent people, I haven’t found myself being overwhelmed by either the magnitude of the course load or the caliber of my peers. Because of the wide variety of people in Honors, everyone has unique strengths, and the unique courses make it so everyone can shine in their own way! I feel exactly where I belong in challenging (but manageable) courses surrounded by unique, interesting classmates!
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? My one piece of advice I could give to any incoming student would be to just allow yourself to enjoy this whole experience from the get-go. Often, Honors students are so driven to succeed that they can be too hard on themselves, and I believe that you are here at WSU for a reason, and that is to do your best. Be the best you can be, but allow yourself to relax when you need it, to go have fun with friends when you’re feeling particularly in need of some stress relief, and just take advantage of all the opportunities the Honors College and WSU gives you, because you only get this experience once!
Maddie Armstrong
From: Parker, CO
Year in school: Sophomore
Majors: Biology, Evolutionary and Ecology
Minors: Genetics and Cell Biology
Email: maddie@madisonarmstrong.me
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: My Honors College experience has been fantastic to say the least. The teachers are very well trained and love what they do, the classes are tailored to fit the interest of the student, and the small class sizes allow you to not only have your voice heard but you’re able to hear the opinions of those around you. Each class has left me thinking not only about the subject itself but about how it plays into the world around me. The Honors College allows me to learn about other topics I am interested as well as continue my path to my major without delaying graduation. I absolutely love being in Honors College and I recommend it to everyone I talk to on campus, especially those who do not enjoy the core classes required if you are not in Honors College. My Honors College experience has been amazing so far and I am looking forward to the years to come.
Hobbies: I am involved in Biology Club(VP), Undergraduate Research Club(VP), Coed Recreational Flag Football, Pink Gloves Boxing, and Laboratory work within the Evolutionary Biology Dept. under Mark Dybdahl and within the Entomology Dept. under Paul Nabity. My hobbies include playing my ukulele, playing pool, basketball, video games and other miscellaneous sports/activities with my friends, finding all dogs I can pet on campus, hiking, and being outside in general, especially on Thompson Flats.
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? The Honors College has definitely given me the leg up within college, whether it be early class signups or long library book checkouts, but one experience stands out in particular. The Honors Flash email once sent out an email regarding a lab job within the Entomology department, and offered up contact information for the professor so that you could go talk to him if you were interested. I immediately jumped on that opportunity and I ended up getting the job. I now work within that department and I get to create phylogenetic trees alongside PhD and post-doc students. Without the Honors College email, I never would have met with Paul Nabity and joined his laboratory. Honors College is a fantastic facilitator and connector of students to their goals.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? My advice to an incoming student would be to get involved and to be themselves the second they get to college. There are so many outlets on campus to express your individuality and interests, so it is easy to find groups and people that are like you.
Maddy Brockmeyer
From: Bellevue, WA
Year in school: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Email: madeline.brockmeyer@gmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: When you’re at a big university like WSU, it can be really helpful to find a community where you can have closer connections to students in your classes. Being in the Honors College helped me to get to know more people, and gave me a lot of resources for whenever I need help in my classes. Everyone wants to see you succeed and is willing to help you with your homework or give you advice, which makes college a lot more manageable and fun!
Hobbies: I like to play saxophone, spend time with friends, read, go shopping, play soccer, listen to music, go hiking, play video games, and watch scary movies.
Are all Honors students alike? There is no such thing as a typical Honors student. While we all seem to share a love for learning and a desire to discuss present day issues, there is a great amount of diversity within the Honors College. Everyone comes from a different background and possesses a unique combination of qualities that makes their contributions to class discussions valuable and insightful. I have met students from big cities and small towns, and students who are shy, outspoken, liberal, conservative, thoughtful, impulsive, and so much more. We come from all walks of life, and meeting so many different people makes being in the Honors College a very rewarding experience.
Marie Andresen
From: Bellevue, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Veterinary Zoology
Minor: Spanish
Email: marie.andresen@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I love how the WSU Honors College feels like a small liberal arts college within a large research institution. It is extremely beneficial to learning to have the small class sizes of honors courses, and the classes taught are all so diverse and interesting. Being in the Honors College helps me to value other disciplines besides my area of study and grow through opportunities that may not otherwise be available to me.
Hobbies: I am passionate about animals, music, science, and the outdoors! I absolutely love going on hikes, jamming on the ukulele, and hanging out with friends. If I’m not studying or playing with small fuzzy creatures, you are likely to find me watching Grey’s Anatomy or Friends, or baking something delicious!
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? I believe that being an Honors student played a huge role in helping me obtain a position working in a research lab. I told the principle investigator that I would eventually like to find somewhere to do research for my Honors Thesis, and he welcomed me right away! Additionally, it is really nice to have priority registration, especially as a freshman and sophomore, because you are almost guaranteed to get into the classes you want!
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities that you are worried are beyond your abilities. You are more capable than you think, and there are many mentors and people available to support you along your journey.
Marissa Chukwu
From: Lagos, Nigeria
Year in school: Junior
Majors: Zoology, Biology (Pre-Med)
Email: marissa.chukwu@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: When I get myself involved in any activity, I like to be fully informed of what exactly is going on around me and also informed on the tasks that I am getting involved in. WSU Honors College is very informative, that is something that I really enjoy about them. They have a lot of information to provide their students and they are almost always prepared to answer any and every question you may bring to them. I can advocate that most of the things that I have been able to accomplish this semester is because of the information that I have acquired from my advisors at the Honors College.
Hobbies: Besides my love for science and medicine, I actually am a painter and have been painting since I was 7. I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and was born in New Jersey so I really love to travel and meet different people from different cultures. I love taking pictures of scenic views like vivid Pullman sunsets. I enjoy watching Grey’s Anatomy because it gives me a feel of what it really takes to be a surgeon. And finally, I love to style hair. I have been styling my hair and other people’s hair for a good two years. It allows me to experiment with my look, express myself and be creative.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? I learned from a professor once that having different mentors around you is a major key to success. And not just academic advisors; your mentor could be anybody. Someone you look up to, your friends, family or a teacher. At first when I entered the Honors College, I thought that I was going to have to figure everything out for myself but I was very happy to learn that there are many advisors and numerous support systems provided by the Honors College. The guidance and advice that was I was provided with really made me comfortable with the demands of being a science major and also an honor’s student.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? “There is no such thing as a stupid question”. This quote has been one of my guiding factors since high school that my mother taught me. There are numerous advantages, opportunities and knowledge just waiting to be picked up. You would be surprised how much you can gain if you just ask. I always tell people to not only apply this to your academics but to everyday life. “Regardless of who you meet and how long you may know them, always try to learn something from every person you meet”. Knowledge is power, you may never know who you may be standing next to and what they know. Go Ahead and ask away, you’ll hardly loose anything if you do.
McKayla Wixom
From: Vancouver, WA
Year in school: Junior
Major: Zoology
Email: mckayla.wixom@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College is wonderfully personal. Because the school is small, it feels like you are a part of a more intimate community, versus the daunting sea of 20,000 plus students on the whole of the WSU campus. Being a part of the Honors College means being known, by professors, advisors, even the Dean! I love how everyone who works here seems to know me by name—and it definitely seems like this is the normative experience for anyone a part of the Honors College! I love the emphasis on integration of disciplines, scholarship, global understanding and cultural fluency, and leadership.
Hobbies: For as long as I can remember I’ve been an avid visual artist—I love painting and drawing! Recently, I’ve been selling commissioned portraits of people’s pets, which has been a really cool way to integrate my love for art and animals! In addition to painting, I enjoy horseback riding, especially hunter/jumper. Last year I was a part of WSU’s equestrian team. This year however I have been an especially active member with Group Effort Dance Company, a student-run dance team here on campus! As a group, we choreograph and perform hip-hop, latin, jazz, and modern dance routines and perform every-other weekend at various events on campus and in the town of Pullman. As a student, during the school year I teach a weekly modern dance class through the University Recreation Center! Outside of arts and sports, I am also an active member with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, which is an on-campus ministry at WSU.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? Don’t panic! Be willing to put yourself out there, try something new, and meet new people. I guarantee that you’ll not regret that fact that you did! Also, pursue your passions. I graduated from an arts school that was both my middle and high school career, so my life was very closely linked to my ability to express myself and my learning through the arts— both painting and dancing especially. Coming to WSU and majoring in a science field with a tight time schedule, I didn’t “officially” do any art or dancing. WSU doesn’t even have a dance program! But I didn’t let that stop me—last year and this year I did several paintings/commissions in my dorm room, I found a dance group on campus and connected with other students who love dance, and when I couldn’t find a modern dance outlet (which is my personal favorite), I applied to be a modern dance teacher and was hired by the Rec. There ARE ways to do what you love, and I would confidently bet that your college experience will be greatly improved by being able to do the things that make you, you.
Mikayla Engstrom
From: Granite Falls, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Spanish
Email: mikaylaengstrom@gmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I really enjoy the small class sizes and the great sense of community within the Honors College. Within my Honors classes, I have gotten to know so many other students and professors on a more personal basis than would be possible in any large-scale U-Core classes. Not to mention the uniqueness of each individual class and the wide variety of topics that I otherwise would not have time to learn.
Hobbies: I am a very outgoing individual so I really enjoy meeting new people all the time! I love reading, crocheting, crafting of any sort, hiking, playing and watching sports, and of course adventuring. And like any other college student, I love to sleep when I can!
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? The only fear that I had before entering the Honors College was that the program was more focused on the humanities. Being a science major, I was afraid that Honors wouldn’t be the right fit for me and I would be very out of place within my classes. But that was not true at all! There were so many students with such varying majors that I am sure that is how many of them felt as well. The Honors College is so inclusive and has such varying topics within the classes that can fit to many different personalities and interests.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? If I were to give any incoming student a piece of advice, it would be that if and when the going gets tough never be afraid to speak up and ask for help. There are so many resources – Honors staff, older students, WSU faculty, clubs, tutors, etc. – who know exactly what you are going through and want to see you succeed. Don’t think you have to give up, take a leap to step outside of your comfort zone and search for help. It will be there when you need it. Advisors help a lot too!
Natalie Hurst
From: Goldendale, WA
Year in school: Junior
Major: Animal Sciences (Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
Email: natalie96hurst@gmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College has allowed me to meet other students in my major and outside of major who have become great friends and resources throughout my time at WSU. Along with providing connections to other students the Honors College has also been a great opportunity to connect with faculty members and learn about a variety of different academic areas. I have greatly enjoyed the diversity of options when choosing classes to take and appreciate the small class sizes that facilitate discussions and critical analysis of topics. The Honors College motivated me to get involved in research on campus which has been a big part of my time at WSU, and allowed me access to a variety of programs that have helped me to get hands on experience in my intended career path as well as access to programs within my major and the veterinary college.
Hobbies: I love to go hiking, kayaking, and camping. I enjoy working with cattle and managing my family’s cattle ranch, baking and cooking, reading classic literature and science fiction novels.
Are all Honors students alike? Honors students come in a wide variety and I feel there isn’t a single stereotype that could summarize them all. Coming from an academic standpoint there is such a variety of academic interest throughout the Honors College, and the methods to how students approach their classes is completely different as well. Hobbies and extracurricular activities vary from student to student and a conversation is hardly ever boring because most Honors students have something they are involved in that is extremely interesting.
ere there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? My biggest fear coming into the Honors College was that all of the students would be extremely smart and antisocial and that I would not fit in well at all. This was a huge misconception, although I do believe all of my peers are smart they also have tons of character depth and everyone I have met has been nice and for the most part social. Most of my friends I have made at WSU are members of the Honors College and I have always felt both comfortable and welcomed at Honors events and in my Honors classes.
Olivia Dietrich
From: Olympia, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Neuroscience, or Genetics and Cell Biology
Minor: French
Email: olivia.dietrich@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I like that the WSU Honors College offers smaller classes. I have met new friends in all of my honors courses. I also appreciate that this releases us from the dreaded UCORE classes that I’ve heard so many complain about. The courses offered for Honors seem unusual, but end up being very interesting. I also appreciate that the Honors College keeps all of the students updated on upcoming opportunities through the Flash email. I have found out about scholarships, study abroad trips, and fun events to come through this.
Hobbies: I love to play with my dogs at home. I have a 16-year-old Chow mix and a 5-year-old German Shepherd. I also enjoy meeting and petting the dogs here in Pullman since mine live so far way now. I enjoy going on nature walks and photographing flowers and animals. This semester, I’ve joined CKI and gotten involved with service projects; my favorite one was setting up for the Easter Egg Hunt. When I have time, I enjoy watching Netflix. My favorite shows are The Office and How to Get Away with Murder. During football season, I love to watch the Seahawks and the Cougars.
Are all Honors students alike? One thing I found about the Honors College is that the students are most certainly not all alike. I assumed that the Honors College would mainly be made up of students who were extremely focused on grades. While there are some students that seem a little overly concerned about their GPA, I was surprised to find that there are many different kinds of students that make up the Honors College. I have friends who are in sororities and fraternities which I didn’t expect. The stereotypes that follow the Greek life certainly don’t fit everyone and luckily the students in the Honors College showed me that. I’ve met some students who like to go out every weekend, and others who enjoy Netflix marathons. I was pleasantly surprised that while everyone wants to excel in their courses, they are not all alike and they are a very fun and diverse group of people to get to know.
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? Being in the Honors College has allowed me to take smaller classes on more unusual subjects. The early start on class registration is pretty nice too because I’ve always gotten into my first choices for my classes. The Honors College also introduced me to the opportunity to travel abroad to Scandinavia for two weeks over the summer. I am very excited to see Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, especially because one of the honors classes that I am taking this semester is on the Vikings. We will be seeing many museums that relate to the people that I am learning about now. The Honors College also gave me a scholarship to help pay for my trip abroad, which I am very grateful for.
Paige Danielson
From: St. Cloud, MN
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Electrical Engineering
Email: paige.danielson@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: There are many things I like about the WSU Honors College. The one that stands out to me to the most is the community that I get from the Honors College. WSU is a large school, but it feels a lot smaller in the Honors community. I enjoy being around other students who are dedicated to their academics, yet who also are a lot of fun to be around. As well, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Honors classes I have been a part of. The smaller classes are fun and interactive. Additionally, the professors are wonderful and helpful. In the Honors College, everyone wants each student to do their absolute best and are very willing to help.
Hobbies: I am a member of the Washington State Women’s Rowing team. Other activities I enjoy are distance running, biking, and spending time outside. In my spare time, I also enjoy reading books and baking.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? I was very excited to be a member of the Honors College. But, repeatedly I was told how the Honors classes were much more writing and discussion based rather than test based. I was excited for certain aspects of it, but as someone who doesn’t enjoy writing that much and is much more inclined towards math and science disciplines, I was worried about how heavily focused these classes were about writing. Despite my fear of being overwhelmed with writing, I have found that I have enjoyed my Honors classes. While there is more writing and that writing is held to a high standard, the professors are extremely helpful and willing to help a student improve a paper. Additionally, while there is a lot of writing, I have enjoyed the topics and set up of the Honors classes so much, I haven’t been bothered that much.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? If I could give one piece of advice to an incoming student, it would be that while grades are important, there is more to college than just that. As someone who holds myself to high academic standards, I can forget this sometimes. While it is very important to put in the time and effort to do well in the classroom, it is the connections made that can really be the difference maker. Don’t be afraid to talk to people in in classes and make friends. Working together and creating relationships can help everyone get a better grade and everyone be less stressed out. Sometimes the most helpful thing before a big test is just taking a break to be calm instead of desperately cramming. There is much to be learned in college, both in the classroom and out of the classroom.
Ryan O’Dea
From: Spokane, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Majors: French, International Business
Minor: Chinese
Email: ryanodea123@hotmail.com
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: There are so many things that I love about the Honors College it is almost too difficult to pick one. I think my favorite would have to be the staff that are available to us. This year I applied to the Fulbright Undergraduate scholarship. Through the process I was constantly aided by Dr. Bond and Dr. Elstad, and even though I may have annoyed them at some times through my constant requests to proof read my essays or make sure that I had all my scholarship papers in order they always remained eager to help, and wanted to see me succeed.
Hobbies: This year I began a club focusing on what I enjoy doing most: learning about global cultures through their respective traditions, food, music, and cinema. While a lot of students say that they enjoy “watching Netflix and eating” I hope to take that to the next level, and try to help some of the culturally isolated students of Pullman learn about other cultures and traditions that exist around the world.
What has surprised you the most about being in the Honors College? What surprised me most about being in the Honors College was that the classes weren’t difficult as I had previously thought that they would be; rather the classes invoke a much deeper thinking. My English class was not simply the regurgitation of information about commas, periods, and sentence structure; the class focused on critical thinking and ways of knowing. Dr. Robert Eddy, professor of my English 298, taught us about rhetoric around the world and how to communicate effectively with people of other cultures; he even managed to make the class so interesting that half of it willingly went to a four hour “writing marathon” outside of the classroom.
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? Being an honors student I always feel like there are special opportunities for me. Through the Honors College I got to know Dr. Robin Bond, who helped me apply to the Fulbright scholarship. Not only is there special opportunities through scholarships, but also through classes. Instead of having to take both Economics 101 and 102, I took the expedited Economics 198 class, which prepared me much more for my current job as a Macroeconomics assistant.
Sam Palladino
From: Sherwood, OR
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Neuroscience (Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
Minors: Spanish, Microbiology
Email: samantha.palladino@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The WSU Honors College is like a tighter-knit family within our WSU community. Being a part of the Honors College does not mean just taking different classes, it is a way to bond with people that you otherwise may never have met. We are a diverse group of students that share a similar passion for learning, engagement, and helping others. I am continuously amazed by the dedication and open-mindedness of Honors students, and each of us will go the extra mile to make sure what we do is of the highest quality and beneficial to everyone around us. Seeing the same faces in the halls, in our classes, and around campus gives us a strong sense of comradery and family. Being in this college helped me immensely in my transition from a small town and high school to a large state college. The professors are all genuinely dedicated to the success of their students, and will do whatever it takes to make sure that we are all comfortable and getting the most out of our experiences here.
Hobbies: I love reading, playing soccer, and learning new languages. I have a slight obsession with cats, coffee, and Bollywood movies. I have dedicated a portion of my life to looking through pictures of kittens, puppies, and baby goats and I can work a quote from Gilmore Girls into any conversation.
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? Being in the Honors College introduced me to my best friends in college. As an out-of-state student, I didn’t know anyone when I first got to campus. During my orientation, I met people from such diverse backgrounds that I otherwise would not have met and I am so grateful for this. As the year has progressed, my Honors professors and peers have provided me with countless opportunities for academic and personal growth and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead in my Honors College career.
If you could give one piece of advice to any incoming student, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to talk to new people. When I first came to WSU, I was extremely shy and afraid of introducing myself to new people. However, I found that the WSU community is one of the most accepting and welcoming groups of people I have ever been in. I have made some of my closest friends here by sitting down and starting a conversation about the bipolar Pullman weather or how much our calves hurt after our first tour of campus, and now I love meeting new people because I know we all have a common bond as Cougs.
Sarah Hiller
From: Richland, WA
Year in school: Junior
Majors: Accounting, Finance
Email: sarah.hiller@ wsu.edu
Hobbies: I love playing sports (such as basketball, soccer, tennis, skiing), being active in general, spending time with my friends, making new friends, and listening to music.
What’s surprised me most about being in the Honors College:A nice aspect of the Honors College is having smaller classes, but what has surprised me most is how many of the same people were in my classes both semesters. Several people from my Alive! session and Honors Orientation were in my classes, so it was great to have some friends and familiar faces in my classes before they even began!
Seth Schneider
From: Rochester, WA
Year in school: Senior
Majors: Genetics and Cell Biology
Minor: Chinese
Email: seth.schneider@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: Interactive classes, caring faculty, prevalent academic events (and extra food from all the events).
Hobbies: Strategy games, Ping Pong, Humans vs. Zombies Club, Mollyball, Crabbing. Also a part of the STARS program in the School of Molecular Biosciences, heavily involved in a variety of undergraduate research projects.
Are all Honors students alike? Do you remember those tiny 8-pack cereal containers from childhood? Most of them vary in deliciousness, but there were resemblances. Same with the Honors College: You have certain aspects shared with others, yet also have your own style.
Summer Ott
From: Seattle, WA
Year in school: Sophomore
Major: Animal Science (Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
Minor: Spanish
Email: summer.ott@wsu.edu
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The WSU Honors College is a small community within a large university, giving me a sense of family and fulfillment, something that can be difficult to find at a large public university. It is not only a unique community that I can think critically with, but also a social space for me to engage in meaningful conversations and activities with like-minded students. I am a huge fan of the small, discussion-based classes that Honors offers, especially because the professors are so enthusiastic about their respective subjects and make an effort to get to know their students. I am also greatly appreciative of the Honors faculty and how approachable they are. My Honors advisor is very accommodating and is always eager to meet with me and discuss my future plans, even on short-notice. Dean Norton, as well, has been hugely helpful in connecting me with faculty members. The WSU Honors college, to me, is not just an academically rigorous program, but also an encouraging environment allowing me to build a foundation for my future success.
Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include playing classical guitar, running, swimming, and skiing. I also am a huge lover of Spanish language and culture, and love to travel in my free time!
Has being in Honors given you any special experiences or opportunities? The Honors College has given me a multitude of opportunities, even as a 1st year student. I have been graciously offered a position to intern with Dr. Mike Wedam, DVM, as a result of the Pre-Vet Internship for Honors students. Additionally, the faculty has been extremely helpful in connecting me with faculty members in the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and this summer I will be conducting research with a team working with antibiotic resistance in dairy cattle. Furthermore, the 7-Year DVM program is an incredible program offered through Honors that I am hopeful to be a part of. Overall, Honors is an invaluable place to develop connections with others and participate in enriching activities to help prepare students for their careers.
Were there any fears or apprehensions you had before joining Honors that have been alleviated? Coming into the Honors College, I was terribly nervous about my Honors classes, especially about seeming less intelligent than my peers. This fear was immediately erased when I walked into my first Honors course and instantly connected with many of my peers. Learning and growing with them these last two semesters has been incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. I was afraid that Honors students would be pompous, overly-intelligent and would belittle others, but this apprehension could not have been more misguided. Honors students are intelligent for sure, but also are incredibly humble. We all are very collaborative and supportive of each other, and I am beyond grateful that I chose to be a part of this community.