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Washington State University

Honors College Mentors

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.


2019-20 Honors College Mentors

 

View Previous Mentors

Claire SeverinClaire Severin, Senior

Mentor Program Chair

Hometown: Mount Vernon, WA
Area(s) of Study: Civil Engineering, Mathematics
Involvement at WSU: Residential Technology Assistant (RTA), Engineering 120 Lead Peer Mentor, American Society of Civil Engineers, Horticulture Club, volunteering at FIRST Robotics competitions
Hobbies: Photography, cooking/baking, making puns, being outside, crafting
Fun Fact: This summer, I painted lots of rocks and will be hiding them all over campus before the semester begins with the help of my friends! Try to find them all!

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
I absolutely love going to the Moscow Farmers Market on Saturdays, followed by a Moscow Food Co-op shopping trip! Both are great places to pick up groceries for a quality dinner, which I usually cook for myself later that night. (Winco in Moscow is another fantastic place for groceries. The bulk section is wonderful!)

What has been your favorite Honors course (including topic), and why?
Honors Linear Algebra with Sergey Lapin (Math 220)! Sergey is an absolutely fantastic professor who genuinely cares about his student’s and their success. He is very approachable and makes some pretty funny comments in class.

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
I wish I would have known how to take notes efficiently. For the past two years, I have color-coded my notes (example problems being in color, general notes in black) and have taken them on loose-leaf paper. The loose-leaf is particularly handy if you don’t want to carry around a ton of notebooks and if you want to scan your notes to a PDF before recycling them at the end of the semester!

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Juliana LeClairJuliana LeClair, Junior

Assistant Mentor Program Chair

Hometown: Mount Vernon, WA
Area(s) of Study: Agriculture and Food Business Economics, Animal Science, Spanish
Involvement at WSU: Honors Student Advisory Council, Resident Advisor, CAHNRS Ambassador
Hobbies: Reading, puzzling, baking
Fun Fact: Ant-Man is my favorite Avenger!

Favorite memory from your freshman year:
The best part of my freshman year was receiving a proposal from Butch T. Cougar at a baseball game!

Favorite part of being in the Honors College, and why:
My favorite part of being in the Honors College is the exposure you get to disciplines different from your own. I’ve had Honors classes ranging from topics in architecture to anthropology, neither of which are related to my area of study! The classes push you to learn about topics you might otherwise never explore.

Future plans and/or goals:
My career goals are to find a job in the agriculture industry and eventually own a dairy farm.

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Marielle (Mari) AitkenMarielle (Mari) Aitken, Sophomore

Hometown: Olympia, WA
Area(s) of Study: Zoology (Pre-Vet), Spanish
Involvement at WSU: Tennis Club, Pre-Vet Club, Zoology Club, CEE/non-CEE Volunteering
Hobbies: Tennis, singing, camping, cooking, reading
Fun Fact: I played varsity tennis all throughout high school and made it to the state tournament my senior year!

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
Before I started college, I wish I’d known just how much of a major transition and personal growth experience it could be. There were many good days, but there were also days where I felt unbelievably homesick, lost, unmotivated, and at times didn’t even recognize myself. Change and growth can place you far out of your comfort zone, but in the end it can probably teach you something. Your emotions are valid, and you are by no means alone. Remind yourself of your motivations and goals, find good friends, and call your parents often.

Favorite quote, and by who:
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Future plans and/or goals:
After Veterinary school, I might look into specializing in Oncology or Internal Medicine for companion animals. In the future, I hope to own and operate a small animal veterinary clinic. If possible, I hope to spend some time traveling and offering lower cost veterinary care for populations in need. I hope to make a different in many communities, including my own in Olympia, WA.

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Cameron BartonCameron Barton, Sophomore

Hometown: Genesee, ID
Area(s) of Study: Music – Piano Performance, Music Technology
Involvement at WSU: MTNA, HSAC, Allegro, Emerging Leaders, Crimson VIP
Hobbies: Playing piano and drums, hiking, snow skiing, biking, swimming, reading, and spending time with my dog Ace.
Fun Fact: The first time I played a pipe organ was in the Duke Chapel at Duke University.

What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
It is difficult to pick a favorite because there are numerous places on campus I am fond of, but if I had to narrow it down I would pick Thompson Flats. From Thompson Flats you get a great view of Pullman and some of the best buildings on campus like Thompson Hall. In the winter you can go sledding, and in the fall/spring you can relax, setup a hammock, and play frisbee or football.

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
I definitely enjoy taking walks to downtown Pullman. There is a great walkway that goes by the President’s house, under the WSU historic archway, and through Reaney Park. There are some very appealing restaurants and coffee shops in downtown Pullman, and when you look up the hill you can see the WSU campus.

What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
While in the Honors College I have been a part of HSAC (Honors Student Advisory Council) and helped organize events like the annual Honors College Yule Ball. I have also attended distinguished scholarship presentations and guest lectures. In addition to that, I have helped with Honors College Commencement where I was able to observe the ceremony in which each Honors graduating senior is recognized.

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Madeline (Maddy) BoehlandMadeline (Maddy) Boehland, Sophomore

Hometown: Meridian, ID
Area(s) of Study: Animal Science
Involvement at WSU: Pre-Vet Club (non-active), Black-Bird Ranch/Orphan Acres volunteer, Ignite Research Program
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies, playing with animals!
Fun Fact: I played goalkeeper for 12 years growing up!

What do you enjoy/appreciate most about being an Honors Coug?
I love the early class choice! I have never had to worry about being wait-listed for a class and can make my schedule as I choose. If you do get wait-listed however, don’t fret. The Honors advisors are here to help you when you’re in a tough spot, and will make sure you are well taken care of.

What has been your favorite Honors course (including topic), and why?
Honors 280 (Creative Writing, with Dr. Lampman!) It really forced me outside my shell of writing, and drove me to be a better writer. I had never written fiction before, and it was so much fun!

Favorite memory from your freshman year:
Staying the night at Dr. Irlbeck’s farm with pregnant sheep!

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Owen CanterburyOwen Canterbury, Junior

Hometown: Ellensburg, WA
Area(s) of Study: Biochemistry, German
Involvement at WSU: Undergraduate research assistant (Varnum Lab, Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, mechanisms behind cone-cell mediated vision), undergraduate research club
Hobbies: Running, Hiking, and Cooking
Fun Fact: I can label a blank map of the world with countries and capitals from memory.

What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
Out by the golf course there is a forested hill with two benches on top. The area is quiet generally and it is separate from the mental flux of college hill. I like to sit and reflect, or imagine that I am elsewhere.

What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
Last year, I went to the Western Regional Honors Conference, held at Montana State University in Bozeman, as a representative of WSU. There I was able to present on research that I am undertaking here to like-minded peers. Honors enabled this extremely valuable experience.

Future plans and/or goals:
After completing an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, I intend to go to graduate school and pursue a doctorate in an as-of-yet undecided biomedical field. Ultimately, I desire to work as a research scientist furthering our knowledge of medicine and health.

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Nicole CrazeNicole Craze, Sophomore

Hometown: Spokane, WA
Area(s) of Study: Global Politics, French
Involvement at WSU: Regents Hall RHA proxy and hall representative, global leadership certificate, Foley Institute event attendee, CEE volunteering
Hobbies: Traveling, reading, baking, and playing with dogs,.
Fun Fact: My biggest bucket list item is to visit all seven continents- I’ve made it to three so far!

What is a myth you can bust about the Honors College, and how?
When I first applied to the Honors College, I was worried it would keep me from participating in clubs and events within the WSU “regular college.” That’s totally not true! You have all the opportunities WSU offers, plus some extras you’ll only find within the Honors College.

What do you enjoy/appreciate most about being an Honors Coug?
In my experience, the best part of being an Honors Coug is the amazing relationships you can build with your professors and staff. My classes are small enough that my professors get the chance to know me and have personally recommended me for clubs, jobs, and even helped me apply for scholarships and positions like that of Sophomore Speaker at convocation!

What has been your favorite Honors course (including topic), and why?
My favorite Honors course so far has been Honors 270. Our topic was “History of Medicine” taught by Dr. Ritchie. As a non-STEM major, the information was entirely new to me and Dr. Ritchie was an incredibly engaging professor!

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Nastasha GarrisonNastasha Garrison, Sophomore

Hometown: Hamilton, MT
Area(s) of Study: Economics, Japanese
Involvement at WSU: Japanese TA, REC center classes, volunteer work (CCE), tutoring
Hobbies: Anything to do with music, ceramics, martial arts, motorcycle riding
Fun Fact: I lived in Japan for 13 years.

What do you enjoy/appreciate most about being an Honors Coug?
The pride and tight-knit community.

Describe some of your favorite Honors College professors, faculty or staff members:
Professor Chilson (English 198) & Professor Kuzyk (Econs 198) are my two favorite honors professors because they interact with students and never seem bored with their subject.

Favorite quote, and by who:
“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” – Gone With the Wind

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Aiyana GronerAiyana Groner, Senior

Hometown: Middleton, ID
Area(s) of Study: Animal Science (Pre-Vet)
Involvement at WSU: Guiding Paws of the Palouse, research with human development, Cougar Connector
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, sewing, painting, photography
Fun Fact: I have been riding horses bareback and bridleless since I was 6 years old!

What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
In the fifth floor of the CUE, the Health Professions Student Center has a great space that’s conducive to studying. I love doing homework and spending time there.

What has been your favorite Honors course (including topic), and why?
I took Honors 280 with Dr. Hamlin and it compared biblical texts to other classical literature. It was so eye opening and the students’ different backgrounds provided valuable insights to texts I’d read before.

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
I wish I would’ve known it was okay to ask for help. I was so afraid that if I asked for help I’d be made fun of scoffed at. People like my honors mentor and RA had so much valuable information and once I learned I could ask for help when I needed it, things went a lot more smoothly.

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Brianna (Bri) KnodeBrianna (Bri) Knode, Sophomore

Hometown: Vancouver, WA
Area(s) of Study: Chemistry, Genetics & Cell Biology, Spanish
Involvement at WSU: Emerging Leaders program, Crimson Leadership VIP, College of Arts and Sciences Student Ambassador, WSU Baking Club, Research Scholars Program, Community service
Hobbies: Cooking/baking, crafts, sports, outdoorsy activities, board and video games, reading, watching movies
Fun Fact: I am a huge Harry Potter fan! I have read the entire series 15+ times, and know the lines to many of the movies by heart. It’s my go-to sick day entertainment. As you can probably imagine, I’ve become pretty good at Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit.

What is a myth you can bust about the Honors College, and how?
A lot of assumptions are made about the kind of person an Honors College student is, or the personality they have. It’s true that most Honors Cougs seek out the Honors College for its quality and rigor of education. However, a wide variety of WSU students participate in Honors College curriculum. Students of every major, personality, background, interest, and motivation are included in the WSU Honors College. Not every Honors student can be categorized as antisocial/shy, pretentious, or viciously competitive. In fact, many are just the opposite: friendly/outgoing, caring, and inclusive.

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
There is an escape room company in Moscow which rotates through different room types and difficulties every month or so. My friends and I have participated in a few of their escape room experiences, and loved them! It’s a fun alternative night out for those who like puzzles and/or mysteries.

What do you enjoy/appreciate most about being an Honors Coug?
I really appreciate the small class sizes, and by extension, the close student-professor relationship which the WSU Honors College offers. You get to know your classmates and professors well, making the classroom a friendlier/more approachable learning environment. I’ve also made many close friends through the Honors College due to this fact.

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Amy KraemerAmy Kraemer, Sophomore

Hometown: Amity, OR
Area(s) of Study: Sport Science, Pre-Physical Therapy
Involvement at WSU: Kinesiology club, Biomechanics lab, Track and Field team
Hobbies: Track, hiking, petting dogs and floating rivers
Fun Fact: My family owns and lives on a Christmas Tree farm.

What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
Martin Stadium! The energy and excitement on Cougar Football Saturdays is unlike any other. Going to football games with my friends has definitely been a highlight of my time here at WSU so far.

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
Hiking Kamiak Butte or eating brunch at The Old European or The Breakfast Club!

Future plans and/or goals:
After I finish my undergrad, I plan to go to Physical Therapy school and one day become a Physical Therapist for collegiate or professional athletes. I also have a goal to go to Antarctica one day.

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Jenna (Jen) LauerJenna (Jen) Lauer, Sophomore

Hometown: Spokane, WA
Area(s) of Study: Data Analytics, Accounting, Computer Science
Involvement at WSU: Greek life, Beta Alpha Psi member, intramural volleyball, Humane Society of Palouse volunteer
Hobbies: Yoga, soccer, Netflix, and traveling
Fun Fact: I have been to Costa Rica

What has been your favorite Honors course (including topic), and why?
My favorite Honors course was Honors Economics because my professor, Patricia Kuzyk, made the class so interesting and easy to learn. Coming into the class I had never taken any Economics courses before and was pretty nervous but she had amazing analogies that made it easy to understand. Also, she was always incredibly excited to teach us and she really cared about her students which made it exciting to participate and learn in her class.

Describe some of your favorite Honors College professors, faculty or staff members:
One of my favorite Honors College professors is Samantha Solomon. Even though I am a more math oriented person she made Honors English incredibly enjoyable for me. She encouraged her students to write about things they were interested in for their papers.

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
Before coming to college I wish I would have known that a lot of courses at WSU don’t require you to buy the recommended book for the course. Before my first semester I bought a ton of books for my courses that I never ended up using.

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Thomas LeClairThomas LeClair, Senior

Hometown: Mount Vernon, WA
Area(s) of Study: Music, Biology (Pre-Vet)
Involvement at WSU: Allegro (Music Advocacy), CAS Ambassador, Marine Bio Research, RTA, Organ Club, Honors Student Advisory Council
Hobbies: Music, Photography, the Pursuit of the Perfect Milkshake
Fun Fact: My favorite intertidal species is probably the hermit crab, though limpets and anemones are not far behind.

What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
My favorite place on campus is the 1st floor practice room hallway in Kimbrough Music Building. It is the only place on campus where you can hear students rehearsing everything from Baroque fugues to Romantic concertos to today’s top hits, often at the same time! The fusion heard in the hallway makes for an interesting sound and showcases just one of the many ways WSU students work hard to achieve their goals.

What has been your favorite Honors course (including topic), and why?
My favorite Honors course (so far) has been Honors 280 with Phil Gruen, “Reading the American Landscape.” It was a crash-course in American architecture and looked at the various cultural, socio-economical, and historical legacies left by the built environment in many different landscapes (rural, ethnic, wartime, campus, to name a few). The course was split between lectures and group presentations, allowing us to take ownership of the material while developing our ability to effectively lead class discussions. It was a great reminder to pay attention to the significance of even the most seemingly mundane parts of life and to see the bigger picture in the smallest details.

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
I wish I had known how much room for growth there is in research. If you wait to begin research until you feel you are “ready” or “qualified,” you may never start! Research groups will bring you up to speed on what information and techniques you need to know for your project and will help you become comfortable in the lab setting. The experiences you have in a research lab will provide you with an overview of the key concepts in your discipline and a hands-on application of what you learn in class, both of which are useful throughout your academic career.

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Emma LedbetterEmma Ledbetter, Sophomore

Hometown: Newcastle, WA
Area(s) of Study: Microbiology (Pre-Med)
Involvement at WSU: Reporter and section editor at the Daily Evergreen, Honors Hall Government President, Young Life leader, Research Scholars program, Emerging Leaders, Country Swing Dancing Club, Real Life Church
Hobbies: Hiking, swing dancing, reading, traveling, photography, golf, playing with dogs!
Fun Fact: This summer, I rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon!

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
I wish I would’ve known that college is an awesome time to explore your interests. I definitely went in with a set plan of what I thought I was supposed to do, and my first semester on campus really challenged that. I’m a very science-focused pre-med student, but I found out I LOVE writing when I started working at the Daily Evergreen. Be open to trying new things, even if you think it might throw off the plan you have for your future.

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
Either hiking or swing dancing! There are tons of pretty hikes around the Palouse (Kamiak Butte, Steptoe Butte, Moscow Mountain, etc) and there are a surprising number of swing dancing groups with events almost every weekend!

What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
I love Thompson Flats! It’s a great place to take pictures with friends and watch the sunset. I always stop there on my way home from night labs because the view is awesome.

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Katie McLeodKatie McLeod, Junior

Hometown: Tampa, FL
Area(s) of Study: Zoology (Pre-Med)
Involvement at WSU: Student Health Advisory Committee (Vice Chair), Cougar Health Awareness Team (President), Research Associate at NARAP – Pullman Regional Hospital volunteering, former member of WSU Treble Choir
Hobbies: Swimming, rock climbing, reading, cross-stitching, singing and piano
Fun Fact: Both of my parents graduated from University of Washington!

What is a myth you can bust about the Honors College, and how?
Honors professors are not scary intellectuals but really approachable and friendly teachers. With the small class size and individualized class topics you get to really know your professors and see how passionate they are about their subjects.

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
I wish that I had known to try more on-campus university sponsored events while I lived in the dorms because there are so many fun things to do all of the time on campus for free!

What is a surprising outcome you have found from being in the Honors College?
I have been surprised by how many friends I have made through Honors. Being in small classes you get to really know your classmates and are able to connect with them when you are in other classes together. The Honors College gives you an extra bond with each other.

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Hendrik MelseHendrik Melse, Junior

Hometown: Bothell, WA
Area(s) of Study: Electrical Engineering
Involvement at WSU: Honors Student Advisory Council, Electrical Team Lead for Cougs In Space, Electrical Team Lead for Crimzone (Battlebots Club), Frank Innovation Zone (FIZ) crew member, IEEE member
Hobbies: Biking, reading, disc golf, late night trips to Winco, backgammon, tetris
Fun Fact: I can juggle while riding a unicycle.

What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
The entire engineering building. I spend almost all of my school time there, and a good bit of my free time as well, I may as well enjoy it. In all seriousness, the building has a lot of history, and a lot of cool stuff. There are plenty of unlocked doors that are fun to explore at night.

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
Disc golf! Sunnyside park in Pullman has a full 18-hole course. If you ever find yourself with nothing to do on a Saturday, I highly recommend trying it out!

Future plans and/or goals:
I would like to develop hardware that goes to another planet. In fact, I would like to go to another planet myself, but barring that, building something to go instead is a close second.

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Makenna MullenMakenna Mullen, Sophomore

Hometown: Bremerton, WA
Area(s) of Study: Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics
Involvement at WSU: Cougs in Space, Society of Women Engineers, Dance @ WSU
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, reading, dancing (terribly…), and cooking (also terribly).
Fun Fact: I did competitive gymnastics for 6 years and I was adopted

Favorite memory from your freshman year:
Me and a friend watched Howl’s Moving Castle in her dorm’s active lounge area. There was a lot of noise outside the room and sometimes people would randomly bust into the room. There wasn’t anything particularly special about it, it was just a casual, no stress type of night. Much needed with all the chaos that was in my life at the time and me and her bonded a lot more throughout the rest of the year.

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
No matter how much you plan and prepare and follow advice, life is still going to be unpredictable and challenging at times. The emotions we don’t like are just as important as the ones we do and it’s important to let them both happen.

Future plans and/or goals:
This isn’t a career goal, but I’m hoping that in the future I’m going to be able to save up enough money to travel around Asia for at least 3 months.

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Hometown: Wenatchee, WA
Area(s) of Study: Economics (Policy and Law), Spanish, Political Science
Involvement at WSU: Residence Hall Government Vice President, Emerging Leaders, Global Citizenship Program.
Hobbies: Playing the clarinet, hanging with friends, going to football games
Fun Fact: I paged in the Washington State Senate

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
The Palouse has a lot of great scenery contrary to what most people believe! My favorite park is Sunnyside Park in Pullman and it is always a great place for a picnic or to just get outside of campus!

What do you enjoy/appreciate most about being an Honors Coug?
Since the Honors College is a small college it is great to be able to make friends with everyone in the college as well as have more one on one time with professors!

Favorite memory from your freshman year:
One of my absolute favorite memories from freshman year was joining Hall Government. I lived in Gannon and Goldsworthy and I was the Vice President of the hall. Joining hall government was the best decision I made freshman year and that is where I met my best friends! And of course Cougar Football Saturdays are ALWAYS a favorite!

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Hannah O’FlanaganHannah O’Flanagan, Junior

Hometown: Tacoma, WA
Area(s) of Study: Nursing, Spanish
Involvement at WSU: Honors Hall Government President, HSAC Hall Government Liaison, Young Democrats, QSTEM, Study Abroad
Hobbies: Watching movies, making art, being an environmentalist and activist
Fun Fact: I have studied abroad in Cuba and Spain! My favorite ice cream is cotton candy flavor. I am a backwards somersault champ.

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
I love attending on campus events such as the Up-All-Nights hosted by SEB, the movie nights in the cub (SEB), RHA events, and hall events. There is always something fun to do, you just have to go look for it. If big events aren’t your thing, movie nights in the residence halls with friends are always a blast. I don’t have a car on campus, but a lot of the Pullman area is close enough to walk to, and we have an excellent public transport system.

What is a surprising outcome you have found from being in the Honors College?
Honors college teaches evaluation skills, and grows student’s ability to think critcally. The classes are so diverse that I have been introduced to many new ideas and perspectives. I have become better able to evaluate opinions, similar to my own and different. The honors college has helped me to better understand the people around me, from all different perspectives.

Future plans and/or goals:
I am a nursing major and Spanish minor. I hope to work in pediatrics, perhaps in pediatric oncology. I would also like to participate in a program like Doctors Without Borders, and work abroad for a few years. With those experiences I would like to work for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation or PATH, giving presentations and doing project review. I hope to help bridge language barrier gaps in healthcare in our own country. My career goals aside, I would like to foster and adopt kids in the much farther future, and I would like to live as an environmentalist, eliminating plastic wastes from my consumption. I would also like to have a cat, in the nearer future.

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Natalie SanchezNatalie Sanchez, Senior

Hometown: Rochester, WA
Area(s) of Study: Biochemistry (Molecular Biology), Mathematics, Physics
Involvement at WSU: Honors Student Advisory Council, Raptor Club, Mbios Club
Hobbies: Reading, Photography, Baking, Swing Dancing,
Fun Fact: I raise rabbits!

What do you enjoy/appreciate most about being an Honors Coug?
I really appreciate the Honors student community. The Honors classes are small enough that you get to know your fellow students to a degree that is uncommon in other classes.

What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?In the summer of 2017 I had the amazing opportunity to go on a faculty-led trip to Ecuador. During this trip, I took Spanish language classes and got credit for an Honors College course. I stayed with a host family and was immersed in Ecuadorian life. We traveled to the Andes Mountain, the Cloud Forest, and even the Galapagos Islands! It was a wonderful experience.

What is a surprising outcome you have found from being in the Honors College?
I was surprised by the variety of topics the Honors College classes can cover. Through the Honors College, I have been able to take classes that I thoroughly enjoyed but never pictured that I would be able to take, given my major. For example, my Honors 280 class was about creative short fiction and my Honors 380 was creative nonfiction—I hadn’t even heard of that before. In addition, my 370 class, which was about the United Nations, led to the opportunity for me to attend the National Model UN conference in New York City! I never would have expected that.

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Emma SchroderEmma Schroder, Sophomore

Hometown: Bellingham, WA
Area(s) of Study: Hospitality Business Management, Wine and Beverage Management
Involvement at WSU: Greek life, intramural sports
Hobbies: Volleyball, Tennis, Hiking, Swimming
Fun Fact: I have never broken a bone!

What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
The CUE is my favorite place to study in between classes and get a coffee from the cafe!

What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I got the opportunity to participate in the Global Cougs competition and work with a Chinese student to come up with a solution to reduce carbon emissions in China! My group ended up taking second place!

Favorite part of being in the Honors College, and why:
I love being in the Honors College because it has given me such a great support system. I can always count on my friends in Honors to motivate me when I’m feeling uninspired and help me with difficult assignments.

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Kyra SmithKyra Smith, Junior

Hometown: Oak Harbor, WA
Area(s) of Study: Animal Science (Pre-Vet)
Involvement at WSU: Pre-Vet Club, Collegiate Horsemens Association, Emerging Leaders, Sanz Lab Research on Equine Immune Responses, Chi Omega sorority
Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, binging Netflix, trying new food, and playing with animals
Fun Fact: I have neutered a dog.

What is a myth you can bust about the Honors College, and how?
I was nervous that Honors classes would be more challenging than the UCORE classes are but that hasn’t been the case. I see a lot of my peers struggle in their UCORE classes because they aren’t interested in what they’re learning, but since I get to choose what topic I want to learn about for each Honors class, I really enjoy them and would say they are the easiest of my classes to succeed in.

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
My favorite thing to do on the weekends is go to Marshall’s in Moscow to search for new skincare finds!

Favorite part of being in the Honors College, and why:
My favorite part of being in the Honors College is that there are so many different topics for each course. For example, I can choose whether I want to study Russian Literature, Vikings, or South American film, or wait until the next semester to take that Honors class if I don’t see anything I’m interested in learning!

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Ella SpillaneElla Spillane, Junior

Hometown: Edmonds, WA
Area(s) of Study: International Business, Marketing, English
Involvement at WSU: Social Media Executive Director for Student Entertainment Board, Alpha Omicron Pi member and treasurer, Greek Standards Board Member, hiking/backpacking/skiing
Hobbies: Hiking, running, listening to audiobooks, photography, social media management, and eating Salt & Straw ice cream.
Fun Fact: This summer (2019) I will be flying out to live and work in a fish cannery in Naknek, Alaska! Wish me luck!

What is a myth you can bust about the Honors College, and how?
Honors classes are “harder.” I disagree. They are of course challenging, but I do not feel they are inherently more difficult. I feel like my honors classes engage me to think more critically, be more analytical, and question all information being presented. They make you use your brain in ways that I wouldn’t normally exercise in a regular math class. It’s different but not necessarily harder.

Describe some of your favorite Honors College professors, faculty or staff members:
Joanna Schultz is awesome! I had her for Honors 290 and 390. She brings an interesting scientific background to every discussion, engages her students to think abstractly, while also being open to each other’s ideas! She really cares about her students and it shows.

Favorite quote, and by who:
“Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment.”-Eckhart Tolle

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Taylor VeachTaylor Veach, Sophomore

Hometown: Gresham, OR
Area(s) of Study: Animal Science (Pre-Vet), Spanish
Involvement at WSU: Pre-Vet Club, CAHNRS Ambassador, Collegiate Horseman’s Association, Ignite Research Program, Volunteer at Whitman County Humane Society
Hobbies: I enjoy riding horses competitively and leisurely. I also enjoy working with sheep and planting with my dog!
Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Belize for 2 weeks in the Summer of 2019!

Describe some of your favorite Honors College professors, faculty or staff members:
My favorite Honors College professor was Dr. Patricia Kuzyk who taught Economics 198. She is an amazing professor who genuinely cares about her students and wants them to succeed in her class. She was very fun to be around in class and kept class interesting!

What is a surprising outcome you have found from being in the Honors College?
A surprising outcome that I have found from being in the Honors College is the amazing opportunities that I have received outside of Honors that I feel is partly because I’m in the Honors college. I have been involved in research, and became a part of an ambassador and an internship program that I believe my involvement in the Honors college helped me get.

Favorite quote, and by who:
“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.” -Ann Landers

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Jennifer WarrenJennifer Warren, Junior

Hometown: Dayton, WA
Area(s) of Study: Hospitality Business Management, Spanish
Involvement at WSU: Sigma Iota, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Country Swing Dancing Club, Resonate Church, volunteer at Regency Pullman
Hobbies: Dancing, painting/crafting of all sorts, watching movies, the occasional indoor skydiving flight, thrift shopping, and wandering Hobby Lobby for hours
Fun Fact: I can recite all 50 states in alphabetical order…in under 17 seconds!

What do you enjoy/appreciate most about being an Honors Coug?
My favorite part about being an Honors Coug is the community that you’re a part of! I love meeting new people in class or through clubs and I’m continually surprised by how many of them are in the Honors College. You instantly have something significant in common which makes it easy to start a conversation.

What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
The Honors College has given me access to special classes that I wouldn’t have been able to take otherwise. For example, both EconS 198 (EconS 101 and 102 covered in just one semester) and Accounting 496 + 499 (Accounting 230 and 231 also covered in only one semester) were classes exclusively offered to Honors students. Priority registration is also amazing; I’ve never been on a waiting list or not been able to enroll in a class because it had already reached its capacity. Outside of academics, HSAC puts on events like the Yule Ball and dead week study sessions (and many more) that are fun to go to!

What has been your favorite Honors course (including topic), and why?
Honors 380: Introduction to Russian culture, history and language. I knew next to nothing about Russia before this class, and I really enjoyed learning the material in this course! My favorite part was learning (very) elementary Russian at the beginning of the class. Languages fascinate me, and Russian was surprisingly easy to start learning!

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Lucy WavraLucy Wavra, Junior

Hometown: East Wenatchee, WA
Area(s) of Study: History, Education, Communication
Involvement at WSU: Heely Club secretary, sports crew (job with cougar athletics), Honors Ambassador and 198 facilitator, History Club, Alpha Omicron Pi
Hobbies: Skiing, baking, watercoloring
Fun Fact: I have been to 13 countries! Two I have lived in, and three I have done international volunteering in!

What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
Spring semester of 2019, I went to Moscow every Friday after class with my friend, Belle. We usually grabbed a coffee from somewhere we had never been before, and poked around downtown Moscow for a cool spot to do some homework. It was a nice time to explore what our immediate vicinity has to offer, as well as kick back and relax with someone I really love!

What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
In my Honors 280 class about the history of portraiture, we got to go on a tour of the vault in the art museum. I got to hold a death mask of Abraham Lincoln, which is an experience this history major will never forget.

Favorite quote, and by who:
“We are like dwarves perched on the shoulders of giants, and thus we are able to see more an farther than the latter. And this is not at all because of the acuteness of our sight or the stature of our body, but because we are carried aloft and elevated by the magnitude of the giants.” Bernard of Chartres, by John of Salisbury

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Christina (Christi) WebsterChristina (Christi) Webster, Sophomore

Hometown: Yellowstone, WY
Area(s) of Study: Bioengineering, Mathematics
Involvement at WSU: SWE, Undergrad research with Dr. Beyenal in Biofilms, BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society), Dance @ WSU
Hobbies: I love being outdoors and am a huge fan of hiking, kayaking, and camping. I also love dancing, baking, watching old movies, and reading.
Fun Fact: I have moved about six times and have always lived near or in National Parks. I have lived in Yellowstone, Sequoia, Glacier, Shenandoah, and Denali.

What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
Through the Honors college, I have had the opportunity to work with a student from China through Honors 298 Global Leadership Seminar on a case study regarding China’s carbon emissions. I never would have expected that I would get to work with someone on a group project in another country. It was really cool that the Chinese students came to Pullman for the final presentation so we could meet the person we were working with face to face.

Favorite memory from your freshman year:
One of my favorite memories was the day is snowed so much they cancelled classes for the whole day. My friends and I went sledding down Thompson Flats, built miniature snowmen outside Global Scholars Hall, and finished the day by baking and making hot chocolate.

What is something that you wish you would have known when you first started college?
I wish I knew that a section within a course can vary. When I signed up for classes, I only looked at the times and not the professor as well. This was super helpful to know when signing up for Honors courses because sections of the same class can be completely different.

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