Wake Forest University

I am a storyteller, and at Wake Forest I intend to explore the many ways we tell stories through Communications and Classical Studies.

As a prospective Communications major, I look forward to classes such as Classic Rhetoric where I can examine the origins of story structure. I hope to learn from some of the greatest orators in Roman history while examining the influence of ancient stories on modern day society.

As a Film Studies minor, I look forward to telling compelling stories through unconventional cinematography in classes like Foundations in Digital Media.

Wake Forest will give me countless opportunities to thrive and grow not just as a student, but also as a storyteller and a Demon Deacon.

I was eerily enthusiastic when I stood on Omaha and Utah beaches, where American troops had landed just seventy-five years earlier.

D-Day, one of history's greatest war-time phenomenons, has fascinated me since I first studied it. I am intrigued by the small details I've learned about in countless books and documentaries. On June 5th, a severe storm threatened to hit, so many of Germany's most adept commanders were on leave, including General Rommel. Thousands of German troops were disarrayed, contributing to the chaos of organizing their forces. The storm may have made the Allies successful.

My curiosity is piqued by the coincidences and intricacies of how nations and leaders strategize against one another and how that contributes to current events. When my history teacher chose to organize our class not by chronology, but by recurring historical themes and attitudes, I found a perfect outlet for my curious mind.

There is a common impression that humans are meant to find a 'destiny' or perfect place of belonging. Yet, labeling a person by a set of standards automatically dulls the essence of their character. This quote reflects an epiphany I have experienced myself. By detaching from restrictions that I once believed would unveil my path, I have become more familiar with the person I am. This has not been an easy task, as Dr. Angelou warned. To stray from the guidance of your peers is to accept the risk of independence. However, doing so opens me to endless opportunities, and no one can tell me I have a limit.

In my current surroundings, I have led a region-wide student council day of community service, co-founded a program for new student support, created a new semi-formal dance, and made a strong effort to integrate our school into broader horizons at state-level events. Beyond accomplishments on paper, I have built the courage to fight for change when needed and welcome new circumstances as they are presented. My open-mindedness will help me not only embed myself into the community but also forge new innovations at Wake Forest.

True belonging comes from understanding yourself first. Dr. Angelou reminds us that this mindset has a very fulfilling outcome. Having learned this over the past four years, I am filled with excitement about what I can achieve in the next four. As a Demon Deacon, I envision a future dedicated to service and meaningful relationships alongside those with the same tenacity.

Top 10 Reasons Science Fascinates Me

1. Peristalsis: a weird bodily function allowing us to swallow when upside down.

2. Injecting oneself with a virus in order to build antibodies… and it works!

3. DIY sparklers: lighting different metals on fire and watching them burn a rainbow.

4. A mere 0.01 percent difference in genes is what makes each human unique.

5. Evolution shows how valuable 0.1% of genetic material is in differentiating humans and chimpanzees.

6. Babies have 100 more bones than adults, now 208 bones allow movement and blood cell production.

7. At 4 weeks old, embryos still grow tails that later get dissolved by white blood cells.

8. The idea of taking someone else's healthy organs and putting them in your body might just save your life one day.

9. Cancer: mutations and cell growth, damaging tissue and weakening the immune system.

10. Cognitive abilities: What neurological functions allow certain memories stick in our heads rather than others?