2008-09 TSPA Bios
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Transfer Student Peer Advisor |
Activities and Organizations |
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Alisa Abbott Welcome, new wahoos! Congrats on U.va. - get ready for an AWESOME year! My name is Alisa and I'm a rising 4th year, double majoring in American Studies and Religious Studies. I transferred from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA after my first year. I'm originally from the Charlottesville area, so I know loads of insider info on fun things to do around Charlottesville and U.Va. Coming to U.Va. has, without a doubt, been the best decision I've ever made. The opportunities here are endless in multiple spheres of life - academic, social, athletic, etc. I am currently involved in Alternative Spring Break, the University Board of Elections, Honor Counsel, Hillel, Third Year Council, and a few other organizations. Clearly, it is incredibly easy to jump into an active lifestyle at the University, despite being a transfer - and I can't wait to help you all get acquainted. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have, however trivial you think they may be, or just to grab a bite to eat sometime - I am here to help! Again, Congratulations and welcome to U.Va.! asa4g@virginia.edu |
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Katie Amrhein Hey, Transfers! Congratulations and welcome to U.Va. My name is Katie Amrhein and I am a rising third year in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in government and minoring in media studies. I am from New Canaan, Connecticut and transferred here from the University of Connecticut. And so far my transfer experience has been great. I am a part of Delta Gamma and volunteer with Madison House. So, if you have questions on either let me know! I also love spending time with my family, sunbathing and mostly anything athletic (and of course U.Va.). This summer I plan on returning to New Canaan for a relaxing summer with friends and family, maybe with a few trips to C’ville. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me and I can’t wait to meet you all! |
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Leyla Babaoglu Congratulations transfers!! You have definitely made a great decision. I’m a rising third year in the College with a major in Foreign Affairs and a minor in Sociology. I transferred last year from the University of California, Berkeley, but I’m originally from Falls Church, Virginia. I’m involved in several groups around grounds, including Delta Gamma Sorority, Sustained Dialogue, and UVA Bellydancing. I encourage you to look into as many activities as you can find- it’s a great opportunity to meet people and definitely helped me adjust when I transferred. I know this transition can be scary and overwhelming, but soon you will feel just as at home at U.Va. as I do! I’m here to help you, so let me know if you have any questions! WAHOOWA! lmb8v@virginia.edu |
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Lauren Berkowitz |
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Mary Carter I am going to be a third-year Foreign Affairs and Art History major. I have lived all over the country because my father is in the military, but I went to high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia and my family lives there now. I spent my fist year of college at New York University and loved the city, but not the cost of living. After college I hope to join the Peace Corps (use the foreign affairs part of my education) and then work in the international art world specifically promoting the recognition of African art to a wider community. Presently, I am a member of the International Relations Organization (IRO), Wilson Journal, Agape, and The Declaration. mec9d@virginia.edu |
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Paige Corbin Welcome new transfers! My name is Paige Corbin and I am a rising fourth year in the college. I transferred in the fall of 2006 from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. U.Va. is a great school and I know that all of you will love it. I am really excited to meet all of you and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns! pcc4j@virginia.edu |
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Luke Cumberland My name is Luke Cumberland, I’m a third year transfer from Mary Washington, and I’m from Funfax, Virginia. I’m in a fraternity, and participate in Philosophy Club. My majors are English and Philosophy, so I know my way around central grounds. Throw any old questions you have my way. I think you'll find the University is a garden of superlatively glamorous people, amicable professors, and cerebral swelling towards the numinous skies of our fixed fates—the stars. lac6q@virginia.edu |
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Julia Debo Hey transfers! Welcome to U.Va. My name is Julia and I’m a rising 4th year in the College. Eek! I’m a Drama Major with a Media Studies Minor. I’m an army brat, but right now my family is in Va Beach. I, of course, love theatre – but I’m also a HUGE sports fan. (Let’s go Bills!) I’m also a proud super-nerd and love trivia games and trivia night! I’m going to be in Siena, Italy for 2 months this summer – but I can’t wait to meet all of you in the fall. Let me know if you have any questions, jmdebo@gmail.com, I look forward to hearing from you! |
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Jessica DeGeorge Hey, Transfers! Welcome to U.Va. Get excited! My name is Jessica DeGeorge, and I am a rising third year in the School of Architecture, majoring in Urban and Environmental Planning with a minor in Architectural History. I am originally from Long Island, New York, and transferred from Mary Washington. My time here has been amazing! I am currently involved with Phi Sigma Pi co-ed honor fraternity, The Washington Literary Society and Debating Union, Blue Notes jazz a capella, and Student Planning Association. If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to say hi, shoot me an e-mail. Congratulations on your acceptance and I can’t wait to meet you all! jad5ma@virginia.edu |
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Paul Deitrick Welcome to the University of Virginia! My name is Paul Deitrick, and I am a rising fourth year in the College, double majoring in economics and statistics. I am from Richmond, Virginia and transferred into the University as a second year from Georgia Tech. Here at U.Va., I play ice hockey with Doug Francken, another TSPA. When not playing hockey, I spend most of my time going to the various sporting events around Grounds, especially football and basketball. After graduating in May, I hope to enroll in the graduate school here at the University and pursue a masters degree in Commerce through the McIntire School of Commerce. I absolutely love it here in Charlottesville, and I am sure you will enjoy it just the same. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions! pmd2n@virginia.edu |
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Caitlin Donaghy Hello new Wahoos!! I’m so glad you’ve made the choice to come to U.Va., it really is an amazing place. My name is Kate Donaghy, I’m a rising 3rd year Latin American studies major in the College of Arts and Sciences. I grew up in Long Island, New York but now I live in Vienna in Northern Virginia. I transferred from the University of Miami last year and I am so glad I made the choice to come to U.Va. I’m involved in UVA’s oldest co-ed acapella group, the New Dominions, I am a sister of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and I also participate in community service groups through Madison House. There are so many ways to get involved at U.Va. and you meet a ton of new and amazing people, congrats on getting in, and I can’t wait to see you in the fall! Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns you might have! ced4d@virginia.edu |
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Kristina Duffy |
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Hedieh Fakhriyazdi Welcome new Wahoo's! It is so exciting to have new transfers on board at U.Va. - I am sure all of you will grow to love your time here at the University just as much as I have. I am very involved in a diverse group of organizations on Grounds, but I spend most of time in leadership positions in the Bahá'í Student Association, as well as the Pre-Law Virginia Themis Society. One of my passions is in learning more about sustainability and urban planning - currently I am researching education for sustainable development in indigenous communities in rural Chile. I love every minute of it! Please email me at any time if you would like advice or have any questions - or if would like to grab coffee! I look forward to meeting you all this summer and fall! hf3j@virginia.edu |
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Nellie Farrow Welcome to U.Va.--you are going to love it! My name is Nellie Farrow and I am a second-year transfer from the University of Delaware. I am from Norwalk, Connecticut and am Pre-Med and a Biology major right now. I am on the Women's Club Soccer team and in Delta Gamma. I also volunteer at Madison House in the Red Cross Club. I went to Nicaragua this spring break with the Nicaraguan Orphan Fund and 60 other U.Va. students and I hope to keep involved with that. This summer I will be studying here at the Summer Language Institute, taking Spanish. Though I was very nervous to transfer, I couldn't be happier that I did. To me, U.Va. definitely seems like the best place to spend your college years and I know you will enjoy it. Feel free to email me if you have any questions! nef3a@virginia.edu |
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Doug Francken (Chair) Welcome to the University of Virginia, everyone. My name is Doug Francken and I am a rising fourth year in the McIntire School of Commerce, concentrating in Finance and Marketing. In addition to being Co-Chair of the Transfer Peer Advising program, I am currently the Captain of the UVA Ice Hockey Team and serve as a Block Mentor at McIntire. My future aspirations are to go into the field of sports management and contract law. I will be interning with Northrop Grumman this summer as a Financial Analyst. I currently reside in Murrysville, PA which is a small town outside of Pittsburgh. The University of Virginia is absolutely the best place to spend your college years, I have certainly enjoyed my time here so far and I know you will too. Congratulations on being accepted and if you have any questions do not hesitate to email me at djf2t@virginia.edu. |
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Alexa Frazier Welcome, new Wahoos! Congratulations on U.Va.! Your next few years at “The University” will be some of the best of your life! My name is Alexa Frazier and I am a rising third year Religious Studies major. I transferred from Colorado College after my first year, and I am originally from Baltimore, MD. My experience at U.Va. has been incredible so far. I can’t wait to share my love of U.Va. with you! I am involved in a variety of different things including the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, Madison House, and the Career Peer Educator program. I encourage you to get involved with different groups on grounds when you first get here because it is a great way to meet some of your new classmates. Feel free to contact me any time with any questions or concerns, or just to grab a bite to eat sometime! Again, congratulations and welcome to U.Va.! |
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Cynthia (Cindy) Gibson Congrats and welcome to the University and the RN-BSN Program! Be prepared and get ready for an awesome and very exciting experience. I am so proud to be a student at one of the finest Schools of Nursing in the country. I attend part time and will be returning for my second year. I have been working toward my BSN while living in Rhode Island, California, and Louisiana. Happily I’m finally going to complete my BSN at UVA! I grew up in Rhode Island and moved to C’Ville from New Orleans, 9 years ago with my family. My youngest daughter will be going to college in the fall. I share and enjoy a love for horseback riding with my children. Since settling in C’Ville we have acquired a sweet dog named Chloe and a cat named Gabriel. I volunteer with American Cancer Society on the planning committee for the Pavilion Ball and the Women’s Shelter from Domestic Violence. I am also involved with assisting children and families with learning differences and Autism Spectrum. Being a non-traditional student has many challenges and I have probably experienced most of them. I hope you will feel free to contact me if you have questions or I can help you feel at home at UVA. I would love to have a cup of tea with you, anytime. cag3b@virginia.edu |
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Beau Griffith Welcome new Wahoos! My name is Beau Griffith and I'm a rising fourth year majoring in Psychology. I transferred in the fall of my second year from a music conservatory, so U.Va. was way different than anything I had experienced, but I love every second of my experiences here, and you will too. I'm on the cycling team, and I'm also an editor for a student newspaper called the Declaration, so if you have any interest in club sports or writing, get in touch with me. I'm also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and really into the whole Greek life thing at U.Va. so if you have any questions about that I'd be happy to help. wbg2x@virginia.edu |
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Max Griffith Welcome new Hoos! My name is Max Griffith, and I am a rising third year in the College of Arts and Sciences here at the University of Virginia. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, I attended the University of Mary Washington for my first year of college before transferring to U.Va. Since arriving I have declared majors in Political Philosophy, Policy, and Law, as well as History. Around grounds, I am primarily involved in U.Va.'s International Relations Organization, Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, and the Roosevelt Institution. Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions you may have, and I look forward to meeting you! pmg2k@virginia.edu |
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Creighton "Koa" Heaukulani
Welcome transfers! My name is Creighton Heaukulani, but everyone calls me Koa. I’m from Hilo, Hawaii and I transferred from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. I’m a rising third year in the college and I’m doing the distinguished majors program in mathematics, double majoring in Economics, and getting a minor in statistics. I am very involved with student initiatives on global development here on grounds so if you’re interested in research and work in underdeveloped countries, feel free to come and talk to me on what UVA has to offer. ck3d@virginia.edu |
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Haley Hicks (Chair) By the time you will be reading this bio, you will have already made the best decision of your life. I am so excited to be a part of your U.Va. experience! I am a rising fourth year originally from St. Louis, Missouri. I went all the way to Boston University for my first year of college, but then found my home at U.Va. I have great respect for anyone who choses to transfer, and I have made it my goal to share all the secrets and shortcuts I have been able to find to becoming acclimated to U.Va. life. I think grounds are beautiful, and the libraries are basically my life (don't worry, its not all study) so anytime you call, I will be close by and will jump at the chance to meet you for coffee or lounging on the lawn. Talk to you soon! hrh3r@virginia.edu |
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Erica Hinchman Congratulations new transfers!! My name is Erica Hinchman and I'm a rising third year in the College. I'm from Atlanta, GA and transferred to U.Va. in the fall of my second year. I went to Southern Methodist University my first year when I was wait-listed at U.Va. Transferring is without a doubt the best decision I've ever made; U.Va. has so much to offer both on and off Grounds. In addition to being involved with TSPAs, I am the Director of Philanthropy Events for my sorority, Delta Gamma, a member of the Executive Board for Pancakes for Parkinson's, and a Big Sib through Madison House. I also attend RUF meetings and hope to get involved with Young Life, which I was active in at SMU. I went on an Alternative Spring Break trip this past spring it was an amazing way to meet people! Transferring can be tough at times but I promise it's worth it. I'm the 7th person in my family to go to U.Va., so I grew up visiting Grounds and hearing stories about the amazing U.Va. experience. My first two semesters have definitely lived up to my expectations! I am a history major and Italian minor. I'm so excited y'all are all coming to U.Va. in the fall! Please don't hesitate to send me an email if you have any questions, concerns, anything!! Wahoowa! ebh5r@virginia.edu |
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Chloe Hodson (Chair) Hey new Wahoos, congratulations on coming to the University! My name is Chloe Hodson. I am a rising third year in the college of arts and sciences, majoring in Art History and Religious Studies. I transferred to UVA at the beginning of my second year from the University of Mary Washington. In addition to the TSPA program, I am involved in Student Docents at the University Art Museum, I play polo, and I work at Take it Away on the corner. I’ve loved the University for as long as I can remember, and coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask! I can’t wait to meet you, and have a good summer! ch7he@virginia.edu |
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Lauren Johnsen |
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Kelly Keegan Hi Everyone, Congratulations and Welcome to the University of Virginia! You are going to LOVE it here. I'm a rising 4th year in the school of nursing and transferring into UVA was the absolute best decision for me, and I'm sure you'll feel the same. Since I've been here I've become involved with the School of Nursing Class Council, Residence Life, and Alternative Spring Break, just to name a few. The opportunities to really get involved and make a difference here at UVA are endless and I'm so looking forward to you discovering this! Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. Enjoy your summer and get excited to be a Wahoo! kck8u@virginia.edu |
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Christine Keyserling Congratulations on getting into U.Va.! It’s an amazing school and is full of so many opportunities! Transferring was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I hope you’ll feel the same way too! My name is Christine Keyserling and I transferred from The University of Mary Washington. I am from Northern Virginia and not only did my Dad go to school here as well, but my older brother is currently a 4th year and will be graduating in the spring of 2008. I will be graduating with a B.A. in biology next spring and am planning on attending Veterinary School the fall after graduation. This is a really exciting time in your lives not only because you are in college, but you are coming to a new place with new people and so many new ways to get involved. Please feel free to ask me anything and just remember to be really open minded and be active so you can get the most out of your U.Va. experience! clk7m@virginia.edu |
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Elizabeth Konover |
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Katie Laffer Congrats and welcome to U.Va.!! My name is Katie and I am a rising third year majoring in Spanish in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am from Rockland County, New York and transferred here from Loyola College in Maryland. Immediately upon arriving on grounds, I knew I had made the right decision and I am confident you will feel the same way. The University has so much to offer, and some of the activities and organizations that I have gotten involved with are Madison House, McIntire Women’s Business Forum, and Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. The transition can be difficult at times, but feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I know you’re going to love it here and I can’t wait to meet you! kml6m@virginia.edu |
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Carolyn Lawson Welcome to the University! My name is Carolyn Lawson and I am a rising third year in the Nursing School. I am from Homer City, a small town in Western Pennsylvania and I spent my first year of college at Duquesne University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. U.Va. was my third school in three semesters…a little crazy, I know…but as the saying goes, “Third time’s a charm.” I absolutely love it here and am excited that you have chosen to transfer to U.Va.; you’re going to love it here! Besides being a TSPA, I also am secretary of the state of Virginia’s Nursing Student’s Association, a member U.Va. ’s student nurses’ association, and a member of the National Society for Collegiate Scholars. I also spend my time volunteering at the hospital with the MERCI program, Pancakes for Parkinson’s and teaching CPR. There are so many opportunities to become involved at the University, making it easy to find your own ‘niche’ here and make U.Va. your own. I can’t wait to meet all of you in the fall and welcome you to the University in person. In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or just to say hi! cel7h@virginia.edu |
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Adrienne Lester Hello transfers and congratulations on your acceptance! My name is Adrienne, I'm from Roanoke, Va, and I'm a rising fourth year studying Environmental Sciences in the College in hopes of one day becoming a veterinarian. I cannot articulate how excited you all SHOULD be. I entered the University with mild trepidation, but after my first semester, I truly felt like I was a part of a community. I've been a student here for a year and a half, and wow, how time has flown by. My best piece of advice: get involved. Not only does it make your time here more enjoyable, it gives you a reason to procrastinate doing all that homework. I look forward to meeting you all in the Fall. Until then... if you have any "silly questions or just want to chat, email me! all6e@virginia.edu |
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Willis "Hugh" Lyford |
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Lindsay Mammarella Hey transfers! Congratulations and welcome to U.Va. - we're so excited for you to become new 'hoos! My name is Lindsay Mammarella and I'm a rising third year. I'm premed and majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. I transferred from the George Washington University after my first year, and I'm from the small town and state Newark, Delaware. Other than being a TSPA, my activities include the University Dance Club, Global Medical Brigades (mission trip to Honduras), IM sports, Program Director/volunteer for Madison House, Musicians on Call, and I will be an EMT in Cville this summer. Transferring to U.Va. was the best decision I've ever made- I love every aspect of this school, and I'm sure all of you will love it just as much as I do! I am so excited to meet you all and know exactly what you're going through so don't hesitate to email me with any questions! lam5by@virginia.edu |
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Melanie Pettit Welcome to U.Va.! My name is Melanie, and I am a rising third year from Severna Park, Maryland. My major is currently Urban and Environmental Planning, but I’m going to apply to transfer into the nursing school next spring. I spent my first year playing lacrosse at George Washington University, and I’m so glad that I decided to make the switch to Virginia. I am very involved in sports here at U.Va.: I go to all of the football and basketball games, I am on the club lacrosse and sailing teams, and I play many intramural sports (you MUST try inner tube water polo!). My best advice for getting adjusted is to go out to as many student organization meetings as possible for the first month or two. For me, that was the best way to get involved meet people. Let me know if you have any questions! Get excited…you’re going to LOVE it here! mkp9t@virginia.edu |
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Christine Piccora WELCOME TO U.Va.! You are officially a Wahoo and I hope you are excited!! My name is Christine Piccora and I am a rising third year Art History major in the College. I am from Westchester County, NY, so for all of you out-of-staters, if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me! I transferred from American University in Washington, DC after my first year. Transferring to U.Va. is definitely the smartest thing I have done in my life so far! I absolutely love it here and I know you will too! There are multiple opportunities for you to get involved in the university and in Charlottesville (which is a wonderful, exciting city might I add). I am a brother of the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, in the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT). This summer I will be in Milan, Italy taking courses, but don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions. I know I had tons of questions to ask previous transfers, so ask away! My email is: cap4k@virginia.edu. I am so excited to meet you all! Get ready for an amazing, irreplaceable college experience! |
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Sarah Pinsky Welcome to U.Va.! I hope you're all excited about starting the year here in Charlottesville. My name is Sarah and I'm a rising 4th year majoring in politics and economics. I'm also in the five-year Masters in Public Policy program. I'm very involved in the University Democrats and I also was on the women's rowing team my second year. I transferred here from New York University after my freshman year and am originally from College Park, MD. I love to go to basketball games, wander around grounds, and check my email. So if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. See you soon! srp9w@virginia.edu |
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Emily Poe Hey guys!!! Welcome to the University of Virginia! I’m Emily Poe and I’m a third-year at the University. I am from Mclean, Virginia and am an American Politics major. I’m also an associate news editor on the Cavalier Daily, a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and participate in Madison House’s Adopt-A-Grandparent. I am so excited to be a TSPA this year and can’t wait to meet y’all! elp9u@virginia.edu |
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Megan Ransone |
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Sterling Ruffin |
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Kate Solheim kas3hg@virginia.edu |
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Tonuka Syeda |
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Shihui Wang Wahoooo!!! Welcome to the University of Virginia everyone. My name is Shihui Wang and I am a rising third year currently in the College but hoping to be in the School of Commerce next semester. I am originally from Shanghai, China. I went to high school in Richmond, Va and I transferred from Virginia Tech this semester. After spending almost a semester here, I have certainly enjoyed my time here and I know you will too. You'll never need to worry about making friends here as a transfer student. And I would love to share my experience with you. Here is absolutely the best place to spend your college years. Congratulations on being accepted and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me. sw4pa@virginia.edu |
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Heather Welborn (Chair) Holla Back New 'HOOS! My name is Heather Welborn and I'm a rising fourth year in the college. I'm from Mooresville, NC aka Race City USA, if you follow NASCAR (which I don't but random people come up to talk to me about Mooresville). I'm majoring in History and I'm also in the Distinguished Majors Program for History- so if you're thinking about writing a thesis in undergrad (which you should) and have any questions let me know. I'm involved with social justice activism on Grounds so if you're looking to affect change contact me. So, Congrats! And I hope to meet you all in the fall. hrw3f@virginia.edu |
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Ahnivah Williams |
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Sarah Williams Congratulations and welcome to U.Va.! I am Sarah Williams and I am a rising fourth year Foreign Affairs major with a concentration in East Asia. I transferred from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA after my first year. I am originally from Midlothian, VA! I am so excited to meet all of you, and I know that this year is going to be awesome. I love U.Va. and it is a wonderful university because there are so many ways to get involved and make your experience at U.Va. that much more rewarding. Not to mention it is truly a diverse place where you can meet many new people. I am involved in organizations such as the University Judiciary Committee, TSPA program, Phi Eta Sigma, and Sigma Alpha Lambda. I can help you with anything you are concerned about and answer any other questions you may have! If I don’t know the answer to your question, then I will find the answer. So, if you have any questions or want to know anything about U.Va. just let me know. Again, welcome new Hoo I can’t wait to meet you! sew9p@virginia.edu |
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