Name: Jessica Cofield
Year: 3rd
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
Major: Foreign Affairs

What was your favorite class?

My favorite class that I have taken thus far was a Religion class about the religious influence of African-based religions in the Americas. I enjoyed this class because while it fulfilled one of my Area Requirements, it allowed me to step outside of my major and learn about something that was of interest to me. I had never taken a Religion class before and I really found the subject to be quite interesting. While I not only learned something about how African-based religions influenced not only North and Latin American religions but I also learned something new about my ancestors because I am of West Indian descent. I think a class is always of great interest when you can not only learned the assigned material for the semester but also learn something new about yourself and your own personal heritage.

What has been your most interesting class with the least interesting name?

My most interesting class with the least interesting name would have to be an Economics class I took this past summer entitled, “Public Choice.” Now to me, the title of this class does not give any indication as to what the course will be about as compared to some of the titles of my other classes such as “RELA 276: African Religions in the Americas.” Nonetheless, I took the course over the summer, and I would say it has been one of the more interesting classes that I have taken thus far. In Public Choice I learned about the influence economics has within the political arena and its effects upon voting and allocation of resources. This class was of particular interest to me because Public Choice affects so many things in peoples’ lives and too often they don’t even know it.

What activities are you involved in?

I am currently involved in Madison House, Oliver Hill Pre-Law Society and Project Youth Uplift.

What is your favorite extracurricular and why?

My favorite extracurricular activity is working as a Co-Founder and Vice President of Project Youth Uplift. I enjoy this activity the most because our organization works to pair sixth and seventh graders with current UVA students and provide them with leadership skills that will benefit them in the future. As a member of this organization I truly enjoy the time spent working with children in Albemarle County. As one of the executives I also enjoy forming the foundations of this organization and developing the materials and activities for the children. While the children learn from us, we are also learning from them.

What is your favorite book/movie/music?

It’s really hard for me to determine my favorites for each of these, because I feel that I have an eclectic taste in literature, movies, and music. But, if I had to pick my favorite book, it would be Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. I really identify with the protagonist and I like the language and style of writing Ellison chose. Overall, it was just an interesting read to me. As silly as this sounds, one of my favorite movies is Shrek. I just thought it was really cute and also interesting how old fairy tales were modernized. I also think it’s pretty funny, too. In terms of music, I like a little bit of everything, old and new. My taste ranges includes Top 40, Jazz, R&B, and Reggae.

Is there one word (or phrase) that sums up your UVA experience?

If I could use a phrase that would sum up my UVA experience, it would be the frequently used phrase, “Expect the Unexpected.” To me, this phrase is very reflective of my experience here thus far. I feel as though too many students come to UVA with a plan. This plan often includes their major, the classes they’ll take, activities to join, the type of friends they want to make, and social events/activities they want to engage in during their free time. I’m definitely guilty of making this type of plan and I feel as though many students are as well. After coming to UVA last fall, I soon realized my plan would have to be revamped. You cannot attend UVA with any predetermined notions of what your college experience should be. Don’t expect anything, instead experience all that UVA has to offer. I have taken so many interesting classes that outside of my major requirements, joined activities that pique my interest, made friends with some of the most unique people I know who often have views that are in stark contrast with mine, and lastly I have done things I never knew I was capable of doing. I feel that if I had stuck to my initial plan, I would have missed out on all that UVA has to offer academically and socially. So my new phrase that sums up my UVA experience is, “Expect nothing, but experience everything.”