Name: April Andrews
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Year: Senior
Major: Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies
Campus Involvement: Student Ambassadors, Maddy Night Live
Favorite Show to Binge Watch on Netflix: 30 Rock
Favorite Spot on Campus: Rose Library 4th floor
What are your post-grad plans?
GRAD SCHOOL AYE! I’m in the Master’s program for Elementary Education here at JMU. #DoubleDuke
Any summer plans?
I’m living in Raleigh, North Carolina this summer just for a little adventure. It’s a gorgeous city with an amazing night life and I’m excited to experience a new city!
What is your favorite part about spring at JMU?
The excitement in the air. I think we all get bogged down by the cold windy weather in the winter, so we all go bananas when the sun comes out. That first spring day we get is always the best day of the year. This campus is stunning already, but every inch of it is gorgeous in the spring.
You recently performed in your last Maddy Night Live show and wrapped up your term as President. How does that feel?
There are a lot of feelings floating around. Accomplishment. This is something I’ve been a part of since my first semester at JMU and finishing out my last year in the group as President was such a gift. Fear. I’ve always been involved in theater and it’s been a passion in my life since I was 13. This very well may be the last opportunity I will ever have to be on a stage performing like that. It’s so strange to feel that part of my life coming to a close. Sadness. I mean, duh. I love the group with my whole heart. I love each person and the experiences we’ve shared are ones I will cherish forever. I’m so excited to see them flourish in the future.
What is something that has shaped your experience as a student at JMU?
My involvement on campus completely shaped me as a JMU student and as a human being. Being in MNL has shown me time and time again to not take myself so seriously. I’ve learned to be unapologetically me, and that’s something I never thought I would be able to do. Student Ambassadors has given me so many opportunities to learn more about this campus, service, kindness, grace, and myself. It has given me the confidence and the drive I have today. These organizations, although vastly different, have made me, me. I am eternally grateful.
What’s the biggest life lesson you’ve learned at JMU?
Be yourself!!! That’s so cliche, but it’s cliche because it’s true. This is something my brother always pushed on me growing up, but I never quite felt comfortable enough to let my freak flag fly. JMU has given me the confidence to love who I am and forget about the people who want me to change. If you want something changed, make an effort to change it. As Doc Brown said, the future is what you make it. So make it a good one.