Name: Claire Parker
Hometown: Madison, WI
Major: Electrical Engineering and Mathematics with a minor in Economics
What is your favorite extracurricular? “I cannot decide! All of my extracurricular activities fulfill and expand on a different interest of mine. I have always been passionate about health, and Gamma allows me to enrich other Greeks’ lives using that passion. Love Your Melon is how I can help a group of children who need both funding and compassion – pediatric cancer patients. EcoCAR 3 allows me to gain professional, real world experience with an innovative and driven group of people. Getting involved is my favorite part of college – you can pursue so many different interests!”
How has being in a sorority impacted your life? “Being in a sorority has impacted nearly every facet of my life. I have sisters to rely on when I am having a bad day for both laughter and comfort. I have role models I can aspire to be and learn from. I have leadership opportunities and experience that I did not even realize was possible. Through my sorority, I have managed to become a better version of myself, and I cannot wait to continue to grow with my chapter over the next two and a half years.”
What is the coolest opportunity you’ve had at Alabama? “I think the greatest opportunity I have had at Alabama has been actually to meet with many faculty and staff across the University. The University of Alabama faculty and staff stand above the rest because everyone is so willing to help. I have never asked for help at Alabama and not received it, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be taught by faculty and staff members who are passionate about their respective fields as well as teaching students. Alabama has done a fantastic job of making sure all faculty members are accessible to students, and it has made a difference in my academic endeavors and personal growth.”
What do you want to do once you graduate? “Ultimately, I would like to be a financial analyst. As far as immediately after graduation, I will pursue an MBA in Finance.”
What do you like to do in your free time? “I love to exercise, practice yoga, and play golf.”
What inspires you? “Everything. I am inspired by the kids at junior golf programs, who are so happy about the smallest victories. I am inspired by all of my sorority sisters who have been through so much and remain so kind. I am inspired by my autistic sister who has faced prejudice and obstacles I cannot fathom but always has a smile on her face. I think the moment I stop being inspired by all the day-to-day miracles around me is the moment I lose sight of what is important.”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten? “My grandfather gave my dad a framed quote, and my dad has passed that quote along to me. ‘Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.’”
Do you have any advice for girls on how to succeed in college? “Try new things. I was never in student government in high school. I had never thought about joining a sorority. College is the place where you can pursue anything, so do not be afraid to try something just because you’ve never tried it before!”