Name: Kyra Manson
Hometown: Flemington, New Jersey
HCAU: How did you get your name?
Kyra Manson: Well, my mom saw the name “Kyra” on the side of a truck and really liked it. One of my dad’s coworkers was also named Kyra so he went for it too.
HCAU: What is your favorite thing to do back in Flemington?
KM: Since there is nothing to do in Flemington I usually just watch TV. But sometimes I like going to mid-Jersey to go see a movie at the mall.
HCAU: Speaking of, what is your favorite movie?
KM: “Love Actually!”
HCAU: What are you going to be for Halloween?
KM: Well, I was originally going to be a bunny. But after looking through my clothes I’ll probably be a devil since all I really need is a red shirt.
HCAU: What is your favorite Halloween candy?
KM: Reese’s peanut butter cups, but they have to be shaped like pumpkins.
HCAU: What is your major?
KM: Public Health. I really want to go to medical school.
HCAU: What is your dream job?
KM: Probably a pediatrician. I love working with kids, which is also why I like coaching for NCAP and coaching really little kids back home. But if it could be anything, then maybe a cake decorator or baker.
HCAU: How has it been adjusting to your first year at American?
KM: I thought it would be a lot more difficult than it had been especially because I am a transfer student. But being on the swim team has made it a lot easier to make friends and there are a lot of people I can ask for advice. One of my teammates, Paige, is also a transfer student so she has been helpful since I got to campus as well.
HCAU: What has been the hardest part of adjusting to AU?
KM: Definitely getting used to the small class sizes. At my last school I had all lectures, but here my biggest class is only 30 people. So the level of engagement in class is a lot higher than I’m used to.
HCAU: What is your favorite thing you’ve done so far in D.C.?
KM: Shopping in Georgetown and getting Georgetown cupcakes. Also, during Welcome Week the swim team went to a Nationals’ game together which was fun.
HCAU: What is one thing you still want to do in D.C.?
KM: Go to the Spy Museum. My sister has been there before and loved it.
HCAU: Where is your favorite place to eat on campus and what do you get?
KM: Freshii! And I always get a Tex Mex burrito with chicken.
Photo Credit: 1, 2 provided by Kyra Manson