Year: 2018
Hometown: Newton, Massachusetts
Majors: American Studies and Politics
Minors: Journalism and Business
Her Campus: In addition to your plethora of majors/minors, what are you involved with on campus?
Abby Patkin: The Justice, the Brandeis Rowing Team, and I am an Undergraduate Departmental Representative for American Studies.
HC: We just had a break, How did you spend it?
AP: The crew team went down to South Carolina for spring training, because a) they have more consistent weather than up here [Waltham, MA], and b) their lakes don’t usually freeze in the winter. It was a great week of just getting back out on the water, enjoying the 80-degree weather, and bonding with the team. Plus, southern food is honestly the best!
HC: You mentioned being involved with The Justice, what are some challenges you face being Editor in Chief? What makes it worth it at the end of the day?
AP: The biggest challenge for me and my staff is being journalists and students at the same time. It’s difficult trying to stay on top of news cycles while studying for midterms and keeping up with homework, but we manage. The best part is getting to work with such a wide range of people and getting out into the Brandeis community and just hearing people’s stories — everyone here has something interesting to say, even if they don’t know it yet!
HC: As a Senior, you have had a lot of time here at Brandeis, what has been your favorite memory?
AP: Most of my favorite moments have been just the little things you do with your friends — watching movies, exploring Boston, trying (and failing) at baking, etc. One of the more interesting memories (and a classic Brandeis one) would have to be from sophomore year when I was living in the Castle. We had this trap door in our room that was taped over, and my roommate and I spent the better part of the year wondering what was down there. Finally, curiosity got the best of us and we pried the thing open, only to find a small, sandy pit that just had garbage and scraps of wood in it. We didn’t open it again, but we did joke about throwing a plastic skull and a treasure map down there for someone else to find.
Fast Facts!
HC: Best Food on Campus?
AP: Sherman breakfast, hands down. Coffee from Dunk’s is always the best, though.
HC: Favorite movie?
AP: I’m a sucker for rom-coms, and my go-to is this 70’s one, “What’s Up, Doc?” It’s a perfect sick day movie.
HC: Favorite ice cream at Lizzy’s?
AP: Peppermint stick with hot fudge.
HC: Who is your feminist Icon?
AP: Nora Ephron, probably. She fought for women in journalism and comedy when both were still largely dominated by men, and her films always had insightfully written, 3D female characters.