Maria Bender
Year: 2015
Hometown and Your Favorite Thing About It:
Pittsburgh—it’s a city that has many of the great qualities of a city, without being too big! Plus the majority of my Dad’s immediate family lives here.
Area of Study and Why You Chose It:
Public Policy Studies. I chose this major because I’m interested in government and law in general, but I do not want to focus specifically on political science.
Extracurricular Activities/Jobs/Etc.:
Part of the Pitt/CMU Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) as Assistant Treasurer, Economics Tutor at PACE Center, member of Armonia, a choir that sings Greek folk songs, and still figuring out what to do on campus!
Favorite Books:
The Immortals Series (part of the Tortall Books) by Tamora Pierce
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Sherlock Holmes Complete Series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Favorite Movies:
Ironman, Ironman 2, Marvel’s The Avengers, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Favorite TV Shows:
Sherlock
Doctor Who
I don’t really watch that much television (in regards to American shows), and when I do, I tend to channel surf. But, Sailor Moon will always be my ultimate favorite, even though it’s Japanese in origin!
Favorite Foods:
Greek foods cooked by my grandmothers! And pasta, love my pasta!
Favorite Musicians/Bands:
Within Temptation
Evanescence
Gwyneth Paltrow
Ultimate Friday Night:
Hanging out with friends, then some time on my laptop…or also spending some time with my parents after not seeing them for the week!
If you could design your own ultimate college class, what would it be?
I honestly have no idea, haha! Perhaps some sort of History class, because I’m a total History buff, with very little lecture and more discussion.
If you could visit any decade in history, which decade would you choose?
Well…I know this might sound odd, but I think the 90s. It seems to be slightly better then today, but we still have the beginnings of the technologies we rely on now. Also, the 90s had much better TV shows, hands down!
Childhood Dream Job:
Doctor, like my mother, or an artist
What do you love most about being a Chatham student?
The fact that the classes are so small and thus the professors get to know you as a student rather than just a number or faceless member of a lecture. Also, the campus is a total plus, as well as the fact that I now live about five minutes away!