You may see this ambitious metal-head wandering around campus working long hours before commuting back home to Ashland. Her tattoos, piercings, and kick ass demeanor are only a small part of this beautiful human being.
Year: Senior
Major: Biology (with a concentration in Biotechnology)
Job: Chemistry Supplemental Instructor (on-campus)
Activities: Her Campus, Vagina Monologues, Pride Alliance (I’m also a freelance photographer, a frequent concertgoer, and the lead singer of a brand new symphonic metal band)
Who are your role models?
My #1 role model has to be my voice coach, Haydee Irizarry. She’s the lead singer of Aversed (one of my favorite local bands) and she embodies all of the qualities I want to have as a singer. She’s also a very charming, down-to-earth, fun human being (as well as a great and very relatable teacher).
What are your favorite bands?
Technically, this can change from day to day based on my mood, but I’d have to say my absolute favorites are Sabaton, Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Delain, Within Temptation, and countless more that would take ten more pages to list (including pretty much every local band in this area because they’re all so amazing and dedicated). I’m a metalhead at heart, so if it’s metal it’ll at least get my attention.
What is your favorite show you’ve been to, and why?
You know, this might actually be one of the toughest questions I’ve ever been asked. I’ve been to so many phenomenal shows over the years, but there actually is one that jumps out before the others: Sabaton performing at Rock and Shock 2016 in Worcester, MA. Sabaton is an amazing power metal band that draws most of their lyrical themes from war, famous battles, and war heroes. The only way to describe what it’s like to be at one of their shows is feeling the raw energy and adrenaline of the battlefield, along with the heart-wrenching emotion that goes into each and every one of their songs.
What are your goals for the upcoming year?
Mainly, I’m focused on graduating smoothly without any major road bumps. I’ve dealt with periods of depression since I was a teenager, and I’m finally at a point where I can take my education both seriously and comfortably. Basically, I want to get through my classes, conduct a fulfilling capstone research project, and finally walk across that stage with my friends all around me.
Why did you join Her Campus?
I’d always heard of Her Campus through Marissa, our Campus Correspondent. I stopped by a table event and thought it sounded cool, and as Marissa and I became good friends I decided to give it a shot. I wrote one article last semester but couldn’t make it to many meetings, but this year I’m in it for the long haul—writing more, being more involved, and actually filling one of the Event Coordinator roles!
What is one thing you would change about FSU?
To be perfectly honest (and I could write a novel on this) I would set much higher math and writing standards in the STEM programs here at FSU. I see way too many students come through my tutoring sessions who can’t do basic math (which is pretty essential in an introductory chemistry course). I also see way too many peers in my upper-level biology courses who still can’t write coherent paragraphs. It might sound harsh, but math and writing skills are absolutely essential in STEM professions, and there’s simply no way around it.
If you could live in a book, TV show, or movie, what would it be?
I’d probably live in the entire Pirates of the Caribbean series, if given the chance. I’ve always entertained the fantasy of sailing the high seas with Captain Jack Sparrow (swoon), swordfighting, crushing oppressive government officials, fighting horrible sea demons, and finding amazing treasures… but mostly it’s because of Johnny Depp/Jack Sparrow.
How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
With my knowledge of microbiology, I’ll probably be the one that starts the zombie apocalypse…
What is your favorite class you have taken, and why?
My ultimate favorite class at FSU has been Vascular Plant Taxonomy. Dr. Connolly is such a sweetheart, and he has a true passion for plants. His passion is obvious in his lectures, but to the point where his classes are actually really cool and interesting. I’ve had professors that really go off the deep end when they love their profession, but Dr. Connolly actually makes it fun and enriching.