If you’ve ever gone to Career Services for some peer advising, chances are you’ve seen this week’s Campus Celebrity: Colin MacDonald. A sophomore English major and a Boston native, Colin has been more involved on campus then anyone I know. He is a peer advisor and marketing intern at Career Services and Field Experience. He holds the Public Relations chair for UMass ALD Honor Society. He is the Public Relations officer of the UMass Insanely Prestigious Step Team. And on top of all that, he is also the House Council President of Patterson/MacKimmie. Talk about credentials! Not only does he look good on paper, if you ever get the chance to meet Colin, you’ll see how much of a warm and charming person he is.
Q: Did you plan to get so involved on campus or was it spontaneous?
I wouldn’t say it was so much spontaneous as it was a gradual consumption of my free time; it definitely wasn’t a planned thing that’s for sure. I knew for certain that I wanted to be on the Step Team because I’ve been doing step forever, and then everything else just kind of fell into place.
Q: What would be your advice to someone who wants to get more involved on campus?
Don’t. [laughs] Just kidding! The best advice I would give them is don’t bite off more than you can chew, but don’t be afraid to see how much you can handle. Also, go out of your comfort zone! Trying new things is honestly the most fun way to get involved and meet awesome people.
Q: How do you balance all these responsibilities and your social life?
I honestly feel it’s how strong my desire to have a social life is. That, paired with uber- time management skills, being a kinkajou and possibly some form of Disney magic, it’s totally doable. But above all, when making to-do lists, include “hang out with friends,” I think one of your responsibilities to yourself is to have a solid social life.
Q: What’s a kinkajou?
[laughs] Google it. I guarantee it’ll be your new spirit animal.
Q: What do you do in your spare time (if you have any!)?
I have a serious caffeine addiction, so naturally Starbucks is my go-to location all day, everyday. But to be perfectly honest, I usually just spend my spare time with friends doing rando’ things like going to Michael’s and laughing at all the absurd crafting materials, or people watching with the smokers in front of Bartlett. I am also OBSESSED with tumblr and Alyssa’s Kickboxing class at the Rec Center. Oh… and I occasionally check my stocks on the Neopian Stock Market.
Q: Do you have any idea what your post college plans are?
They change on a fairly regular basis, but right now I want to do Event Planning or Public Relations for a Non-Profit in Boston. All I know for certain is that I want to have FUN!
Q: What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?
My friends. They’re wonderful, motivating and inspiring. If I didn’t have amazing people to share my accomplishments with, none of them would be worth it.
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My mom and my sister, hands down. They both encourage and expect me to do my best and do well in all my endeavors. They’re a solid dream team.