Name: Gabriela Lopez
Age: 20
Year: 3rd year
Major: Environmental Studies
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
What is your favorite part about being in a sorority?
My favorite part of being in a sorority is always having a friend to do fun things with! For instance, there is always someone willing to go on a late night food run with you or to watch Netflix with. There are also people at your side for the not so fun things, like studying or going to the gym.
What is your favorite place to eat in I.V.?
Domino’s. I could eat Domino’s for days.
What is your favorite place to go to in I.V.?
I love going to the beach. The beach is only 5 minutes from I.V and I never get tired of going.
How do you relax?
I like binge watching things on Netflix or Hulu, watching Buzzfeed videos, or simply just hanging out with my friends. I also like to just lay in bed while listening to music and daydream.
What is your favorite campus memory and why?
It was attending a random party on D.P with my best friends. Going to my first, random college party made me realize that I was now a college student and that all my hard work in high school had paid off. I could now be in an atmosphere where “work hard, play hard” was a motto that all students shared together.
What do you want to do with your major?
As an Environmental Studies major, I want to help preserve nature so that future generations can enjoy it like I have. The environment and its creatures are beautiful things that always bring awe to me and I would like my kids to witness them for themselves and not have to hear about it or see it from pictures.
What made you decide to study abroad?
I feel like going abroad will help me discover new things about myself and help me grow as a person. I am blessed enough to go to a school where study abroad is an option and I would be a fool to pass that up.
What are you most looking forward to in Africa?
I am most looking forward to being able to witness the African wildlife with my own eyes. The environment and wildlife that can be found there is what actually inspired me to become an Environmental Studies major, and I can’t wait for all the fun nature excursions that come with the study abroad program!
Do you have any hesitations about going/what are you nervous about?
I am most nervous about the different social customs that can be found in Africa. Growing up in the United States, I am used to certain rights and social norms and it’s a little nerve wracking knowing that I am going to a country where those rights and norms might be different. I just have to keep an open mind, do my research, and I know I’ll be fine and able to enjoy my trip.
What is your current favorite song?
The Middle by DJ Snake is my current song because it always gets me in a party mood. Whenever I hear it, it makes me want to grab my friends, head to our beach house on D.P, and just dayge (day rage).
What song do you consider to be your “theme song”?
My theme song would be “Fabulous” from High School Musical 2 because Sharpay is my spirit animal.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Go on a road trip to all 50 states and try the most popular food item in each state.