Meet the Leaders
On this page, you will have a chance to get to know each of our student leaders and gain some insight about how they arrived at the University. Take a minute to read about how they weighed this difficult decision. Perhaps their experiences will enlighten you when making your choice for college.
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Robyn Odzark
Algonac, Michigan
Senior, Division of Kinesiology
Movement Science
First of all I want to congratulate you on all your hard work. You should be proud of yourself; it takes a lot of dedication to get to this point!
My name is Robyn and I'm a senior in the Division of Kinesiology. I am from Algonac, Michigan, which is a small town right on Lake St. Clair.
Coming from such a small high school I was very nervous about the transition to a large university. However, I soon realized how easy it would be to make a large university like Michigan seem much smaller.
From mentorship and tutoring, to research and playing intramural sports; I have been able to find my place within the University of Michigan. I am continually amazed at how easy it is to make this college personal. I truly feel “home” when I walk around on campus and am very honored to be able to call myself a wolverine.
I LOVE Michigan! The opportunities here are endless! Whatever background or interests you come in with, you will find something here that fits you. I can’t wait to meet you and answer and questions you have about Michigan! Again, congratulations and GO BLUE!
Evan Waters
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Senior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Political Science; Communication Studies
Hi everyone!
I hope your high school years are concluding nicely as you begin to decide where you will extend your academic career.
My name is Evan Waters and I am completing my senior year as a U-M student. As a native of northeast Pennsylvania, I definitely could have taken a collegiate route closer to home. Entering my first year, I still had this thought lodged deeply into my sub conscience.
Fortunately, as I arrived at the historic university of the maize and blue, I was awestruck and inspired by the hospitable and studious nature of Michigan. Within my first week, I had gained my bearings and met a huge number of diverse individuals who I could talk to about anything that came to mind, whether it be intellectual or social.
Soon I found myself joining fraternities (social and pre-professional) and being interviewed for this very job, both of which helped me integrate myself into the life of a Wolverine. As a junior now, I have been able to advance in my academics and extra-curriculars, taking tremendous pride in leading a program where I am able to show prospective students and parents how great this university really is. While it can be intimidating arriving at such a large institution, the small groups and connections you quickly make will help you find YOUR place at the University of Michigan, something that I can assure you exists.
Drew Beckeman
Whitehall, MI
Sophomore, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Communications
Hello all and congratulations on coming this far with the University of Michigan: the BEST college in the country!
My name is Drew Beckeman and I am currently studying Communications in the school of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Attending The University of Michigan has been my dream since I was young and I made it here through hard work and dedication, which I am sure you all know about. I came from a smaller high school in Muskegon County located about three hours northwest of Ann Arbor. Transitioning from such a small school to such a large one, I was worried that I would never find my niche. However, after joining a fraternity, getting involved with various clubs, and playing intramural sports, I found myself in the place I wanted to be.
As most of you know, Michigan has the title of being a difficult university. Staying up with your work may be a hard task, but following the proper steps (meeting with GSIs and study groups) can lead you to success. Finding your place in a large school like Michigan is not hard if you’re willing to make it happen. Through the steps I’ve taken, I’ve had two incredible years here and look forward to the years to come.
Again, I would like to congratulate you for the hard work and dedication you have already put forth. Welcome to Michigan and GO BLUE!
Mallory Brown
Swartz Creek, MI
Sophomore, College of Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Hello prospective University of Michigan Students! Congratulations! My name is Mallory Brown and I am sophomore in the College of Engineering, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I am so excited to be a Campus Day leader! I can definitely tell you that Campus Day can have a huge effect on your college decision. I had no intention of ever coming to the University of Michigan and had only applied to please my parents. That all changed after attending Campus Day and I fell in love with the University of Michigan academia and atmosphere.
I have been able to shape and mold this awesome university into exactly what I want it to be. A smaller school had always been more appealing to me; and because of the many activities the University of Michigan offers I have been able to make my world here as small as I want it to be. I am an active member of Phi Sigma Rho, an engineering sorority, as well as a member of the Engineering Honor Council, a student group that oversees the administration of the Honor Code. I can promise you that the University of Michigan has the potential to fit each and every one of you perfectly. I have met some of the most interesting and diverse people, and have made so many sincere friendships at this school. Deciding on the University of Michigan was one of the most important and best decisions of my life. I am so proud to be a Wolverine and you should be, too! Go Blue!
Shannon Brunner
Northbrook, IL
Senior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Anthropology; Pre-Health
Congratulations on your acceptance to Michigan! My name is Shannon Brunner, and I am a senior from outside Chicago. I can remember how it felt to be you just four short years ago. It was nerve wrecking, but so exciting. There are so many wonderful schools across the country, and I remember feeling overwhelmed; but then I visited Michigan. I cannot emphasize how wonderful my years here have been.
There is so much opportunity, so much tradition, wonderful friends waiting to be made, and SO much fun to be had. On campus my involvement in groups like Dance Marathon, a student organization that raises funds and awareness for pediatric therapy, AIESEC, an international platform for cultural exchange, and Division of Student Affairs Advisory Board, a group of students that meets to make suggestions to the university, have really helped to shape my time here. I can't imagine going to school anywhere else. This university truly does create students that are the leaders and best. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about leaving at the end of this year, but I know that I will bleed maize and blue forever. I cannot wait to see you in the fall! Remember it's great to be a Michigan Wolverine- GO BLUE!
Brant Cox
Kirkland, Illinois
Junior, School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Musical Theatre
Hello everyone! I’m Brant Cox and I am a junior Musical Theatre major here at the University of Michigan. I grew up in a small farm town of 1,200 people about an hour outside of Chicago and always knew I wanted to go to a large university. The University of Michigan was the very first college I visited in a long, long line of great campuses I toured during my high school years, but none compared to that of Ann Arbor. The environment and spirit I found at Michigan was unlike any place I had visited.
To me, we have the three best qualities that any university strives to obtain: unparalleled academics, a quintessential college town, and enough school spirit to fill the largest football stadium in the country every weekend! Michigan has it all and sets the standards for other schools around the country. Congratulations on being accepted into our Michigan family. IT’S GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE! GO BLUE!
Mitch Crispell
Chevy Chase, MD
Freshman, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Undecided
Hey! My name is Mitch and I’m a freshman in the Honors College within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. I’m originally from right outside Washington, DC, in Chevy Chase, MD. Congrats on getting in to Michigan... you should be really proud of that achievement!
I remember when I was applying to colleges, I had no idea where I wanted to go. I had a vague list but I didn’t “love” any school. I stumbled upon Michigan almost by accident, and after reading about it, I started to think that it might be a good place for me. I didn’t know until the spring that I would actually end up here, but I’m so glad I did! U-M is a fabulous place...we have something for everyone, awesome football games, a fantastic downtown, and a beautiful campus. The number one thing that influenced my decision was the breadth of Michigan’s academics.... I’m 100% undecided on a major (which is fine, by the way!), and having so many resources and so many stellar programs is really important to me.
Michigan has so many clubs and organizations to get involved with, you’ll definitely have plenty to do besides schoolwork! So far, I’ve been involved with my Residence Hall’s Council (I’m the President of my “house,” or two floors within my dorm), a Peace and Justice Commission which is a part of the Michigan Student Assembly, and College Democrats. I also really love attending the many lectures and seminars the University offers. In one week, I attended a lecture from a bee-farmer, a speech by an immigrant worker, a Global Awareness fair, a workshop on the social climate on campus, and a workshop about diversity. This was just one week! I love the infinite opportunities Michigan offers, and have also enjoyed attending numerous musical and theater events. Congratulations again, and GO BLUE!
Aghogho Edevbie
Novi, Michigan
Senior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Political Science
First of all, I just want to congratulate you on your admission to one the best universities in the country. During my freshman year, I came to truly love and appreciate the unique and exciting environment in Ann Arbor.
When I looked for a college in my senior year of high school, I was looking for a place where I could have fun and learn at the same time. I have met so many new people and made many friends from as far away as China to as close as Ann Arbor. The university has one of the strongest academic programs in the country. Every student has the resources to succeed. You can request a book from almost anywhere in the world from the Grad Library. During football games, it is not usual to hear the chant, "It's Great To Be A Michigan Wolverine," several times. It truly is great to be a Michigan Wolverine and I hope you take the tremendous opportunity to join us at the University of Michigan. See you soon and GO BLUE!!!
Diana Fields
Yardley, Pennsylvania
Junior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Ethics: Theory and Application; Asian Studies Minor
Hello everyone, and congratulations on your admittance to a great school like Michigan! In my hometown of Yardley, Pa, over 200 students in my high school class went to Penn State. Not only did I not want high school all over again, but there were a few things in particular I wanted my future college to possess. One of those was an expansive study abroad program. Michigan has over 80 programs in 41 countries, and you can study outside of those parameters as well. I studied in London last summer, and, with the help of a student travel agency, I traveled on my own in Switzerland when my classes ended.
In addition to this, I knew I wanted to attend law school after graduating and was not interested in majoring in Political Science, English, History, or a number of other paths which people often take.
Luckily, Michigan had a solution for this as well. Their Individual Concentration Program (ICP) allowed me to create my own interdisciplinary major. Not only are the classes I have to take also the classes I hand-picked, but I am the only student at this University who will graduate with an Ethics degree. This is just the kind of extra that will help me stand out when applying to law school. Think about what you are looking for, because the University of Michigan is sure to provide it.
Mara Gay
White Plains, New York
Senior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Political Science
Hey everybody,
Many of you are probably more than ready to head off to college. I know I was. my name is Mara Gay, and I'm from White Plains, NY, a large suburb right outside of New York City. I'm a senior in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and am a political science major.
When I came to the University of Michigan I was freaked out.
At first, sheer size of Michigan is daunting. The University is a huge place with endless things to do, study, become, and take part in. It didn't take me long to realize though, that my roommate was great, my professors were accessible and brilliant, and that I was being challenged every day in and out of the classroom in ways I never dreamed I would be challenged.
Soon, I found a home in The Michigan Daily, where I have spent my four years here as a member of the editorial board, a political columnist, and a news reporter. After graduation in April, I plan on pursuing a career in journalism.
Last year I studied abroad in Chile and wrote a thesis in Spanish about the access indigenous Chilean women in have to reproductive health care.
No matter where you decide to go to college, you will learn, you will grow, and you will make great friends. But there is something incredibly special about the University of Michigan. As I walk through campus and Ann Arbor today, the streets are filled with four years of memories and the classrooms with professors who have changed the way I think about the world. My life has become full, filled to the brim with smart, interesting people I have come to love.
There's really no place else like it.
Good luck and Go Blue!
Ari Goldstein
Lincolnshire, Illinois
Sophomore, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Psychology
Hi everybody! My name is Ari Goldstein, I am a sophomore in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, I am studying psychology and I absolutely love the University of Michigan!!! Every single day I am amazed by how many opportunities the school offers. No matter who you are there is something out there for you. I think this can be one of the most liberating realizations, because it means that you are never stuck in a situation in which you do not want to be. From unrivaled school spirit to inspiring professors, U Mich has it all!
I know that one of my biggest concerns coming into Michigan was the size. I thought that I would be just another number to both my professors and peers. However, after being here for only one week, I found out how wrong I was! Every professor that I have had has been so willing to make time for me. Whether I had a question on the material or just wanted to get to know them better as a person, they always made me feel welcome. I even had the opportunity to take advantage of Michigan’s “Take your professor to lunch” program.
As far as getting lost socially, I could not have been more wrong. I think I might be a little biased coming from Chicago, but people in the Midwest are the nicest in the world. The atmosphere here is just so friendly and welcoming. With so many clubs and activities to get involved in, you are bound to find people you like to be with. When I first got here, I actually had to sit down and really think about which clubs I didn’t want to be in, because there are just so many great activities at Michigan! So far, I have gotten involved with University of Michigan Dance Marathon, the Michigan Mentorship Program, the Mary Markley Hall Life Coach Program, intramural sports, a fraternity, AMI and Hillel. It was through these activities that I was able to make what I thought would be a very large and intimidating place, a place that I can now call home. GO BLUE!
Samantha Greenberg
Midland, MI
Freshman, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Undecided
Hey everybody!
My name is Samantha Greenberg, and I’m from Midland, MI, which is about two hours north of Ann Arbor. First, congrats on being accepted to one of the best universities in this country. It’s great to be a MICHIGAN WOLVERINE!
I wish I could say that I’d been looking at the University of Michigan since the day I was born, but secretly, I was planning on leaving the state and saying goodbye to my high school friends and every ounce of familiarity in my life. My parents insisted on me at least seeing what Campus Day was about, and in ten short minutes, one speaker changed my opinions, and in the long run, my life. As you visit this wonderful campus, I encourage you to take a look around at the sweatshirt factor. No matter what other colleges I visited, not one of them had as much school spirit as I saw floating around U-M on a random day in April. If while you’re here, you can spot an Ohio State, Michigan State, or Notre Dame shirt, let me know, because I’ve yet to see one on this campus. The spirit here is overwhelming, and I left my first football game with such a rush of energy and pride to go to this university that since I’ve been here, I haven’t regretted my decision once to stay in my home state.
At first, I thought the size of Michigan was a bit overwhelming, but after getting involved in South Quad Hall Council, Dance Marathon, Intramurals (both playing and officiating), and Campus Day, this University is truly my home (Just ask my parents how they feel when I refer to my dorm as home?). The size is also nice because like I wanted from an out-of-state university, I don’t have to see my friends from home walking to and from class, although I can if I want to.
Being a freshman at any university can be a big transition, but there is plenty of help along the way. Welcome to Campus Day and I look forward to meeting you!
James G. Hamilton
Ann Arbor, MI
Junior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Comparative Literature; Anthropology Minor
Welcome future Wolverines. I want to be the first to congratulate you on even considering this fine institution; The University of Michigan is truly a great place to be. My name is James Hamilton and I’m currently a junior here at U-M. Born and Bred an Ann Arborite, call me a townie if you will I’m definitely used to it by now. But who can blame me? The U-M and Ann Arbor is an unbeatable combination from everything like the quintessential picture perfect falls to the rich and all encompassing history it’s easy to get caught up in being a Wolverine.
Most people ask me “why in the hell would you want to go to college in the town you grew up in?” all I need to say in reply is “because it’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine” and with that people understand what it’s all about. The spirit, the history, the tradition, the ‘M-azing’ people you’re going to meet here all make me never regret a single day I’ve spent at The U-M. Being a Michigan Wolverine doesn’t just stop with graduation. I hope you all get the chance to feel what it’s like to be a Michigan Wolverine for life. Here’s looking at you future leaders and the best!
Matthew Haven
Eugene, Oregon
Junior, Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Business Administration
Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Michigan! My name is Matt Haven, and I'm a junior concentrating in Marketing at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. I grew up just outside San Jose, California, and moved to Oregon when I was thirteen.
I truly cannot say enough about this University. I love it here. Classes and professors are both interesting and engaging. Coursework is rewarding and relevant to the real world. Campus is lively and filled with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. Ann Arbor is always active with musicians, performances, and guest speakers. And seven Saturdays a year, over 110,000 fans gather in Michigan Stadium to cheer on the Wolverines.
There is a certain passion for this school that every student here shares. I encourage you to come experience it for yourself, and I look forward to welcoming you to the newest class of Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!!!
Robby Hogle
Stuart, Florida
Junior, Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Business Administration
Congratulations for getting into U-M! I actually was not excited when I received my acceptance letter – I had no idea what the school had to offer. I only applied to get my mom to stop pestering me about applying, but thankfully she did! Campus Day introduced me to what the university is really about – extraordinary academics, an amazing social scene, and unmatched school spirit.
I am currently a junior from Stuart, FL in the business school concentrating in finance and accounting. I am involved with Alpha Kappa Psi – professional business co-ed fraternity, student government, and I am a physics study group leader.
Sam Kim
Alamo, California
Junior, Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Business Administration; Music Minor
Hi! My name is Sam Kim and I am a junior studying business with an emphasis on finance and music at the University of Michigan.
The University has presented me with many challenging, yet rewarding opportunities. Many of my academic endeavors have been love and hate relationships, but in the end, I look back and realize how much I learned, especially amongst internationally recognized professors and talented students.
Once I leave the pile of books for a weekend out, Ann Arbor opens itself up as a theme park of parties, vintage films, theatrical and musical performances, and the friendly Ann-Arborites. There are too many things to do, and too many people to meet.
Whether you decide to become the socially awkward engineer, the tree-hugging environmentalist, the life-less pre-med, the savvy art student, or the sexy business student, I am positive that you'll find a place here in Michigan.
Visit U-M and immerse yourself in a day of excitement, and very soon, for the next four or five years, you'll be lost in a world of everything only to find yourself going in the right direction in the real world.
Nick Kuneman
Northville, Michigan
Junior, Stephen M. Ross School of Business; College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Business Administration; Arabic & Islamic Studies
My name is Nick Kuneman and I am currently a junior pursuing a dual degree in finance at the Ross School of Business and Arabic & Islamic Studies in the college of Literature, Science, and the Arts. I grew up in Northville, Michigan, which is only twenty miles from Ann Arbor and coming here has fulfilled a lifelong goal. Here at the University of Michigan I have been involved in multicultural activities, the Greek system, several business school clubs and volunteering programs.
Every student who attends the University of Michigan will experience the Michigan difference. The summer of 2006, I was awarded a Critical Language Scholarship from the US State Department. This scholarship paid for me to study Arabic the entire summer in Yemen, an opportunity I could have only received by being a Michigan wolverine. In fact, I was informed of this scholarship through the International Institute on campus and recommended for it by my professors. Whatever you want to study, you will find countless opportunities to enrich it here at the University of Michigan.
Congratulations on your acceptance, and remember, it’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine!
Katherine Musbach
Saline, Michigan
Senior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Political Science
Congratulations on your acceptance to U-M!! Michigan has so many amazing programs and people that you are almost guaranteed to find something (and probably many things) that interest you! In my time at the University, I have enjoyed the small classes and close contact that I have had with professors and other students in the LSA Honors program.
I have also made many friends and learned a lot through my involvement with LSA Student Government and Michigan Student Assembly. I have spent a week in a Boys’ and Girls’ Club near a Chicago public housing project as part of U-M’s Alternative Spring Break program, researched in an educational psychology lab through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, and have worked on several projects with organizations in Detroit. These experiences have helped me discover a real interest in urban public policy. I have really enjoyed the process of finding my interests here at U-M, and I am so very excited that you have the opportunity to do the same! Congratulations on your acceptance to the University and GO BLUE!!!
Jordan Nelson
Saint Joseph, MI
Sophomore, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Communication Studies
My name is Jordan Nelson, and I am a sophomore in the School of Literature, Science, and Arts, majoring in Communication Studies. I am from the small town of St. Joseph, Michigan, located in southwest corner of the state.
My personal experience of choosing the right college for me was difficult. Yet upon visiting the University of Michigan, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. The varied experiences this campus provides to its students are truly amazing. I am sampling many aspects of U-M life, whether it is through the diverse academic classes I take, the various clubs and organizations, including Greek life, the U-M bass fishing team, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. I have found my niche here at the University of Michigan, through all the various opportunities this campus provides. I feel very proud to be a part of this wonderful community, which I call my home.
Congratulations on your admission to what I have found to be an extraordinary university. This institution is a great place to continue your education and a great place to call your home. I hope that you enjoy your campus visit and perhaps even realize that your perfect fit is here, at the University of Michigan. Again, congratulations, and GO BLUE!
Amy Ostrowski
Plymouth, Michigan
Sophomore, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Art History; English
Hi Everyone!
My name is Amy Ostrowski, and I am originally from Plymouth, Michigan (I have lived in both England and Japan as well). I am a sophomore in the College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts studying Communications and Art History, with a minor in Women’s Studies. I lived in Markley last year, and as a freshman I was involved with the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, as well as K-grams.
Currently, one my favorite activities is my job as a Campus Day leader! I am also a member of a pre-professional co-ed business fraternity, and a dancer captain for U-M’s huge non-profit charity organization, Dance Marathon. As well, I am involved in a couple of internship programs, which provide me with great resources for getting an internship this summer.
Outside of classes, I love running, Espresso Royale, and even just being a student at the University of Michigan. I have met the coolest people, taken awesome classes, and have participated in numerous activities that have led to life-changing experiences. Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Michigan – and it is GREAT to be a Michigan Wolverine!
Rupal Patel
Chestnut Ridge, NY
Junior, Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Business Administration
Welcome to Michigan! My name's Rupal Patel, and I am currently a junior in the Ross School of Business, emphasizing in Finance and Marketing. I am originally from a suburb of New York City, however I now call Ann Arbor my home.
I came to Michigan, feeling like most of you probably do now, excited yet nervous for my future. Now three years later, I can say without a doubt that this has been the best decision I've ever made.
During my freshman year I was a part of a living learning community called the Michigan Research Community (MRC), which allowed me to make my smooth transition from high school to college. I loved the close knit atmosphere and the support base of peers, and would highly recommend experiencing one of these communities.
Additionally, I am still so fascinated by the number of clubs and organizations on campus which I believe makes this University so diverse. I am currently active in organizations such as Michigan Business Women and South Asian Women Speak and hold leadership roles in business organizations such Net Impact Undergrad and the Student Government Association at the Business School.
The possibilities at U-M are unlimited and I am certain that you will find your place within this community of great students. Congratulations on your acceptance and see you in September!
Go Blue!
Vannessa Rivera
Houston, Texas
Junior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
English; Political Science
Howdy! My name is Vannessa and I am a junior in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. Prior to visiting the U-M campus, I knew very little about the university or exactly what the Michigan Difference entailed, and I was skeptical of attending a college that was so far from home. However, after spending a few hours on campus and talking to U-M students, I knew that maize and blue were the perfect colors for me.
I only knew a handful of people when I arrived as a freshman on campus, so I decided to get involved and meet people. I participated in the Lloyd Hall Scholars Program, one of several learning communities that U-M has to offer, and I was able to meet people that shared my interests in writing and the arts. I also became heavily involved in Relay for Life, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society, acting as a team captain two years in a row, and sitting on the Relay Planning Committee. Finally, I joined the U-M Stars, an organization that raises money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
This University has so much to offer academically, athletically and socially that there is no need to worry about fitting in or making friends. From sports and social organizations, to community service or studying abroad, the opportunities here are truly endless. As you get closer to making your final college decision, I hope you take the time to come visit our fabulous campus and experience the Michigan Difference. GO BLUE!
Caitlyn Sharrow
Algonac, Michigan
Freshman, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Political Science, Psychology
English
Hello and congrats! I am sure that all of you worked very hard to get to this point and you should be proud. My name is Caitlyn Sharrow and I am from a small town, called Algonac, on the east coast of Michigan.
The biggest challenge I have faced has been the adjustment from a tiny town to the big diverse city of Ann Arbor. I was worried that the University of Michigan was not the place for me; I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Even after being a part of the University for only a few short months I already wonder how I could have gone anywhere else. The vast number of resources available to the students makes it possible for Ann Arbor to become anyone’s home. For me, I made the university comfortable by joining a Michigan Learning Community (Michigan Community Scholars) and getting involved with groups like Couzens Hall Council and MCSP Programming Board.
I am glad that all of you decided to attend the Campus Day program and I look forward to sharing with you the experience of being a Michigan student. I hope that you all will join the ranks of the a-maize-ing Wolverines.
Joseph Simon
Portland, Michigan
Senior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Brain, Behavior and Cognitive Sciences
Congratulations on all your academic and extracurricular achievements.
You should be looking forward to many more amazing opportunities that await you as you make the transition from high school to college!
My name is Joe Simon and I’m a senior in the college of Literature, Science and Arts. I am from a very small town called Portland, MI and graduated with a high school class of 34. I know how intimidating it can be to leave a comfortable community, not knowing what awaits you in the next level. However, I assure you that there are many ways to create your own small, comfortable communities on campus. My first year, I joined the Michigan Learning Community, the Health Sciences Scholars program and surrounded myself with peers had interests very similar to my own. I also joined an organization in Greek Life providing me with a variety of academic, community service and social opportunities. Since then, I have worked alongside professors researching for cures to diseases and with healthcare professionals making lives better and with other Michigan students helping improve communities.
My time here has been remarkable; there are venues to express your interests around every corner. I hope to answer any and all questions about the University of Michigan and about college life in general. Go Blue!
Gregory Spindell
Coral Springs, Florida
Junior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Actuarial Mathematics
My name is Gregory Spindell and I am a third year student majoring in Actuarial Mathematics. I am having a great experience here at the University of Michigan and I want everyone to have this true college experience. I am part of Greek life, I was in student government but now I am on the executive board for the Student Actuaries at Michigan.
Now that I am doing campus day, I will be able to show accepted student that Michigan is the best choice for every type of student. Our campus has so much to offer and we are the leaders and best in all aspects of college life. Make the right choice, yell GO BLUE for the rest of your life.
Andrea Veltri
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Sophomore, Residential College
Undecided
Hi, everyone, my name’s Andrea Veltri. I’m originally from Ontario, Canada, but have spent most of my life in Bloomfield Hills, MI. I’m a second year student in the Residential College, one of the Michigan Learning Communities within Literature, Science, and the Arts. I absolutely love it here at the University, especially being in the RC – I completed the Intensive French program last year and then began the Intensive Spanish program, which I’m currently in.
Although home for me is only a 40-minute drive away from Ann Arbor, I came from a very small high school, graduating with only 25 other students. The thought of coming to a University where there are tens of thousands of students seemed a bit overwhelming. The RC was a great way for me to pursue my passion for foreign languages and the creative arts and to meet people with similar interests. As a whole, U-M and the city of Ann Arbor has so much to offer – from groups to join, to things to do on the weekends, to classes to take – that you will almost certainly find multiple reasons to love being a Wolverine.
Congratulations on your acceptance, and I hope to see you in Ann Arbor!
Caitlin Winget
Burlington, VT
Freshman, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Undecided
Hey everybody!! My name is Caitlin and I am a freshman in the college of Literature, Science and the Arts, but I don’t yet know what I will major in. I’m from a small town right outside of Burlington, Vermont.
I was a little apprehensive about coming to the University of Michigan because of its size and because it is so far from my home. After all, there are six times as many students at this school as there were people in my hometown! Once I got to campus, however, I realized that the college community was not very different from home. Sure, there are far more people here, but it was not difficult for me to find my niche. I joined the club field hockey team, the Environmental Action Club and got myself this job! Now when I walk around campus, I see people that I know quite frequently. So if you decide to come here, I encourage you to get involved with activities you enjoy as soon as possible. Whatever your interests are, you will be able to enrich them at U-M. Good luck with the rest of your admissions decisions and GO BLUE!!!
Danielle Wong
Long Island, New York
Sophomore, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Economics; Psychology
Hi there and congratulations on your acceptance! I remember last year being in the exact position you are right now – relieved from the waiting process of decisions being finally over, but at the same time stressed over picking where you want to go for the next four years of your life.
Every senior in high school wants to find the school that they fall in love with and know in their hearts is meant for them. I didn’t have one of those and I began to worry that there wouldn’t be a school for me – until U-M. When I first got accepted to Michigan, I knew very little about it, it was just another school of the ten I applied to. I came to Campus Day, and I found my soul mate. It was absolutely perfect – a great campus, great academics, great resources, great opportunities and diverse, great people – and I figured this all out just simply from spending one day on campus.
So I accepted, and came to the University of Michigan in late August of 2006. Of course I had pre-college jitters when I first arrived but after one day at the University, my jitters were gone and I could not wait to get the school year started. My only doubt about this school was immediately erased the first football game and from then on, there is no doubt in my mind that this is where I belong. This university is extremely large, and you may think to yourself – where do I fit in? That’s the beauty of it all; the University offers you everything and anything imaginable. I pledged a business fraternity, Phi Chi Theta, and am now a Membership Chair. I joined Dance Marathon, and got a job in the admissions office. In a nutshell, Michigan really comes full circle in terms of a beautiful campus, excellent academic courses available to everybody, a diverse community, an enriched surrounding city (I love love love Ann Arbor), a wide array of opportunities to all, an ideal college lifestyle, and infinite amounts of school spirit – GO BLUE!
Dave Xia
Canton, Michigan
Junior, College of Engineering
Industrial and Operations Engineering
Hi, my name is Dave, and I congratulate you for reading this far down in the personal bios. I’m from Canton, Michigan, which is only about 25 minutes away from Ann Arbor, so from a very young age I bled maize and blue. I hope that all of you decide to attend Campus Day, and hopefully Michigan, so that you too can experience all the wonderful things that we have to offer, from football Saturdays to our awesome academics and everything in between.
Coming back for my junior year, I can say that I’m even more excited about a new school year and all the great things that come along with it. This year in addition to school, I am the vice president of the Residence Hall Association, a student government, working with Habitat for Humanity, and as always, plenty of intramural sports. There are so many clubs and organizations here at Michigan that instead of having problems finding something to do, you may find that you are a part of way too many clubs, and have to cut back! I encourage you to ask any questions you may have about the University at Camps Day and I hope to see you here as part of the Class of 2012!
Alexander Yu
New York City, New York
Junior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Political Science; Sociology; Program in the Environment Minor
First off, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS your acceptance to the University of Michigan! You are, as far as anyone is concerned, the Leaders and the Best.
There is nothing like life here at Michigan, it is stocked with amazing students, extremely qualified professors, an awesome Football team, a great atmosphere, and memorable experiences to come. As a junior here on campus, I can honestly say that your first year will go by way too fast. Feel free to get caught up on all the extracurricular activities on campus, you can join a dance troupe, compete in intramural sports, conduct research at our science labs, or just hang out on Main Street or the Diag. On campus, I'm in a social Fraternity, play intramural tennis, and am part of half a dozen or so student organizations. There is something here for everyone, and the diversity this school offers even rivals New York, and trust me, there are some interesting people in the Big Apple.
But of course, don't just take my advice on it, come for yourself and experience how mind-blowing Michigan actually is! Congratulations on being accepted to the University of Michigan, and hopefully we can make your decision easier at Campus Day. See you there! And remember, It's-Great-To-Be A-Michigan-Wolverine!
GO BLUE!
Leslie Zaikis
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Junior, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Organizational Studies; Political Science
I am in love with the University of Michigan. There is no other school where you can find such genuine, overwhelming school spirit right alongside some of the highest caliber academics in the world. The students at Michigan are incredibly intelligent and motivated, but they also understand the importance of balance and know how to have a good time.
I am from a small town outside of Boston with fewer residents than there are undergraduates here so, initially, the size of this school was definitely a concern. I quickly learned that getting involved and staying connected is an easy way to make this university and campus work for me. From becoming a move in maker at my residence hall, to rushing a sorority my 1st semester, I took advantage of the many opportunities to meet and work with other students. It’s a rare day when I walk between classes and not say hi to someone I know!
There are so many student organizations to choose from that it is truly impossible to not find something that interests you. Currently, I am the Treasurer of LSA Student Government, I serve on the executive committee of an environmental group called Green Greeks, and I am very active in Hillel.
While extracurriculars are a great part of the experience at Michigan, I never disconnect from the real reason that I am here. My classes and professors here have been challenging and stimulating. I have been pushed to explore new perspectives and challenge my ideas. Learning is a dialogue at this school – you can learn a lot from talking to your professors and from listening to your classmates – so take the time to open yourself up and take it all in.
The longer I am here, the more I love everything about the University of Michigan. With so much and so many things to offer you, I am sure that you too will love your experience at Michigan. Congratulations again on your acceptance to this prestigious school and as always, GO BLUE!!!