Kayla is a junior from California double majoring in Anthropology and Genetics. Two of her favorite experiences beyond class include interning through the UA Honors College at the Tucson Botanical Garden’s butterfly house and volunteering at the Arizona State Museum where she gets to share her passion for anthropology. But much more importantly, she likes stingrays and rocks. In grade 6 she had to write an informational essay on a type of ocean animal. She had wanted to research dolphins or seahorses, but by the time the stick with her name on it was pulled there wasn’t much to pick from. She picked the stingray because she’d never heard of it before and it sounded more interesting than clams. Turns out they are really cool animals, and it was a mixture of the delight of this discovery and the glee of using computers during school hours that resulted in her love for these funny looking creatures. As for rocks, well, doesn’t every kid have a rock collection at some point? We humans have a strange affinity for gathering things, and rocks are free and easy to find. Usually kids ditch their rock collection in exchange for sports trophies or fan merch, but living on the countryside and having a driveway full to the brim with all sorts of cool rocks kept up her passion for them. Kayla still collect rocks, except now she’s pickier and attends events solely dedicated to them. Whoops. 

Keely is a sophomore from Tucson, AZ majoring in Care, Health & Society with a minor in Business Administration. Two of her favorite experiences beyond class include being involved in Students for Sustainability and teaching CPR/First Aid courses in the community. These experiences have been so meaningful because they have provided her with not only experiences, but also connections, knowledge, and pointed insight. In addition, she has also learned a significant amount about the inner-workings of organizations/businesses, as well as met many important players within those entities. In her spare time, Keely enjoys reading, cuddling with her dog, and writing daily which she says has been very therapeutic. 

Nitza is a sophomore from Chico, CA majoring in History with a minor in Creative Writing. Two of her most memorable experiences during her time at the UA include completing the First Year Honors Project in which she studied youth memories of Soviet-era propaganda, and serving as a summer camp counselor for Camp Wildcat. The first year project has helped her establish meaningful relationships with faculty and learn what the steps of research can look like. Serving as a camp counselor has given her a sense of community and friendship that is unmatched in any other experience. In her spare time, Nitza likes to listen to music, watch movies, go camping, and relax in nature with good company.

Stephanie is a sophomore from Douglas, AZ double majoring in Law and French. Some of her favorite experiences outside of class have been participating in Junior Cats, a program that helps teach children from local schools about the college experience, and volunteering with the National Collegiate Leadership Conference. These experiences have allowed her to meet new people from different stages and places in life; and connect with other university students, successful adults, and young, aspiring children. By exposing herself to these situations, she has been able to learn more about people and their backgrounds, bringing her closer to the community. In her spare time, Stephanie likes to read, binge watch TV shows, and do anything that can help her learn more about people and give her a glimpse into their lives to see the world from a different perspective.

Halle is a junior from Gilbert, AZ double majoring in Creative Writing and Japanese. Some of her most memorable experiences so far include studying abroad in Japan, working as a copy-editor for the Rain Shadow Review (a collection of essays written by inmates at the Tucson prison), and being a part of the Persona committee for UA’s undergraduate literary journal. Why were these experiences so meaningful? “Why” is a rather difficult question for broad experiences like these. It could be the friendships she made. It could be the opportunity for work. It could be traveling across the sea and seeing sights America doesn’t have. It could be the excitement of trying new things. It could be that they were formative in a way she has yet to fully comprehend. So, “why”? All of those, she thinks, and possibly more. In her spare time Halle enjoys listening to music and singing along too loudly.

Robbie is a senior from Tucson, AZ double majoring in Criminal Justice and Public Management/Policy. Some of his favorite experiences at the UA include studying abroad in Konstanz, Germany, performing in a local production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and studying criminal justice issues like gangs, murder, and policing. These experiences have allowed him to connect with new cultures, make lasting friendships, and discover his future career path. For fun, Robbie can be found outside where he is usually in the mountains exploring. When indoors he enjoys reading and catching up on Netflix.

Daniel is a junior from Tucson, AZ double majoring in American Indian Studies and Law. One of his most meaningful experiences outside of class was living on the Pine Ridge Reservation while working for a nonprofit organization. This experience taught him a tremendous amount about community outreach, program development, and what it means to experience a new culture. He was also exposed to some of the legal and social justice issues that exist on many reservations, which inspired his career goals. When he has free time, Daniel is usually outside rafting, mountain biking, snowboarding or anything else that involves nature. He is also a guide for Outdoor Recreation and believes Arizona is home to so many beautiful places.

Xena is a senior from Gilbert, AZ majoring in Law with minors in Philosophy and Psychology . One of her favorite experiences while studying at the UA was being a part of the inaugural class of S.A.I.L. (Student Advocates for Improved Learning). Through this program, Xena has been able to visit different classes, clubs, and organizations around campus and teach them effective study habits and learning. Xena is also a volunteer with CESL (Center for English as a Second Language), where she holds conversational meetings with international students each week. These experiences are meaningful to Xena because when she looks back at her time in college she does not want to have only flashbacks of studying in the library or at work, she wants to have memories that will make her smile. Experiences like these help build people and create new networks and paths. In her spare time, Xena likes to do things to relax and things that have nothing to do with work or school. She loves to watch movies and crime shows, do arts and crafts, listen to music, as well as dance. 

Talya is a junior from New Mexico double majoring in Philosophy and Neuroscience. Two of her favorite experiences beyond the classroom include volunteering at Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT), an organization that provides horseback riding therapy to disabled people, and being a member of the UA Student Engagement Council (SEC). These opportunities have been meaningful to Talya because she really values getting to escape the chaos of student life, especially when that escape involves a beautiful horse ranch and getting to help other people. SEC has taught her many valuable skills, including organizing, budgeting and event-planning while meeting really interesting people. In her spare time, Talya likes to play soccer, tennis, read poetry, and take naps in her hammock.

Erik is a senior from Tucson, AZ majoring in Journalism with minors in Spanish and Pre-Law. Two of his most memorable experiences while at the UA include interning with the local news station KOLD and managing the media team at FC Tucson – Tucson’s only professional soccer team. These experiences have taught him lifelong leadership skills and helped him hone a vision for what he wants in a future career in journalism or media relations. When not in school or working, Erik can be found catching a movie with friends or hiking around Tucson’s awesome trails.

Jamin is a junior from Seoul, South Korea double majoring in Public Management/Policy and Physics. Two of her most meaningful experiences while in college include conducting undergraduate research and serving as a peer mentor for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. These experiences were valuable because they have allowed her to meet people who are passionate about their work and given her the opportunity to practice communication and teamwork skills. Jamin did not know anyone in Tucson before coming to the UA, but being involved has helped her form valuable relationships on campus. Outside of class, Jamin enjoys eating good food (especially brunch) and spending time with her friends.

Evan is a senior from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA majoring in Communication with a minor in Marketing. Two of his favorite experiences so far include working as a new member activity coordinator for his fraternity and running a social media marketing campaign. These opportunities have taught him how to work with different types of people, be more responsible for the well-being of others, and gain real world experience in a professional setting. In his spare time, Evan likes to surf, hang out with friends, hike and swim.

Malhar is a senior from Chandler, AZ double majoring in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, & Law (PPEL) and Economics. Two of his most memorable experience as an undergraduate include being involved in the Economics Society and sharing meaningful conversations with his favorite professors during office hours. These experiences have added depth to his college experience, helped him explore career options, and make important connections in the field. In his spare time Malhar enjoys taking frequent naps, skateboarding around campus, and learning more about the University of Arizona.

Jacob is a sophomore from Buckeye, AZ majoring in Economics with a minor in Math. Some of his favorite experiences at the UA include participating in UA Mock Trial and being involved in Freshman Class Council through the UA Student Government. These activities have helped him make new friends, help his fellow students, and Mock Trial has been a challenging yet fun way to learn critical thinking and public speaking skills. In his spare time, Jacob enjoys traveling (he is excited to spend 4 weeks in Cuba over the summer), hiking, reading, movies and hanging out with friends.

Emma is a junior from Palm Desert, CA majoring in Political Science with a minor in Business. During her time as an undergraduate she has enjoyed being in a sorority, sharing her experience as an SBS Ambassador, and participating in the Pre-Law Club. All of these organizations have introduced her to so many interesting people, some of whom have become her closest friends. Emma is happiest when she is busy and loves working with people who challenge her. Outside of class, she enjoys going to the gym, hiking and exploring Tucson.

Analise is a sophomore from Phoenix, AZ double majoring in English and Biology with a minor in Spanish. Two of her most valuable experiences while at the UA include biking 220 miles from Tucson to Mexico to raise housing money for families in need and giving campus tours as an Arizona Ambassador. These experiences gave her a completely different perspective, forced her into challenging new situations that helped her grow as a person, and provided a way to directly help others. In her free time, Analise like to relax by reading, watching Netflix, and occasionally taking photos. She also always makes time to hang out with close friends and make new ones as well.

Lauren is a senior from Highlands Ranch, CO majoring in Communication. Some of her favorite experiences beyond class include studying abroad in Orvieto, Italy and being a preceptor (teaching assistant) for one of her favorite professors. Studying abroad was an incredible experience because it gave her the opportunity to be immersed in another culture and form stronger relationships with her professors. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys boxing and working out.

Edwin is a junior from Tucson, AZ majoring in Latin American Studies with minors in Criminal Justice and Spanish. One of his favorite experiences in college was working as a promotional filmmaker for educational and non-profit organizations. This experience has been a valuable opportunity to work with individuals from many different backgrounds, and Edwin always enjoys the collective feeling of artistic accomplishment at the end of a project. In his spare time, Edwin likes to spend time with his family, travel, and read about contemporary issues facing our society.

Samantha is a senior from Redondo Beach, CA majoring in Communication with a minor in Spanish. During her time as an undergraduate she has enjoyed working for a public relations firm and being a part of the Communication Honor Society. Being involved has helped her network and meeting amazing, motivated and driven individuals who have helped her grow. In her spare time, Samantha likes to box, cycle and nap.

Alexander is a junior from Tucson, AZ majoring in Political Science. Two of his favorite experiences beyond the classroom include participating on the UA Mock Trial team and serving his college as an ASUA Student Senator. These experiences have been meaningful to him because they provide more real world experience in the fields that Alexander is interested in. It takes hands on training to learn how to take the book knowledge you have and apply it towards a given career. In mock trial, he learned how to refine his written and verbal communication towards a distinctly legal audience, and he also had the opportunity to use these skills in numerous competitions. In student government, Alexander has observed the legislative process first hand and seen the values of integrity and compromise at work. In his spare time, Alexander enjoys reading, studying, and playing computer games.

Isaac is a senior from Tucson, AZ double majoring in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, & Law (PPEL) and Journalism. Two of his favorite experiences as an undergraduate are participating in UA Mock Trial and playing trumpet in the UA Jazz Ensemble. These activities have inspired him to pursue a career in trial advocacy, opened his eyes to new opportunities in public speaking, and music has given Isaac an outlet to express creativity while relieving stress. When he is not in class or studying, Isaac like reading about and discussing current events, but in a way that challenges or subverts a conventional/traditional narrative (without straining plausibility or explanatory power).

Kylie is a sophomore from Hopkinton, MA majoring in Communication. Some of her most memorable experiences outside of class include getting involved in Greek Life and joining a student honorary. These experiences have provided her with a peer group of close friends who she considers a “family away from home.” They have encouraged her to work harder, take greater interest in her learning and live her college life to its fullest potential. In her spare time, Kylie enjoys exploring Tucson with friends and spending time at the pool (especially in the winter months as the weather back home in Massachusetts does not allow for that regularly). As an out of state student, she loves to see all that Tucson’s unique landscape and culture have to offer.

Julia is a sophomore from Phoenix, AZ double majoring in Political Science and Middle Eastern and North African Studies. Two of her most valuable experiences beyond the classroom include participating in UA Mock Trial and interning for U.S. Senator John McCain. Mock Trial has been such a valuable experience because outside of learning how to publically speak and courtroom etiquette; she has created a close bond with many of her teammates. Her political internship helped her learn how to adapt and work professionally with people who are not like-minded. In her spare time, Julia loves to travel. 

Alexandra is a junior from Scottsdale, AZ majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology.

Beyond the classroom, some of her favorite campus activities at the UA have been being a part of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, interning for the Wildcat Club in McKale Center, and participating in Intramural Sports on campus (softball & volleyball). These opportunities have helped shape her experience since coming to college and being active on campus. Being involved on campus has broadened her horizons and helped her branch out to meet all kinds of people in the university community. In her spare time, Alexa enjoys golfing, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family.  

Riddhi is a senior from Indore, India double majoring in Economics and Math. Two of her most memorable experiences outside of class include planning an annual conference for high school students from Mexico and the U.S. through Model United Nations club, and working as a Writing Tutor for the UA Think Tank. Model UN has allowed her to meet and interact with so many talented young people who have innovative ideas to solve global problems, as well as the willingness and compassion to work together to solve them. Her role at Think Tank has allowed her to understand the thought processes of people different than her, and has built a tolerance and understanding of differing opinions that makes her more mindful of diverse perspectives. In her spare time, Riddhi likes dancing to relieve stress or making chocolate cupcakes for friends and family.

Taylor is a sophomore from Tucson, AZ majoring in Philosophy with minors in Economics and Mandarin. During his time at the UA he has enjoyed serving as a summer camp counselor with Camp Wildcat, a student run non-profit that take local elementary school children on free camping trips around AZ, and being a student DJ with KAMP student radio. Both experiences have been incredibly meaningful to him. Camp Wildcat has given him the opportunity to serve as a leader for local kids and see the first-hand impact of mentorship, while KAMP has helped him meet new people while sharing his love of music with a wider audience. In his spare time, Taylor loves to cook and one of his dreams is to become a chef because he loves every single aspect of the cooking experience.