Graduation Year: 2012 Major: Mathematics Minor: Computer Science and Chemistry Home Town: East Patchogue, N.Y. High School: Bellport Senior High School Why did you choose Hood College? When I came to visit Hood College, my dad and I drove up Hood College Drive and my dad turned to me and said, "Kaitlin, I think this is it." "It" meaning my future college and I agreed. Hood gave me the feeling of home and belonging all in one Saturday morning visit. Have you participated in an internship or leadership opportunity in the local area or on campus? I have worked with the orientation program for the past two years as an orientation assistant and this year, as one of the orientation student coordinators. What did you gain from that experience? I learned many leadership skills along with life lessons that I will take to my future job. I was able to get real life experience in an environment where I was learning as well as having fun. What is your most memorable experience at Hood? My most memorable experience at Hood was the snow storm that left us without school for a week. The funny thing about that week was that Hood had the snow removed so quickly that it seemed like we should be able go to school, so it left every resident confused about why classes were canceled. Until we tried to venture off of Hood's campus, which was nowhere near as clear as Hood. What do you value most about your relationships with your professors? I value that I am not just another number to them in and out of the classroom. I am Kaitlin Hughes and they know me. It is the best relationship to have with someone who could possibly be my mentor and friend. What is something that surprised you about Hood? I was very surprised at the community/family aspect of the College. When I came here, I was far from home for the first time and I was scared. However, you bond so quickly to your neighbors in the residence halls and your classmates that I didn't miss home because Hood became my home. What was your most rewarding class or academic experience at Hood? Why? In my discrete mathematics class in my sophomore year, Professor Seymour handed back one of my tests and as usual she said with a smile, "By the way, to get an A in this class, you have to switch your major to math." She is the reason I got up the confidence to switch from a biochemistry major to a math major, which was a better fit for me. When you aren't in class, what is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? I love to bowl. In high school, I was an all-league bowler on Long Island and I haven't lost my love for the game. Since the local bowling alley is less than a mile away, it lets me keep up with my game and compete with my friends. What is your favorite campus event? My favorite campus event is May Madness. I love every part of it, especially crab feast. Being from New York, we don't do crabs like Maryland does. My first May Madness was complete with my roommate teaching me how to properly open a crab and eat it. It was so much fun and delicious! |