Category: Student Peer Advisors

Hello everyone! My name is Brian and I am originally from Los Angeles, but currently live in Nashville. I am a junior in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Political Science and minoring in Psychology and History, because I could never make up my mind! But seriously, I loved so many different fields that I struggled to make up my mind, so I encourage you all to try a diverse array of classes and don’t be afraid to add a minor…or two. The Honors Program has given me the chance to have in-depth intimate discussions and arguments with my peers and professors, who lead their field in research, publications, and knowledge. Professors in the UHP take an interest in the education of students and I have developed several strong, professional relationships with professors. I love trying new restaurants and exploring DC, I don’t think I ever want to leave the city!
 
Brian’s SPAcialties: Getting involved on campus (student orgs); community service opportunities; UHP advice; time management (sometimes I schedule my day down to the minute)
 
If you want to get in touch with Brian, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

Hey there! My name is Jacob. I’m a sophomore in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences double majoring in Statistics and Political Science with an intended concentration in Public Policy. And, I’m in the honors program, which has given me the great opportunity to take some really fabulous courses, like a course on climate change where we built our own climate sensor. Being in the honors program definitely has advantages – Catherine and Liz are absolutely amazing advisers, so definitely take advantage of their help! I love public policy, music, computers, and figuring out new things – which reminds me, undergrad research in the honors program is an awesome opportunity! I really look forward to meeting you all in the fall!
Jacob’s SPAcialties: Any and all roommate situations, conflicts, etc.; I *love* helping with Origins classes and questions; other general UHP advice, especially regarding research
 
If you’d like to get in touch with Jacob, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

Hello, my name is Jessica and I am a sophomore in the School of Media and Public Affairs. Right now I am majoring in Political Communications with a minor in Economics and Sustainability. The Honors Program has been a wonderful resource for more personal classes, great advising, and the chance to meet some interesting professors. While last year I rowed on the Women’s Crew team, this year I plan to play club volleyball instead!
Jessica’s SPAcialties: SMPA; work study jobs; managing and sport and honors; Vern life; food/grocery advice; figuring out the metro
If you’d like to get in touch with Jessica, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

Hi! My name is Kayleigh (but you can call me Klee. I coined it myself and I think it’s sticking.) I am a senior (!!!) in CCAS majoring in Psychology and minoring in Logic and Speech and Hearing Science and I originally come from Boston. Just kidding, I’m from New Hampshire, but I probably live closer to Boston than you do, bub. The Honors program has given me the chance to experience small classes where I really get to know the professors, a process I usually find super difficult. I like everything, especially when it’s sunshiney and happy and there are kittens. Someday, I hope to have an impeccable Christopher Walken impression (but don’t hold me to that). Come see me at the bookstore — I’ll be there hanging clothes all day every day.
Kayleigh’s SPAcialties: Psychology majors (especially research); summer plans (i.e. how not to go home for the summer); roommate issues; honors anything; time management; transitioning from a small town to a big city; starting new things as a sophomore
If you’d like to get in touch with Kayleigh, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

My name is Kevin. I am a junior from Lancaster, PA. A part of the School of Media and Public Affairs community, I am majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication and minoring in Music. I am very thankful to the Honors Program for pressing me beyond my comfort zone through classes on psychics and the Enlightenment. Outside of the Honors Program, I also participate in various music ensembles on campus, including the University Singers and Chamber Choir. I also work for the student-run television station, GW-TV, serving as the moderator of the political debate program, Colonial Crossfire.
Kevin’s SPAcialties: SMPA majors; student media; music; theater; Federal Work Study; classes with Prof. Christov
If you’d like to get in touch with Kevin, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

Hey everyone! My name is Kimya. I am a junior majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Global Public Health and minoring in Spanish & Women’s Studies. I am involved with a lot of service organizations here at GW, and I’m always looking for more ways to help my community. The Honors Program has helped me figure out what I’m most passionate about learning during my time at GW. When I’m not doing school work or activities with my student orgs, I love exploring DC with my friends, doing lots of yoga, and eating at Whole Foods. I will be studying abroad in Madrid, Spain in the Fall of 2013, but as always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have!
Kimya SPAcialties: International Affairs majors; Spanish/other language courses; service opportunities; study abroad; 4-year planning; roommate issues; freshmen year transition process
If you’d like to get in touch with Kimya, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

Bienvenidos a UHP! This summer I studied abroad in Costa Rica (I did environmental research through BU), but I’ll try to talk about something else. I think nature is great, love dairy, and make really good hummus. Unlike most juniors I’ll be around the whole year, so be sure to say hi! Pro Tip: Go to Pancakes with the Provost. It’s the best! Once a month Provost Lerman serves pancakes at his house on the Vern. They have normal pancakes and a fun seasonal one too.
Michelle’s SPAcialties: BEING UNDECIDED! I had so many questions before I choose a major so chances are I’ve already found the answer to your questions. GRADUATE SCHOOL PREPARATION! GRE, research, scholarships…you name it. SUSTAINABILITY MINOR! I have one and think you should too.
If you’d like to get in touch with Michelle, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

Hi, I’m Laura. I’m a junior in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Biological Anthropology and minoring in Spanish. I’m also pre-med. My hometown is Framingham, Massachusetts. Outside of my academics, I spend most of my time singing, watching tons of nerdy TV, cooking, and rereading the literature of my childhood, because I refuse to believe I ever grew up. The honors program is one of my favorite parts of my life at GW because of the wonderful people, awesome courses, and general sense of community. Favorite UHP moment so far: bonding with professors over Chinese food at the Student-Faculty Dinners.
Laura’s SPAcialties: Pre-med requirements; the Spanish department in all of its intricacies; honors housing vs. not (I’ve lived in both); roommate issues; four-year plans/DegreeMap; managing college stress (I survived organic chemistry and so can you!)
If you’d like to get in touch with Laura, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

Hello Honors freshmen! My name is Penina Smith and I am a senior majoring in Athletic Training in the School of Public Health. I am a proud West Coast girl who is slowly learning that rain is not only a winter phenomenon. One of the reasons why I chose GW is to experience seasons. When I’m not hanging around government buildings or learning new therapeutic exercises, you can find me at the gym or watching a professional sporting event. Every Friday night I make dinner with friends in an attempt to master baking. The way to my heart is through my stomach so food is a big part of my life. (My skills have improved tremendously!) You may also hear me belt out an awesome 80s song as I am convinced that I was born in the wrong decade. I applied to the Honors Program on a whim and soon realized how amazing the program is. What I love most are the unique courses and the professors who truly make an effort to get to know their students.
Penina’s SPAcialties: Coordinating Exercise Science classes with UHP classes; 4 year plans (I love organization and planning out people’s lives); any type of UHP advice (which UHP professors rock and which classes are musts!); balancing classes with extracurricular activities and employment/internships; adjusting to independent living and roommates; handling Thurston
If you’d like to get in touch with Penina, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!

Hi! My name is Rachel. I am a senior in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology. I am a premed student from Baltimore. In the Honors Program, I have gotten the chance to take some fabulous classes that I would not have gotten to take otherwise, like a leadership course and a Shakespearean film class. I have also loved the fabulous advising I have gotten from Liz and Catherine over the past three years. I love baking and photographing food, so maybe a little bit food obsessed. My favorite food by far is peanut butter. I love living in DC and have made so many wonderful friends at GW.
Rachel’s SPAcialties: Premed; psychology major; balancing extracurriculars and class; choosing a major/minor
 
If you’d like to get in touch with Rachel, email uhpspa@gwu.edu!