During freshman year, I took an honors course in physics, called Energy and the Environment. I never believed I was very good at math or physics, but after I took that course, I realized how interesting it was. I knew majoring in physics was going to be a challenge, but it was the right decision. I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't made that decision.

I also joined the Mock Trial team my freshman year. At the time I thought I wanted to go to law school. The try-outs are very intense. You go head to head, arguing a case with another student four or five times. Miami has an A team and a B team. The coach for the A team didn't want me, but the coach for the B team did. I ended up becoming captain of the A team, and I won several perfect attorney awards. The coach who didn't want me ended up becoming my mentor.

I'm also involved in student and local government. I'm ASG's Secretary for Off-Campus Affairs, and I'm also the chair of the city's Student-Community Relations Commission. Through both positions, I interact with campus administrators, the city police department, and the city council. I try to make sure students voices are heard on issues that affect both the city and students, such as new noise restrictions.

I'm also a member of Chi Psi fraternity. It was founded two years before I got here. I didn't think Greek Life was for me, but then I decided it was an incredible opportunity for me to define an organization rather than have one define me. As a member, I've helped create one of the largest philanthropy fundraising events on campus. It's called Basketbrawl; it's a basketball tournament that brings together a team of Greek students with a team of faculty and a team of staff. During its first two years, we raised $4,000 and donated it to several national philanthropy groups.

After I graduate, I'm going to work for a private brokerage firm in Greenwich, Connecticut. I had an internship with them last summer, and I found the work challenging and enjoyable. It's not directly related to my major, but I'll be using my knowledge of math and statistics and computer programming, which I got from majoring in physics and taking an additional 28 hours of math classes. I've found that in today's workplace, having a math and science background is a real advantage; that's what employers are looking for.