What is it like to attend Dickinson if you live in the western United States? These student volunteers would like to hear from you and share their experiences. Just click on their pictures or e-mail addresses below to contact them.

ALASKA

Ariel Graham '11

Hometown:
Anchorage, Ala.

Major:
Undecided

Extracurricular Activities: Dance Theatre Group, Serve the World, Liberty Cap Society, Tritons, Outing Club
Best experience/impression of Dickinson: Visiting campus.
Advice to prospects: Talking to current students was one of the most helpful tools I used. It was great to know people cared.

Email:grahama@dickinson.edu

ARIZONA

Patsy McNeil '11

Hometown:
Phoenix, Ariz.

Major:
Undecided

Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: The people are amazing. The professors are great. I have already met people I know will be in my life for years to come.
Advice to prospects: Have fun and go with your gut.

Email:mcneilp@dickinson.edu

CALIFORNIA

Eli Brill '10

Hometown:
San Jose, Calif.

Major:
International Business & Mgmt
& Political Science

Extracurricular Activities: Student Senate, Union Philosophical Society, Liberty Cap Society, Keystones
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: It was the most supportive and nurturing environment I saw (and I looked at 17 colleges!).
Advice to prospects: Get in touch with current students to get a real perspective and come visit campus!

E-mail:brille@dickinson.edu

Luis Esparza '11

Hometown:
Los Angeles, Calif.

Major:
International Studies/Spanish

Extracurricular Activities: Bonner Leaders
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: the campus, students, faculty, clubs, classes.
Advice to prospects: Pick Dickinson!

Email:esparzal@dickinson.edu

Michelle Sanchez '11

Hometown:
Los Angeles, Calif.

Major:
Undecided

Extracurricular Activities: cheerleading, track and field, America Reads, synchronized swimming, lifeguarding, history, going to the beach, traveling.
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: Having such great professors here at Dickinson has truly been wonderful. Professors are almost always available to help you out and work with you. They carry this attitude into the classroom, making discussions intriguing and understandable. It’s nice to know that professors sincerely want to work with you.
Advice to prospects: Research colleges well. If you can, come out and visit the campus. Ask students who are currently attending to give you feedback on the school. Stay open-minded always!

Email:sanchezm@dickinson.edu

Yazmin Monet Watkins '09

Hometown:
Los Angeles, Calif.

Major:

Extracurricular Activities: track and field, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, theatre.
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: There are so many activities for a Dickinsonian to get involved in, it’s great!
Advice to prospects: Don’t be afraid.  Reach out, push your boundaries and engage the world!

Email:watkinsy@dickinson.edu

Jessica Wong '11

Hometown:
Monterey, Calif./Hong Kong

Major:
Undecided

Extracurricular Activities: performing arts (dance, music).
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: student diversity, Engage the World, student involvement in local/national events.

Email:wongj@dickinson.edu

COLORADO

Sisi Dong '08

Hometown:
Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Major:
English

Extracurricular Activities: Rugby, Pi Beta Phi sorority, violin, Orientation Committee, Dickinson Admissions Volunteer Society
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: One of my best experiences has been studying abroad for the academic year (2006-07) in Norwich, England.
Advice to prospects: If you want to be a student and a member of a great community and not just a number, then come to Dickinson!

Email:lovej@dickinson.edu

Melanie Gade '10

Hometown:
Denver, Colo.

Major:
Policy Management/French

Extracurricular Activities: Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, Pi Beta Phi sorority, Liberty Cap Society, Active Minds, Ski and Snowboarding Club
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: Close student/teacher relationship, student disabilities resources.

Email:gadem@dickinson.edu

Kelly Wetzel '11

Hometown:
Superior, Colo.

Major:
Neuroscience and Math (double major)

Advice to prospects: Find a school that fits. Dickinson has become my home-away-from home because the atmosphere was perfect for me.

Email:wetzelk@dickinson.edu

MONTANA

Emma Messinger '11

Hometown:
Belgrade, Mont.

Major:
Undecided

Extracurricular Activities: I enjoy soccer, photography and shopping. I also love to be outside and be active.
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: Professors are great and people are friendly. I love my friends I have met here.
Advice to prospects: Try to visit the campus before you decide. Write down questions you have and try to find out as much information as you can, not just about academics but also campus life and extracurricular activities.

Email:messinge@dickinson.edu

NEW MEXICO

Cynthia Polasko '10

Hometown:
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Major:
Political Science, Anthropology (Minor)

Extracurricular Activities: Concert Band, Clarinet Ensemble ("Cork Grease")
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: My second semester of my freshman year, my geology class went caving as a lab field trip.We spent a couple of hours wandering around in the dark, looking at rock formations and discussing how caves can form, and we all came out absolutely covered in mud from head to toe. It was one of the most fun and interactive classes I've ever had. I told my friend, "Dickinson's all about engaging the world, and it doesn't get much more engaging than being knee-deep mud!
Advice to prospects: Choosing a college is intimidating, but try not to get overwhelmed. There isn't necessarily one "perfect" school, because no matter where you go you'll find people, classes and activities that appeal to you. No matter where you decide to go, be confident that things will work out for the best.

.Email:polaskoc@dickinson.edu

OREGON

Elyce Nollette '11

Hometown:
Milwaukie, Ore.

Major:
International Studies

Extracurricular Activities: Choir, Green Team
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: The professors are amazing and love to teach and reciprocate your enthusiasm. The people here are all nice, accepting and welcoming.

Email:nollette@dickinson.edu

WASHINGTON

Zach Hartnett '11

Hometown:
Seattle, Wash.

Major:
International Business & Management

Extracurricular Activities: Ski and Snowboarding Club, Spanish
Best experience/impressions of Dickinson: Meeting all of my new friends on the first day of school.
Advice to prospects: Don’t just go to a college where you think you will be comfortable. Go to a college where you will be challenged and enlightened.

Email:hartnetz@dickinson.edu