Community and Competition
Photo credit: Cain McMillan.
Student Snapshot: Joe Apat ’28
“If you’re looking for a tight-knit community and are ready to make friends, Dickinson is definitely for you,” says Joe Apat ’28, a Dickinson student-athlete and quantitative-economics major. Below, he discusses how he decided to become a Red Devil, the Manhattan internship that tapped his language and cultural skills, and more.
Hometown:
Port Washington, N.Y.
High school:
Paul D. Schreiber High School.
Major:
On choosing Dickinson:
I chose Dickinson because of its great academic reputation and beautiful campus. I also loved how welcoming the swim team and coach were. It felt like I was truly meant to be a Red Devil.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
Being able to live on campus with awesome friends!
Best thing about my major:
Professors who truly care about their students’ success.
Favorite class:
Probably Italian 232. At the start of each class we listen to a (relatively) popular Italian song and fill in missing words in the lyrics.
Favorite professor:
Senior Lecturer in Italian Luca Lanzilotta let me know about an internship opportunity for the Italian Trade Commission in NYC.
About my internship:
Through my internship with the Italian Trade Commission in Manhattan, I learned about how trade agencies operate and how they assist newer Italian businesses in the food and wine industry to compete in the U.S.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Your start does not define how you finish. Everyone is capable of change, and one bad test, day or semester can be turned around with willpower.
Advice for younger students:
If you’re looking for a tight-knit community and are ready to make friends, Dickinson is definitely for you!
Clubs and organizations:
Varsity swimming and Delta Sigma Phi.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Dean’s List.
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Published January 6, 2026