As the class of 2012 leaves Walla Walla to go make their mark on the world, Whitman is getting ready to welcome the incoming first-years who will take their place on campus. The Pioneer caught up with five future Whitties who will be heading to Walla Walla this fall.
Cat Mulanax (San Rafael, California)
Why did you choose to attend Whitman?
It was the most welcoming, friendly, nice, intelligent, and just straight up most amazing people I have ever met! Whitman was like no other school I had visited. I never thought it was possible to feel that feeling where you just step on the campus and knew it was going to be your future home, but when I came to Whitman it was practically a magical feeling. Indescribable! Why would I choose to attend Whitman? More like . . . why wouldn’t I?!
What was the coolest thing you did in high school?
[A] service trip to Mexico a dental hygiene work week to teach the . . . children at the elementary schools how to brush their teeth while speaking Spanish.
What are you interested in majoring in?
Pre-med. Maybe the BBMB program, but I want to do a [broader] major like a mix of biology/psychology/sociology along with a minor in either Spanish or Chinese.
Ben Ames (Dedham, Massachusetts)
What is one thing you’re excited about for your first year?
Meeting new people, and trying new things. I’m not looking to reinvent myself, but I want to take advantage of everything Whitman has to offer.
What was the coolest thing you did in high school?
Either the service trip to Kenya I did over [the] summer, or my Court and the Constitution elective I have been taking this year. Both experiences taught me new ways to think about the world.
What are you interested in majoring in?
Not really sure yet but history, art history, and French are up there.
Maya Volk (Portland, OR)
Why did you choose to attend Whitman?
It felt like home! I limited myself to the West Coast, and I was very impressed with both the academics and community at Whitman.
What are you interested in studying or majoring in?
Not sure, though probably humanities/social sciences.
What was the coolest thing you did in high school?
I traveled to India with part of my class for three weeks in November to see the country as well as do [community service] in the southern part of the country.
What is one thing you’re nervous about for your first year?
Adjusting to the new environment, both socially and academically.
Claire Ranstrom (Bend, Oregon)
Why did you choose to attend Whitman?
I chose to attend Whitman because I loved the strong sense of community I felt when I visited the campus. Also, the academics, extracurricular activities, and volunteer opportunities Whitman offers set it apart from the other colleges I was considering.
What was the coolest thing you did in high school?
The summer after my junior year I went to Panama with a program called Amigos de las Americas. I spent 8 weeks living with a host family in a small community, volunteering with kids, and learning about Panamanian culture. My trip to Panama was certainly my favorite thing I did in high school because it allowed me to experience new values, beliefs and ways of living.
What is one thing you’re excited about for your first year?
I am excited to meet new people and join new activities at Whitman. I think it will be fun to see where everyone is from and to hear about their interests, past experiences, future plans, etc.
Matthew Fisher (Sammamish, WA)
Why did you choose to attend Whitman?
Every time I have visited the campus, I have felt that Whitman is a place where everyone can be themselves, get along with one another, take education seriously, but also grow into a better person and become the adult that they want to be. Also, it is very strong academically and has an amazing theater.
What is one thing you’re excited about for your first year?
I’m excited just to go to college. I’m the youngest child in my family, so I’ve seen my brother and sister leave for school and love it, and I’m ready to experience that same feeling.
What is one thing you’re nervous about for your freshman year?
Moving away from home and being immersed into a totally new group of people somewhat frightens me. I barely know anyone going to Whitman next year, so meeting new people will be something I really have to try at.
