Maura '10 major from Marblehead, Massachusetts

How would you describe yourself in 2 sentences or less?
(What is most important to you in your life? What defines you?)

The quotes I live by: "Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world, for indeed, that's all who ever have." ** "Sometimes the only way is jumping/I hope you're not afraid of heights."

What are your academic interests (more specific than your major)?

Foreign languages, communicating across language barriers, studying other cultures, biology, environmental science, public policy, writing

What do you do on campus (extracurricular interests)?

Other than giving tours, I'm an Outdoor Action Leader, teach English as a second language, tutor middle schoolers in Trenton, play intramural broomball, belong to the Union of Multiracial/Multicultural Students, ride on the equestrian team, and help with the Forbes organic garden.

What have you learned about Princeton that you would have liked to know as a prospective student?

Try not to buy into Ivy League stereotypes. Princeton does not = Harvard does not = Yale. We're not all elitist, cutthroat, get-an-A-or-die-trying maniacs. We like to have fun, relax, and procrastinate. Don't let the intensity of the academic life intimidate you. It's part of what makes being a student here so remarkable, but even though we work hard, we're happy! Really happy! We LOVE Princeton, not because it's famous and definitely not because our colors are orange and black, but because this is an amazing place to spend four years of your life.

What do you hope (or plan) to do after graduation and in the rest of your life?

Save the world? (Who doesn't, right?) I don't have concrete plans, but hopefully I will travel the world, be fluent in a dozen languages, promote environmental sustainability, alleviate poverty, fix the UN, write a best-selling novel, and be the president.