Ask a Wildcat

Hearing perspectives from students who are living and breathing the current Davidson experience is one of the best ways to get to know this community.

Connect with individual students or email the group at admissionambassadors@davidson.edu.

Senior Admission Fellows

Photo	Short Bio
	Zaynab Abuhakema '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Summerville, South Carolina Major: Physics Minor: Theatre Campus Involvements: Vice Chair of Honor Council, President of the Middle Eastern and North African Student Assoc., President of Health Justice Committee, Social Chair of Warner Hall Eating House, Vice President of Davidson Refugee Support, Vice President of Outreach of the Society of Physics Students, Social Justice Theatre Troupe, Muslim Students Association #WhyDavidson: When starting the college application process, Davidson was not on my radar. I wanted a larger school, very far away from home, with a huge campus. It was not until my rheumatologist convinced me to just try touring the campus, that I gave It a chance. I am so grateful I did! When I toured Davidson, I was inspired by the beautiful campus, the community of students and the joy I sensed around me. I saw an amazing balance between rigorous academics and an involved social life, and knew I needed to be here. After applying early decision, I never looked back. These past three years have flown by in an instant, and it has been the most incredible and enriching experience. Go ‘cats! Fun Fact: II have never gotten sunburnt! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Sabi Asian Bistro. Connect with Zaynab at zaabuhakema@davidson.edu.
	Nathanael Bagonza '24 Pronouns: he/him Hometown: Haverhill, Massachusetts Major: English Campus Involvements: Host of Union Board Trivia, Chidsey Leadership Program Fellow, Prose Editor of the Hobart Park Literary Magazine, WALT 1610 Radio Host, Black Student Coalition, Screenwriter with Davidson Filmmakers, Kappa Sigma #WhyDavidson: I chose Davidson during the early days of the pandemic, but still, Davidson's warm and welcoming community drew me in. I replaced a typical college visit with lots and lots of videos I found online showing the days in student’s lives here, and I was sold. I could tell that Davidson was a community that I would be able to make my own. The open-heartedness and camaraderie of the student body, as well as the college's close-knit setup were exactly the type of intellectual environment I was looking for. I liked the idea of running into friends on the way to class and exchanging greetings with strangers and familiar faces being a daily occurrence. While I’ve always valued the humanities, I also had no idea what I wanted to study when I came to Davidson. The way the liberal arts is done here gave me the time and space to explore a variety of topics I wouldn’t have otherwise, and eventually led me to the major I have today that is completely different than what I imagined coming in. I have the Humanities Program and the Ways of Knowing to thank for that! Fun Fact: I will often scroll to the bottom of articles and web pages and read them from the bottom up! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: It is Milkbread 1000%, the Hot Dip, french fries, and glazed donut combo is elite! Connect with Nathanael at nabagonza@davidson.edu.
	Chloe Boissy Stauffer '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Majors: Environmental Studies and Political Science Campus Involvements: Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation, Student Government Association, Student Conduct Council, Arts at Davidson #WhyDavidson: I was first drawn to Davidson College for its rigorous academic programs and an exceptional faculty to student ratio. After doing some research and asking acquaintances about their experience at Davidson, I realized that the combination of the honor code, small campus, and hand selected student body was the perfect fit for a girl with big dreams who wanted a small town community feel. Fun Fact: I can complete the Rubik’s cube in under two minutes! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Steak tacos at Mestizo. Connect with Chloe at chboissystauffer@davidson.edu.
	Kelsey Chase '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Concord, New Hampshire Majors: Political Science Campus Involvements: Student Solicitor of the Honor Council, Formal Chair of Warner Hall Eating House, Major Events Chair for Union Board, Davidson Spanish in K-8 (Sk8s) #WhyDavidson: When I was applying to college, I had three criteria; I wanted a small, liberal arts college, I wanted to be near a city, and it had to be somewhere warmer than New Hampshire. Given the majority of small liberal arts colleges are located in rural New England, there were only a few schools that met my requirements, including Davidson. However, when my college counselor suggested that I visit, I was hesitant because I’d never gone someplace more southern than Washington, D.C. When I visited in late January of my senior year (my very last college visit!), I quickly fell in love with Davidson because of the fundamental kindness that was present across the students and faculty I met there. Afterwards, I frantically emailed my regional counselor to tell her that even though I’d missed the early decision deadlines, had I known that it would have been my top choice, I would have applied early decision. Thankfully, it worked out! To this day, my Why Davidson holds true – I am continually impressed by how Davidson students pursue their individual passions and yet are deeply invested in the success of their peers. The distinctly supportive community here is the reason why Davidson is the right fit for me. Fun Fact: I lived in Spain growing up! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Eez Fusion Sushi. Connect with Kelsey at kechase@davidson.edu.
	Amanda Fuenzalida '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Naples, Florida and Santiago, Chile Major: Biology Campus Involvements: Smith Artist Series Chair for Union Board, Intern with Bonner Scholars, Vice President and choreographer for Dance Ensemble, Research with Professor Debbie Thurtle-Schmidt in the Biology Dept. #WhyDavidson: When exploring colleges, I did not have the opportunity to visit a single school I was interested in, but I was fortunate enough to attend a college mentorship program in high school where a Davidson alumni was interning. Although Davidson had been presented to me before, all it took was one conversation with this alumnus for me to be set on applying and attending Davidson. There is just something magical about the Davidson community that made me feel connected, and although it was a place I had never been able to visit prior, I felt so welcomed when I finally arrived in my first year. Fun Fact: I am fluent in two languages and have studied 2 more consistently since starting at Davidson! Favorite Bite to Eat in Davidson Area: If you’re a brunch person (like me), Famous Toastery is the spot! Connect with Amanda at amfuenzalida@davidson.edu.
	Olivia Howard '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Dacula, Georgia Majors: Biology and German Studies Campus Involvements: President of Jewish Student Union, Bonner Scholar, Defense Advisor of the Honor Council, Fostering Inclusivity and Respect in Science Together (FIRST) Action Team, Black Student Coalition #WhyDavidson: When I toured Davidson my senior fall, I fell in love with the campus and community. Although academics did play a role in my decision, the aspect that stuck with me the most, when making my final decision, was how much the Davidson community cared about its students. During the time I had to make my decision, COVID-19 had just shut down the world. Throughout this time the faculty and staff at Davidson continued to reach out to me and be a guiding hand as I considered my next steps in a time of uncertainty. I have continued to see this commitment to helping and supporting students first-hand throughout my years at Davidson. Fun Fact: I cannot watch a new movie or show without reading spoilers first. Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Carrburritos! Connect with Olivia at o lhoward@davidson.edu.
	Ann Nishida '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Ridgewood, New Jersey Majors: Biology Minor: Music Advising Track: Premedicine Campus Involvements: Secretary of the Pan Asian Student Association (PASA), President of the Japanese Student Association, Mentor of Strategies for Success, Media Consultant, Conversation Partner for the Self-Instructional Languages Program, Pianist for the Music Dept. #WhyDavidson: Davidson is a place where I can see myself succeed. As a first-generation college student of color, it has been difficult for me to navigate through the college application process. I only knew names of large universities and it was hard for me to imagine myself in any of them. An encounter with a Davidson student at a concert was how I discovered Davidson. When I toured, I fell in love with the beautiful nature on campus, the welcoming community that waved to us as we walked by, and the Honor Code that shaped life at here. At Davidson, I’ve gotten so much support and opportunities to explore my interests and step foot into new fields, which allowed me to grow both academically and personally. Fun Fact: BTS was actually how I discovered Davidson! Favorite Bite to Eat in Davidson Area: Pho Nam. Connect with Ann at annishida@davidson.edu.
	Lilly Sirover '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Haddonfield, New Jersey Major: Biology Minor: Public Health Advising Track: Premedicine Campus Involvements: Cross Country and Track, Davidson Delilahs, Co-President of the STEM Enrichment Volunteer Program, Orientation Team Leader, Liaison for Warner Hall Eating House and Mwandi Mission Hospital, and Thesis Student in Dr. Lom's Biology Lab. #WhyDavidson: I am from a small town in New Jersey. I knew that in college, I wanted to be a part of a tight-knit, supportive community of individuals who are ambitious, passionate, and kind. When I visited Davidson as a transfer student being recruited to the cross country and track teams, I was welcomed to the beautiful campus by now friends who made me feel at home. I have been able to engage with all aspects of campus, including clubs and social life, which is a unique experience as a student-athlete. I am competing as a Division I athlete in the Atlantic 10 Conference, receiving an excellent pre-medical education, and singing a cappella with my friends! Fun Fact: While traveling abroad with the Davidson in Zambia program, I did the rope-swing off Victoria Falls Bridge, which is over 400 feet above the Zambezi River! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: The white bean hummus sandwich, with both avocado and mozzarella, from The Pickled Peach on Main Street. Connect with Lilly at lisirover@davidson.edu.
	Samuel Waithira '24 Pronouns: he/him Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya Majors: Economics Minor: Applied Mathematics Campus Involvements: Bonner Scholar, Resident Advisor, Davidson International Assoc., Davidson African Students Assoc., Rotaract, Davidson Finance and Investment Assoc. #WhyDavidson: As an international student, I was looking for a place where I would receive a good amount of support. Davidson college stood out to me due to its unique programs that address the unique needs of international students. Davidson’s Alvarez Scholars program and the Weinstein travel grant are part of Davidson’s unique international offerings. In addition, Davidson has a lot of opportunities and resources for the student body to explore from different fellowships, numerous study abroad options, grants offered a several college departments, and a dedicated faculty and staff who genuinely help students succeed. Because of this, I love to refer to Davidson as a bag of resources! Fun Fact: I am a huge Adele fan! My passion for her music knows no bounds, and my Spotify stats confirm it – I'm among the top 0.001 percent of listeners who just can't get enough of her soulful melodies. Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Kung Foo Noodle in Birkdale Village in Huntersville. I always get the Pot belly soup noodle with pot belly substituted with fried Tofu. Connect with Sam at sawaithira@davidson.edu.
	Ruby Zhou '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Houston, Texas Major: English Advising Track: Predental Campus Involvements: Cats Excursions Chair for Union Board, Activity Tax Council, Polymer Chemistry Research in Dr. El-Zaatari's lab, Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellow, Rusk Eating House, Davidson Research Initiative Scholar, Davidson Research Network Scholar (published) #WhyDavidson: I chose Davidson because of the close faculty and student relations we foster here. Davidson does an incredible job at breaking down the barriers between students and faculty. Professors here genuinely want to know who you are (students regularly babysit and dog/cat-sit for them)! Fun Fact: I've won international and national art competitions! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Pickled Peach (Slow Braised and Pulled Chicken Sandwich with microgreens) Connect with Ruby at ruzhou@davidson.edu.