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
	Christine Ahn '23 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: South Korea Major: Political Science and Educational Studies Campus Involvements: Pan Asian Student Association (PASA), Davidson International Association (DIA), Self-Instructional Language Partner #WhyDavidson: I wanted to go to a liberal arts college where I could explore different subjects and receive a holistic education. I come from a small high school so I liked the idea of being in smaller classrooms where I could form relationships with my classmates and professors. Fun Fact: I had pet salamanders! I caught them, kept them for a month or two, and then let them back into the wild. Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Masala Mastee Connect with Christine at chahn@davidson.edu.
	Jaimelee Felipe '23 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Kahului, Hawaii Major: Physics Advising Track: Engineering Campus Involvements: Resident Advisor, Physics tutor, Society of Physics Students President, Women in Physics President, Better Together Interfaith Club President, BILI Interfaith Fellow, Union Information Desk, Dance Ensemble, Strategies for Success Mentor, Mindfulness, Pan Asian Student Association (PASA), Skate Club, Catholic Campus Ministry #WhyDavidson: I didn’t know much about Davidson and didn’t visit the school before I got here, so I didn’t have any expectations. All I knew was that Davidson gave enough financial aid so that I didn’t need to be in a lot of debt when I graduate, which is what I cared about the most being a student who identifies as first generation and low income. But as soon as I got here, I felt welcomed by the Davidson community both on and off campus. During my freshman year, an alumni I met in the town invited me over to Thanksgiving at her house and let me stay with her when COVID began and students got sent home, my professor offered to take students out for lunch for those who live far from campus and couldn’t go home during Fall break, and many upperclassmen students helped tutor and mentor me. This helped me feel welcomed, seen, and supported on campus. There are so many reasons as to why Davidson from supportive alumni, active student body, caring professors, intellectually stimulating conversations, dedication to service, and fun events. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. Fun Fact: I really love spicy food! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Hello Me Connect with Jaimelee at jafelipe@davidson.edu.
	Arihana Figueroa '23 Pronouns: she/they Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Major: Political Science Campus Involvements: Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), Residence Life, Questbridge, Charles Scholars, Davidson SK8S, Queers and Allies, Planned Parenthood Generation Action (PPGA) #WhyDavidson: The community at Davidson has always been so welcoming! As a first-generation student, I remember being so nervous at my overnight visit and feeling much better after meeting some of the students. Everyone was so enthusiastic to learn what I was interested in and offered to show me around campus. At one point, one of the tour guides gave my mom and I a tour in Spanish even though we were the only ones there! To this day, I still speak to the students who I met on that visit. Fun Fact: I had a pet duck when I was younger! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: A burrito from Carrburritos or a Whitty Wildcat from Whit's. Connect with Arihana at arfigueroa@davidson.edu.
	Amanda Fuenzalida '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Naples, Florida and Santiago, Chile Major: Biology Campus Involvements: Smith Artist Series Chair on Union Board, Bonner Scholar and Bonner Intern, Vice President and Choreographer for Dance Ensemble, Assistant Teacher for Hispanic Studies #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 alumna was interning. Although Davidson had been presented to me before, all it took was one conversation with this alumna for me to be set on applying to 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 previously visit, I felt so welcomed when I finally arrived in my first year. Fun Fact: I am fluent in two languages and have studied two more consistently since starting at Davidson! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: If you’re a brunch person (like me), Famous Toastery is the spot! Connect with Amanda at amfuenzalida@davidson.edu.
	Katherine Kosoff '23 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Lawrenceville, New Jersey Major: Biology Minor: Spanish Advising Track: Pre-Physician's Assistant Campus Involvements: Senior Admission Fellow, Ada Jenkins Volunteer Teacher, Davidson SK8S, Vice President of the Pre-PA Society, Vice President of the EMT Club #WhyDavidson: I first toured Davidson in the summer going into my senior year of high school. I expected the campus to feel empty absent the buzz of the school year but was surprised that it was a hub of activity with students and faculty conducting research and running summer programs. Dr. Bernd, a biology professor, stopped our tour to introduce herself and to ask about our interests. I was excited that an established biology professor asked me, a prospective student, about my curiosities and passions. I felt in that moment that Davidson would be a place where I could form and maintain close relationships with my professors that would last throughout college and beyond graduation. Fun Fact: I am SCUBA certified! Favorite Bite to Eat in Davidson Area: Pickled Peach! Connect with Katherine at kakosoff@davidson.edu.
	Julia Lau '23 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Los Angeles, California Major: Digital and Screen Media Studies Campus Involvements: Pan-Asian Student Association (PASA), Bonner Scholars, Questbridge Scholars Network, Media Consultants, Davidson Micro-Aggressions Project, Strategies for Success, Turner Eating House #WhyDavidson: When I first visited Davidson through Access Davidson, the first thing I noticed was the manifestation of the Honor Code. Walking to Commons and entering the doors, a student was already holding the door open for me, backpacks, laptops, and clothes were laying around the lobby, and the student I stayed with overnight didn’t lock her dorm. All of these things stood out to me because it was the complete opposite of what I had expected a college to be like. Knowing that the students were kind, trusting of one another, and fostered an environment where I felt cared for drew me to Davidson. Fun Fact: I can sing the alphabet backwards. Favorite Bite to Eat in Davidson Area: Masala Mastee Connect with Julia at julau@davidson.edu.
	Mandy Muise '23 Pronouns: she/they Hometown: Cary, North Carolina Major: Anthropology Minor: Latin American Studies Campus Involvements: Writing Center Consultant, Large Events Chair for Queers & Allies, Cellist in the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra, Orientation Team Leader, Member of Turner Eating House #WhyDavidson: Davidson is genuinely a super, super collaborative space. Although academics are rigorous, I have always felt supported both by faculty and by peers. Not only are our tutoring centers an incredible resource, but there’s no stigma around using the resources. The same principle goes for Academic Access and Disability Resources– Davidson isn’t a space of judgment. We rely on each other to grow academically, creating a collaborative community. Fun Fact: I have an emotional support animal on campus! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Ms. Christine's lemon-raspberry muffins at the farmer's market (How Sweet It Is)! Connect with Mandy at ammuise@davidson.edu.
	Tasos Pagounas '23 Pronouns: he/him Hometown: Ioannina, Greece Majors: Biology and Computer Science Campus Involvements: Center for Career Development Student Ambassador, Davidson's International Association (DIA), Athletics Ticket Office Representative, Intramural Sports #WhyDavidson: As an international student coming from a rural part of western Greece, I didn't know much about studying in the United States. Through the recommendation of an advisor, I found out about Davidson, a place I had only heard about through a video game because of Steph Curry. At Davidson, I found a warm and welcoming community, based on trust and mutual respect that instantly showed me how much it values diversity and multiple perspectives. I immediately felt like a valuable member of a well-organized and prospering academic environment. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to meet students and professors that helped me realize how I would fit in and develop here, both academically and personally. Lastly, as a liberal arts school, Davidson has allowed me to familiarize myself with different academic disciplines and interact with people from many different backgrounds. These are just some factors that save Davidson a special place in my heart! Fun Fact: I have slept overnight in 5 different airports. Favorite Bite to Eat in Davidson Area: Never order dessert at Brickhouse because we will be heading to Whit's right after instead. Connect with Tasos at tapagounas@davidson.edu.
	Christian Peterson '23 Pronouns: he/him Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota Majors: Political Science and French and Francophone Studies Advising Track: Prelaw Campus Involvements: President and Band Director of the Davidson College Pep Band, French Language Tutor for the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), French and Francophone Studies Assistant Teacher, Senior Admission Fellow, Pre-Law Society Member, Pi Delta Phi Member #WhyDavidson: I attended Davidson’s July Experience program after my junior year of high school. I got to live on campus for three weeks, take two classes with Davidson professors, and sign the Honor Code. To say that I fell in love would be a complete understatement. After completing the program, I decided to apply Early Decision as soon as I could. A Davidson student showed up at my front door on the day I received my acceptance letter, and the Davidson community has shown me nothing but kindness and acceptance ever since. Choosing Davidson to be my home for four years has been one of the best decisions of my life, and I know that even after I graduate I’ll always be proud to call myself a Wildcat. Fun Fact: I was bitten by a shark in high school and wrote about it in my college application! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Uncle Maddios Pizza Joint in Huntersville. It's absolutely scrumptious and right next to the closest Target! Connect with Christian at chpeterson@davidson.edu.
	Ben Sempowski '23 Pronouns: he/him Hometown: Durham, North Carolina Major: Biology Minor: Neuroscience Advising Track: Premedicine Campus Involvements: Lead Senior Admission Fellow, Infectious Disease Chair of the Health Justice Committee, Member of the Davidson Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects Research, Developmental Neurobiology Research, You Are Not A Stranger Here (YANASH) LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, Lighting and Scenic Designer with Department of Theatre #WhyDavidson: I had the opportunity during my senior year of high school to come and do an overnight visit at Davidson and it was this experience that largely allowed me to realize that Davidson was the place for me. During that visit I was welcomed into the campus community and got to meet and interact with so many amazing students who were so eager to tell me about all the amazing things they do on campus and were so genuinely excited that I was considering coming to Davidson. They loved hearing about my interests and were always so excited to connect me with their friends or professors that had similar interests. I knew in that moment that if I were to come to Davidson, I would be welcomed into a kind, supportive community that would push me to become the best version of my self! Fun Fact: I love to cook and am often the chef of my friend group; I even cooked a full four course meal for 12 people over parents weekend last year! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: I love going out for brunch and getting the classic eggs benedict from Toast! You also can't go wrong with a toasted turkey sandwich with voodoo chips from Pickled Peach! Connect with Ben at besempowski@davidson.edu.
	Eboni Thomas '23 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Houston, Texas Major: Psychology Minor: Communication Studies Campus Involvements: Davidson Cheerleading, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Bonner Scholars, Honor Council Defense Advisor, Mental Health Advisor, Black Student Coalition (BSC) #WhyDavidson: I fell in love with the care and time Davidson spent making sure that each student finds their place. The atmosphere is welcoming, the professors are understanding, and you can always find a place of community. Fun Fact: I have been a cheerleader for 12 years! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Ice House has great burgers for vegetarians and vegans! Connect with Eboni at ebthomas@davidson.edu.
	Ruby Zhou '24 Pronouns: she/her Hometown: Houston, Texas Majors: English and Chemistry Advising Track: Premedicine Campus Involvements: Union Board, Activity Tax Council (ATC), Chemistry Research in Dr. El-Zaatari's lab, Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellow, Rusk Eating House, Hinds Feet Farm Volunteer, Davidson Research Network Scholar #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 genuinely want to know who you are — students regularly babysit, dog-sit and cat-sit for them! Fun Fact: I've won international and national art competitions! Favorite Bite to Eat in the Davidson Area: Kung Foo Noodle - order the Lan Zhou, not spicy! Connect with Ruby at ruzhou@davidson.edu.