Sun Devil class of 2017: In their own words

As the newest crop of ASU freshmen arrive on campus, and students move into their residence halls and find their first classes, we caught up with some of them to find out what's on their minds. Say hello to the latest Sun Devils!

Aaron Atchison is from Chicago, Illi., where he attended the same high school as Michelle Obama – Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. He's majoring in journalism and is proud to be the first Sun Devil in his family.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“University of Missouri.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“Cronkite is one of the top three journalism schools in the nation. Also, my brother lives in Phoenix so I chose ASU over Mizzou.”

What is your dream?
“I really like journalism and film, so ideally I’d like to combine the two and create a documentary on social issues. In four years, I see myself in Los Angeles or San Francisco, raising awareness regarding social issues.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m excited for classes to start. I was really impressed with Cronkite so I can’t wait to meet professors and my classmates to see if they have the same ambitions as I do. I’m excited to see how things work out.”

Any fears?
“Being away from my family, especially my mom and sisters, is difficult. I’m afraid that I won’t survive on my own and will find out that not everything is easy. But I also know that I need to get out of my comfort zone to become a stronger person, so I hope I will be fine.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon. Go Devils!”

Abigael Omijie is originally from Nigeria, but moved to Arizona at age 10. She’s starting at ASU as a transfer student and will major in computer systems engineering.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I’m transferring from Glendale Community College. I applied to UA and ASU.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“ASU seemed like a good fit for me because there are a lot of different kinds of research programs that I would like to get involved in.”

What is your dream?
“I would like to go into computer network technology. I’m a little undecided about where I want to go with it. I’m just going to take classes and keeping thinking about what direction I want to go in.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I am looking forward to the new environment and the new people. I’m excited about joining engineering clubs and all the activities going on.”

Any fears?
“I’m nervous about classes, especially circuits classes. Those will be tough ones. “

Akanksha Mohla is from Mumbai, India and is coming to ASU for her MBA from the W. P. Carey School of Business.

Why did you choose ASU?
“ASU enjoys a tremendous brand appeal and prestige in Mumbai. Arizona is also so famous for its people. Everyone I talked to would say, ‘People in Arizona are as warm as the climate.’ The minute I spoke to my boss about returning to school and mentioned ASU, he said, ‘Oh, that's a top-ranked school. That's amazing. You should be going there.’”

What was it like transitioning to America?
“International MBA students have a Facebook page and all of us got onto it well before coming here. We were sharing tips about housing, driver's licenses, and some of the other students from India bought their tickets and traveled here together.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at ASU?
“The wide-open spaces, it's so much cleaner, and even the traffic -- it took me an hour-and-a-half just to get to my office and now I live close to campus and walk to classes. But also the mindset of ASU: When I look around, I see people living their own lives, chasing their own dreams. I've never been able to do that and now I can control my own destiny and take risks.”

Alyssa Savala is from Phoenix, though she attended Metamora Township High School in Metamora, Illinois. She’s majoring in biological studies with a focus on animal physiology & behavior.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I was also accepted to Tulane University and U of A.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because it is my family college. My grandfather, my mother, my aunt and several of my cousins are Sun Devils. I grew up with Sun Devil shirts, Sparky toys and maroon and gold.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college? “I am most excited about learning new things, going to games, enjoying life and meeting new people.”

Any fears?
“My biggest fear is getting behind on my classes and not getting good grades.”

Amanda Solis is from Phoenix, Ariz., where she attended Bourgade Catholic High School. She’s the first Sun Devil in her family and is starting off with an exploratory major.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“UA, NAU, Univ. of Portland, Univ. Of Colorado.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“Size and location.”

What is your dream?
“Make it out alive. [laughs] Seriously, I’m thinking about physical therapy. I want to help people.”

Any fears?
“Getting off track or getting distracted.”

Anna Olasz isn’t your typical freshman – not only has she come to ASU all the way from Hungary, but she’s also the 2013 European Open Water Swimming Champion. She’s majoring in psychology and is excited to swim competitively for the Sun Devils.

Why did you choose ASU?
“It was like a perfect fit for me, academically and for swimming, too.”

Are you the first in your family to go to college in the United States?
“In my close family, yes, but two of my cousins – one of them went to Berkeley, and the other one went to a different school in California.”

What is your dream?
“First, I want to go to the Olympic games. I don’t know, I just really want to work with people. I’m not sure yet exactly what I want to do, but something with people.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“About my team – I think it’s a pretty great team and I just love everyone.”

What’s it like coming to school after winning the European Cup?
“It’s great. It was my goal for this year to do a good job at the BCN Championships and then the European Cup was also a big thing for me, but school is a totally other thing and I’m so excited.”

Anurag Soothram came to ASU from India and is starting his master’s in industrial engineering this semester.

Why did you choose ASU?
“Arizona State University gives me the flexibility to choose electives to make my learning experience as specialized as I want, starting from the very first semester - that was what immediately attracted me. Also, the fact that technologically, ASU is extremely advanced, with excellent faculty to teach and inspire students achieve their goals."

What is your dream?
“Immediately after completion of my master’s degree, I would like to work as a supply chain analyst in the retail industry. And eventually, I want to see myself as the senior vice president of a management consulting firm, like McKinsey & Company.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at ASU?
“I am excited about the dynamic student-faculty interactions I had, the diverse student atmosphere and the resources available for excelling in every single interest area of mine."

Ashley Crow is from Seattle, Wash., and is coming to ASU for her MBA from the W.P. Carey School of Business.

Why did you choose ASU?
“ASU has one of the top programs for supply chain management. I also didn't mind signing up for sunshine for two years. It's a really good MBA program, has exactly what I want and is a place I wanted to live. ASU was my number one choice from the get-go.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at ASU?
“I'm excited to dive into classes and I've been meeting with our career center a bunch. They do such a fabulous job getting us in that career finder mindset. Companies are already coming to campus in a few weeks, so you have to be prepared, and be prepared fast.”

What else do you want to see and do in Arizona?
“I've already been to Sedona, but I want to go back there. I want to check out the observatories – I love astronomy and the stars. Of course, the Grand Canyon is on my list. I'm an outdoors freak.”

Aspen Bayley Cooper, from Scottsdale, Ariz., attended Saguaro High School, and is majoring in kinesiology. She’s also a national champion trampoline gymnast – her mom used to own Scottsdale Gymnastics.

Why did you choose ASU?
“It’s close by and ever since I was little and we would drive by, I’ve wanted to go here. And my dad is an ASU alum.”

What’s your dream?
“I want to become a sports medicine doctor, so I’m going to med school.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m very glad and so excited to meet all the new people here. I’m very open-minded about that. They really have a good football team, so I’m excited to watch all those games.”

Any fears?
“I’m afraid of having a lot of homework!”

Austin McCarthy is from Glendale, Ariz., where he attended Independence High. He’s majoring in forensics and wants to get into law school to become a lawyer.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“Northern Arizona University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“My dad is an alumnus, and I’ve always been interested in ASU.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“What I’ll learn in the classes I’m going to be taking.”

Any fears?
“Losing motivation. It’s something that has always been a concern of mine.”

Brandon Deatherage, from Phoenix, attended Mountain Ridge High School. He’s majoring in health sciences and hopes to become a pediatric neurosurgeon.

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because I’m a pre-med student and I heard they teamed up with Mayo, so that’s pretty motivating.”

Are any of your other family members Sun Devils?
“Yes, my aunt and my cousin.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“Getting the dormitory experience and meeting new people. I also can’t wait until classes start.”

Maroon or gold?
“Definitely gold.”

Brianna Vasquez comes to ASU from Rio Rancho, N.M., where she graduated from V. Sue Cleveland High School. She’ll be majoring in earth and environmental studies, and is proud to be the first Sun Devil in her family.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I got accepted into the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona and Texas A&M.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU for the resources available to students; for the dedication of the staff, deans and the president, Michael Crow; for the integration of interdisciplinary studies into every major; and for the research and sustainability projects going on around the campus.”

What is your dream? “My dream is to educate the community of the necessity to preserve Earth’s ecosystems and use Earth’s resources sustainably.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m most excited about having the chance to learn about the Earth in a more professional and in-depth manner than I have in high school. I love that I can apply what I’m learning towards programs that can help better the community.”

Brooke Adams hails from Scottsdale, Ariz., where she attended Desert Mountain High School. She’s a communication major and a first generation college student.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I applied and was accepted to the University of Oklahoma, University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I picked ASU because of the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I am most excited about being one step closer to my dream job, the amount of freedom I have and going to college football games!”

Any fears?
“Bad grades, the freshman 15 and not graduating on time!”

Carl Murphy attended Liberty High School in Peoria, Ariz. He’s starting as a supply chain management major and hoping to double major in finance.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“UT Austin and Texas Christian University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“For my major, ASU is higher-ranked than UT Austin. And I know more people at ASU, my sister goes here and I felt like this is a better opportunity for me.”

Maroon or gold?
“Gold.”

Carolyn Corcoran, from Peoria, Ariz., attended Sunrise Mountain High School and is majoring in journalism.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“New York University and Baylor.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“Because ASU has one of the top journalism programs in the world. I also like the idea of a combined bachelor's and master's program, which I found attractive.”

What is your dream?
“I want to be a political speechwriter in someone’s administration. I know exactly what I want to do.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“That I’m moved out of the house and on my own. I’m really excited for the classes and the Barrett Honors Program is strong. The Downtown Phoenix campus experience will also be fun and exciting. It’s definitely different than Peoria and I’m only an hour away from home. It’s something new and interesting.”

Maroon or gold?
“Gold.”

Catie Hoekstra is from Prescott, Ariz., and is majoring in mechanical engineering because she loves working on engines.

Why did you choose ASU?
“I think ASU gives me opportunities to take control of my education and get the best college experience that I can.”

Are any of your other family members Sun Devils?
“At least 20 family members have attended ASU. But coming here was my own choice.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m excited to apply the things I’m learning through internships and clubs.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon.”

Chloe Morrow hails from Anthem, Ariz., where she attended Boulder Creek High. She’s the first Sun Devil in her family and will be attending ASU on the West campus.

Why did you choose ASU?
“It was the obvious choice. I didn’t even think about it.”

What are you majoring in?
“Psychology. I’m not sure what career path I’ll take, but I’m most interested in mental disorders – the ‘darker side’ of psychology.”

What is your dream?
“I think I’m still too young to know what that is.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“Getting involved in the social life on the West campus. I’ve been hired at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex and plan to get involved with student clubs and organizations.”

Chris Hoffman is a first generation college student from Georgetown, Texas, where he attended Georgetown High School. He’s here at ASU to major in film and media studies.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“University of North Texas.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“One half of the reason for coming here is the journalism school. The other half is the area, the campus and the experience. I visited ASU as a junior in high school.”

What is your dream?
“Being able to write on media and culture. I want to film. I want to create something.”

Any fears?
“That one class that hits me like a bus.“

Chris Noriega is a mathematics major from Phoenix, where he attended St. Mary’s High School. He’s a first generation college student and is excited for the new responsibilities that come with college.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“NAU and GCU.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“Came here on a seventh grade summer program for Barrett and loved it since.”

What is your dream?
“To be a part of something important so I can make a difference.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon!”

Clementina Reynolds is a first generation college student majoring in electrical engineering. Her favorite part of freshman orientation at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering was “throwing water balloons at the dean!”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I like the opportunities that ASU offers – the scholarships, good programs, and I live in Arizona.”

What is your dream?
“My dream is to work in a research lab. I chose electrical engineering because I thought it was the broadest field of engineering. I considered biomedical engineering but I think as an electrical engineer I can do BME and get more into biosensors.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m excited to join clubs, meet new people and I think I am going to minor in dance.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon!”

Colin Leggett is from Santa Clara, Calif., where he graduated from Saugus High School. He’s the first Sun Devil in his family and is majoring in applied biological sciences. Though Colin is studying on the Polytechnic campus, in his free time, he loves taking the shuttle to Tempe.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I considered Florida State University and Southern Illinois University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“When my best friend Chad got accepted here, I started learning about ASU and made my decision to come here.”

What is your dream? “My dream is to graduate from ASU and go on to medical school and hopefully become a surgeon.”

Maroon or gold?
“All gold, everything.”

Cristian Salazar De Leon is from Tucson, Ariz., where he attended Tucson High Magnet School. He’s majoring in biological sciences and is not only the first generation in his family to be in the U.S., but also the first to graduate high school and attend college.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“University of Arizona, University of Hawaii at Manoa, California Baptist University, St. Johns University, Colorado State.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I got a full ride, and it's a big campus with an enormous amount of opportunities.”

What is your dream?
“To work as a Pediatric Trauma Surgeon and really to help kids in violent situations around the world.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“Being one step closer to fulfilling my dream, and being on my own.”

Any fears?
“Failing a class.”

Darrick Hughes, from Santa Clarita, Calif., attended Sangus High School. He’s majoring in construction engineering and is the first Sun Devil in his family.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“Cal Lutheran.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“Fun experience.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“Meeting new people, experiencing college life, fun.”

Any fears?
“Doing my own laundry. Being out on my own for the first time. “

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon."

Donna Stone is from Harrisburg, Penn., and is here for an MBA from the W. P. Carey School of Business.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“Southern Methodist University and Wake Forest. At the beginning, Arizona was on my ‘Do Not Live’ list, honestly!”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I fell in love with the W. P. Carey admissions team at an MBA fair in New York City. Arizona wasn't on my radar at all before that, but it was going to be a new adventure. I came out last October and met current students who shared their experiences and really sold me on the program. I was really impressed with their rankings, moving into supply chain management, and I was really impressed by their faculty. So, W. P. Carey matched up really well with changing directions in my career.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at ASU?
“I'm really looking forward to meeting new people, intramural sports and a lot of the student clubs. Making an impact in a smaller class and not getting lost in a crowd, that's definitely what I'm looking forward to.”

Edward Lebeau didn’t have to travel far to come to ASU – he’s a Tempe native who graduated from Tempe Preparatory Academy. He’s majoring in electrical engineering and is the recipient of two scholarships – the Presidential Scholarship and a private scholarship from TW Lewis.

Edward started the school year off early by working with the Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies (QESST) Engineering Research Center, a program supported by ASU LightWorks.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I looked around but I didn’t really feel the need to go anywhere else.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I wanted to be an engineer and ASU has a great research department and good funding, and they give amazing scholarships, which is great. Through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (at QESST), I learned the ins-and-outs of photovoltaics. It felt sort of like having my own research project.”

Are any of your other family members Sun Devils?
“I grew up in a family of five and all of them have gone to ASU, even my parents.”

What is your dream?
“I’d like to run my own engineering company and try to start up my own thing. Because of my experience with QESST, obviously I have an interest in sustainable energy.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m excited about growing up and becoming less of a child and more of a man.”

Any fears?
“No, not really. I’ve seen my family go through ASU before and they’ve all had a good experience. Plus, I have my family around, so I know if I need help, I can get it.”

Maroon or gold?
“Gold! My high school colors were blue and gold, so I like the gold.”

Emily Barney is from Willoughby, Ohio, where she attended South High School. She’s majoring in criminology.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“University of Arizona.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because they have one of the best criminology programs. It’s also a lot closer to my parents – [they] live 40 minutes away.”

What is your dream?
“My dream is to become a city, state or federal prosecutor. I love criminology and how it works. It just really fascinates me. I took a criminology class at a community college in Ohio and fell in love with it.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m really excited about classes. I really, really like school. I have all criminology classes, except for one. I’m also excited to meet new people and experience new things.”

Emily “Em” Elderton was born in Arizona, but raised in Vermont, where she went to “a tiny private Catholic school.” She’s majoring in digital culture with a concentration in design.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“West Virginia University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I needed something bigger and I always wanted to come back to the beautiful state of Arizona. Nothing beats the heat.”

What is your dream?
“For digital culture to bring me to places that I never thought possible. I want people to be affected by the things that I will create.”

Are any of your other family members Sun Devils? “My eldest brother, Rob Elderton, class of ‘12”

Maroon or gold?
“They compliment one another perfectly.”

Gunnar Ogden is from Scottsdale, Ariz., where he attended Horizon High School. He’ll be majoring in earth and space exploration, and dreams of working at NASA someday.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I considered NAU and UA, but ultimately chose ASU.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because I was somewhat familiar with the campus, because my mother is an alumnus and because the Barrett food was incredible.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“The independence is what excites me the most. Cliché, yes, but it is absolutely vital to getting the most out of college, or so I have heard.”

Any fears?
“I have no crippling fears. Spiders kinda give me the heebie-jeebies, but that's it.”

Maroon or gold?
“Why not both? Maroon and Gold always need to be together!”

Hailey Cohan is from Austin, Texas, where she graduated from Lake Travis High School. She’s the first Sun Devil in her family and will be majoring in biology and society.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“University of Texas, Texas Christian University and Texas A&M.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because I love the campus, I like how much support and help there is and it was a good fit for what I wanted. The scholarship also helped.”

What is your dream?
“My dream is to get accepted into med school and work with doctors without borders and work with children, especially those who are underprivileged and suffering.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“Now that I'm in college I'm most excited about working towards this dream in a real way. I also like all the lovely new friends and opportunities.”

Any fears?
“Hard classes, no sleep, difficulty meeting people with the hard classes and eating too much in the Barrett dining hall.”

Hannah Dickens, from Tempe, Ariz., attended McClintock High School. She’s majoring in journalism at the Downtown Phoenix campus – and her twin brother is also a Sun Devil, studying at the Tempe campus.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I didn’t apply anywhere else because I knew I wanted to go to ASU.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“The journalism program is considered the best and this is where I want to be.”

What is your dream? “I don’t know yet, but I’m hopeful that college will help me find out.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m really excited there are so many new experiences ahead of me and so many new people I get to meet. Basically it’s a whole new playing field.”

Any fears?
“It’s strange to be away from my family and trying something new.”

Indigo Coady graduated from Marcos De Niza High School in Tempe, Ariz., and is studying supply chain management.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I didn't look at any other schools. I knew I was going to be in W. P. Carey and Barrett, so it was ASU from the very start.”

Are any of your other family members Sun Devils?
“My parents met here, so I was raised on ASU.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I'm in Barrett, the Honors College, so it's nice to have those connections and start networking early on.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon.”

Jacqueline Marie Harrison is from Scottsdale, Ariz., where she attended Desert Mountain High School. She’s a biology major with a focus in genetics, cell and developmental biology.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“ASU is the only school that I applied to because I knew that it was the school for me. My entire family has attended ASU and I am proud to continue the legacy.”

What is your dream?
“I hope to eventually become a pharmacist.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I am excited to take classes in the field of my interest and to get involved with my school.”

Any fears?
“I am worried about finding a way to balance work, school, friends and extracurricular activities.”

Jared Kisler is a Phoenix native and a biomedical engineering major.

Why did you choose ASU?
“I’m from the Phoenix area. Even though I would have liked to get away more, there is no reason to go anywhere else when there is such a good engineering school right down the street. And my dad went to ASU; he’s a CPA.”

Why did you choose biomedical engineering?
I chose biomedical engineering because I think it is very interesting. It’s a growing market with lots of opportunities and ASU is going to put me where I need to be. Recently I’ve been really interested in neuroscience. I did a research paper on it and that really sparked my interest.

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m excited about meeting new people, going to events and football games, and being on my own.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon.”

Jennifer Whitton is the third Sun Devil in her family. She is excited to start her time here at ASU and will be majoring in digital culture with a concentration in media processing. She also loves theater and is ecstatic that ASU Gammage is right in her backyard.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“NYU, USC, UCLA, U of A.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“It was the most affordable, the digital culture program and atmosphere of ASU is exactly what I am looking for. With my sister still finishing her degree (at ASU), I feel at home without being at home.”

Are any of your other family members Sun Devils?
“My oldest sister graduated from ASU in May of 2013 and I have a sister who is currently a junior at ASU.”

What is your dream?
“To write, direct, choreograph and design my own musical.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“Running on my own schedule. There’s so much more time to delve into everything that you like to do.”

Maroon or gold?
“Always going for the gold!”

Jess Simpson is from Cave Creek, Ariz., and graduated from Cactus Shadows High School. She’s majoring in English literature and will be adding museum studies as a double major. Jess dreams of living and working abroad, possibly in a museum in England.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I also considered Northern Arizona University for their English program and the beautiful weather. But I decided on ASU as my home, and that’s all that matters, right?”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because I know the campus well and have been to many events here. I always loved the atmosphere and energy of the Sun Devils. Besides, there is just no way I could stand Tucson or wearing red and blue all the time.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I am very excited for the opportunities that I will have here that weren’t available to me in high school. The opportunities – social, academic and community wise – are incredible. I have always been told to utilize every resource I can and I fully intend to do that here at ASU.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon. Despite it being a little uncomfortable to wear in the summer months, it is a really flattering and warm color for fall and winter.”

Jonathan Wasserman is from Scottsdale, Ariz., where he attended Horizon High School. He’s majoring in physics and is a student at Barrett, the Honors College.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“Brandeis University, Tufts University, College of William and Mary, George Washington University, and Occidental College.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“It was a sound financial decision. ASU and Barrett Honors College are great institutions that offer great opportunities at a lower cost.”

Are any of your other family members Sun Devils?
“Yes. My older sister Hannah Wasserman was a dual mathematics-statistics and economics major, and graduated in May 2012. She is currently serving in the Israeli army. My older brother, Gabriel Wasserman, is a senior majoring in mathematics at Barrett. All three of us are proud Sun Devils.”

What is your dream?
“I want to go to law school. I am interested in criminal law and spent the last year interning with a criminal defense lawyer.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“During the departmental welcome, we were given a tour of the labs. It was very exciting for me to see all the equipment that I’d be using to further my knowledge of physics. I am excited about delving deeper into the subject.”

Any fears?
“I feel that I am behind some of my classmates in terms of an advanced knowledge of physics, but ASU offers opportunities to catch up, so I’m not too worried about that. I'm also determined to meet different people and expand my social group.”

Jorge Olivas is from Sonora, México, where he attended high school at Colegio de Bachilleres del Estado de Sonora, in Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico. He’s the first in his family to go to college and is majoring in geological sciences through the School of Earth and Space Exploration.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“[I was accepted at] Midwestern State University (Texas), James Madison University (Virginia), The University of Arizona (Arizona).”

Why did you choose ASU?
“It was my dream to study at ASU since the first time I saw the Tempe campus.”

What is your dream?
“To travel and work around the world.”

Any fears?
“Just cobra snakes, but there are not too many around here - I hope so.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon.”

Josh Rash is majoring in aerospace engineering. He comes to ASU from Yuma, Ariz., where he graduated from Yuma High School, and is transferring from Arizona Western College, where he received a degree in welding.

Why did you choose ASU?
“ASU was my only choice. Simply put, I think it has the best engineering school in this region of the country. I think it offers a more multifaceted education. You can go into mechanical, chemical, aerospace and a lot of other areas of engineering. There are more choices than at a lot of other places.”

What is your dream?
“I have a lot of dream careers. One would be working for the Department of Defense. But I also wouldn’t mind being a racecar engineer, engineering Formula One racecars or something along those lines.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m mostly just excited about finally getting things going and starting classes.”

Maroon or gold?
“Gold.”

Julia Nedza was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., but lived in Fredericksburg, Va., before attending ASU. She is the second Sun Devil in her family and is excited to begin her studies in digital culture with a concentration in film.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I was accepted into Virginia Tech and Florida State University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I decided to attend ASU based upon the variety of classes available in the digital culture program and the academic scholarship that was offered.”

Are any of your other family members Sun Devils?
“My oldest brother graduated from ASU in 2011 and now attends VCU Medical School.”

What is your dream?
“I really want to graduate from ASU and continue my education towards a master’s degree in the division of film.”

Maroon or gold?
“Gold! It’s the color of first place and achievement.”

Karen Mier is a Phoenix native who attended North High School. She’s a first generation college student and will be majoring in political science.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I considered going to Yale, Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“It has a great academic environment and it offers many opportunities.”

What is your dream?
“I dream to be someone who brings a positive change to my community and the people around me.”

Maroon or gold?
“Both! Go Sun Devils!”

Kristina McDonald is from Austin, Texas and attending Barrett, the Honors College at ASU, with the intent to get a concurrent degree in both dance and kinesiology.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“Chapman University, University of Texas and Texas A&M.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because I got accepted into all of the various programs I want to be a part of; because Barrett allows it's students to receive the ‘best of both worlds’ – giving a private school atmosphere in the middle of a very large campus; the scholarships I was awarded; and the beautiful palm trees!”

What is your dream?
“My current long term dream is to complete graduate school for physical therapy and specialize for dancers in that field. I hope to join with a traveling dance company helping to prevent and rehabilitate injuries for the dancers while getting to see the world.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I absolutely love the spirit here and how friendly everyone is, so I'm super stoked for football season and how intense games will be!”

Any fears?
“At first I was a little scared about making all new friends, being from out of state and all, but I quickly learned to just get involved – everyone's really friendly. So no, I don't really have any fears and I'm ready to take on whatever life throws at me, completing each challenge to the best of my ability. Positivity leads to success!”

Lauren Tomhave is a Barrett honors student from Shoreview, Minn. She is majoring in digital culture, with a concentration on interdisciplinary arts and performance.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I applied and got accepted into the University of Minnesota, Columbia College Chicago, University of North Dakota and Iowa State University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU for how amazing Barrett is. I wanted to be a part of a small community, but still be exposed to the large university feel. ASU beat all the other colleges I applied to because there is plentiful innovation, ample opportunity and so much school spirit!”

What is your dream?
“My unrealistic dream is to sing, act and model all my life. My realistic dream is to advance the entertainment industry with new technologies.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I am excited for all the new opportunities that will come my way, whether they be through clubs I join, classes I take or friends I make.”

Any fears?
“I fear that I may grow distant from some friends back home, but I look forward to making lots of new ones.”

Liz Gray is from St. Charles, Illi., where she attended St. Charles East High. She’s studying non-profit leadership management in the College of Public Programs.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“DePaul University in Chicago.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I wanted a very big change for my freshmen year. I wanted to experience a completely new environment, and I got what I wanted. It’s definitely not Illinois.”

What is your dream?
“My dream would be to work with an international organization in disaster relief.”

Maroon or gold?
“I’m going to go with maroon.”

Lizette Yslas hails from Tucson, Ariz., where she attended Salpointe Catholic High School. She comes to ASU as an animal physiology major. Though both of her parents hold degrees in business administration from UA, Lizzy is a proud Sun Devil.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I knew I was coming to ASU no matter what so I only applied here and got accepted into Barrett, the Honors College.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“Because I took a tour of Barrett and absolutely fell in love with the campus and it’s such an honor to be accepted to such a prestigious institution. I also plan on attending the Mayo Medical School-Arizona campus here in the Valley.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m super excited to meet so many new people and to start networking and getting to know my professors!”

What is your dream?
“I would love to be an orthopedic surgeon for a professional sports team here in the Valley.”

Marcus Ball hails from Columbus, Ohio, where he attended Westerville South High School. He’s majoring in business management and will play for Sun Devil Football as a safety this year.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I was accepted to numerous schools, but my decision came down to ASU, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Michigan.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“One tremendous thing – a determined head coach who is dedicated to getting the best out of me, whether it’s on the field, in the classroom or around the community. That dedication runs all the way through the staff and to everyone who is a part of the team.”

What is your dream?
“To be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“To start the football season and begin our journey to a national championship!”

Maroon or gold? br> “Gold.”

Maria Sciacca is from Tucson, Ariz., where she attended University High School. She comes to ASU as a psychology and criminology major, and is proud to be the first Sun Devil in her family.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“My biggest decision was between George Mason University and ASU. I was also considering University of the Pacific, University of California San Diego, University of Southern California and San Diego State University.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because of all the schools that I was accepted to, ASU recognized my academic accomplishments the most. I felt that the school was genuinely sincere about wanting me here.”

What is your dream?
“My dream is to be working for the behavioral unit of the FBI, or if all else fails, I’d love to be working somewhere in the fashion industry.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I am most excited about living through all the new experiences. From making new friends to growing into a independent person.”

Any fears?
“I would say that my only fear is not finding my niche, somewhere that I not only fit, but also enjoy being in.”

Maroon or gold?
“Maroon with gold glitter!”

Mark Williamson comes to ASU from Truckee Meadows Community College Magnet High School in Reno, Nev., where he accrued 56 college credits during his junior and senior year. He’ll be studying astrobiology at the School of Earth and Space Exploration.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I considered and got accepted to Montana State University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because the teacher reviews were the best here, and I could also move close to family.”

What is your dream?
“My dream is to be part of a mission to land a rover on the surface of Europa, an icy moon of Jupiter, and see what we could find beneath the surface.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I am mostly excited to take classes that focus on a topic that I am passionate about.”

Maroon or gold?
“Gold, simply because it can only be created from the extraordinarily violent explosion that is the death of a giant star.”

Mary-Victoria Hickcox is a Tempe, Ariz. native, having attended Tempe High School before she came to ASU to major in global health & pre-med. She’s a first-generation college student and plans to show her school spirit every week: “You will see me in gold every Friday!”

Why did you choose ASU?
“I chose ASU because, like my high school, it is extremely diverse and has something for everyone. I was accepted to a few other schools, but because I am from Tempe I knew I would always end up here!”

What is your dream?
“My dream after graduation is to join the Peace Corps and then continue on to osteopathic medical school and eventually become an emergency medical physician in the Air Force.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I am most excited to grow personally, experience new things and study abroad. I am even more excited to receive an education from one of the most innovative and sustainable universities in the nation.”

Any fears?
“Of course – but none of them are going to stop me from achieving my dream of a college education and pursuing my dream!”

Mason Long from Phoenix, Ariz., attended Moon Valley High School. He’s majoring in psychology and dreams of becoming a police officer.

Why did you choose ASU?
“I wanted to stay in Arizona. I got some scholarship money, which helped firm up my decision.”

Are you the first in your family to attend college?
“My older brother and sister have gone to college.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“Learning more about the field of psychology.”

Any fears?
“None yet!”

Mckenzie Grossman is from Manhattan Beach, Calif., where she attended Rolling Hills Preparatory for high school. Though her major is undecided right now (exploratory) she’s thinking about going into kinesiology. She’s also on this year’s women’s soccer team.

What other schools did you consider or get accepted to?
“I was considering Ohio State until I realized how cold it was. I also liked Santa Barbara because it was close to home and I love the beach.”

Why did you choose ASU?
“ASU had a different feel to me. I thought it was a great soccer program and I really liked how well the girls got along. I also really liked the school spirit.”

What is your dream?
“My dream would be to graduate from ASU, become a physical therapist and work for a sports team or open a private practice.”

What are you most excited about now that you are at college?
“I’m really excited about meeting new people and having a great college experience. I want to have a place to call mine; when I talk to people I want to be able to say, 'Yeah I’m an ASU Sun Devil,’ and just have that sprit and take it with me everywhere.”

Any fears?
“I am scared of getting bad grades. I’ll just take it one day at a time and not think about what I’m afraid of.”