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PAST ISSUES

by Arikka Knights
Exchange Staff 

AK: Where are you from?

NZ: Johnston, RI

AK: What brought you to Franklin Pierce?

NZ: Franklin Pierce was the only school I applied to. I wanted to come here because it was small and I liked the environment. When I visited, I felt like I was supposed to go here, so I just didn't apply anywhere else. 

AK: I know that you are heavily involved with the community service department here on campus; can you tell me a little bit about your responsibilities?

NZ: I am a Reality Check coordinator. I do a lot of research to make sure all statistics for reality skits are up to date, call schools to try to schedule shows, fill out van requests, write some of the newer scripts, and help director, Chirssy Altieri, as much as I can.

AK: Why did you join Reality Check?

NZ: Reality Check was the first group I joined on campus, I saw them at orientation and knew I wanted to do it.

AK: Is Reality Check the only program you are involved with?

NZ: This semester, the only other program I am involved with is Kitty Rescue, I don't have time for anything else!  

AK: Why is community service important to you?

NZ: I never did community service in high school because it wasn't required. I came here and realized it's just fun and I like the idea of being able to help people. It's also a good way to meet new people. It's a commitment, but I like it.

AK: what other activities are you involved with on campus?

NZ: In the past I was a co-director for Invisible Children.

AK: What is your major?

NZ: I just changed to biology from anthropology. So, now I will have a minor in chemistry and anthropology.

AK: What is your plan after graduation?

NZ: I want to go to med school at hopefully Brown University. After my residency is done, I want to go to Africa and work at AIDS outreach clinics. When I do my residency it will probably be in infectious diseases, and AIDS will fall under that category.

AK: You have interesting plans for your senior thesis for you biology major...and can you tell me a little more about that?

NZ: I want to go to Africa the summer between my junior and senior year. I want to go to different regions to do a quantitative survey about how much people there know about AIDS, the educational programs they have, and whether they are provided with condoms or other preventative methods from government. I want to compare those findings to the rate of AIDS in the certain areas and see if there is a correlation. I really want to go to Uganda, possibly to South Africa, Ghana, Mozambique.  

AK: What inspired you to become interested in AIDS and going to Africa?

NZ: During my freshman year I was a member of the anthropology club where we were shown the Invisible Children documentary. It was  then that I decided I wanted to get involved and research more about the AIDS epidemic. I realized how bad it was, and I wanted to help.

AK: What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome since you have been here at Franklin Pierce?

NZ: I think the hardest thing I have had to do was accept the fact that I am going to go to medical school. I guess, I never though I was smart enough, so I had to gain some confidence and accept that that is something I really want to do.

AK: Would you say your friends or family influence these choices the most?

NZ: My family isn't overly supportive of this idea, but my friends are very supportive and gave me that extra little push to make final decision. Bob Goodbye was my anthropology advisor and Susan Arruda is my current advisor and they have both been very encouraging and helpful in making that decision.

AK: Is there one person who has inspired you the most?

NZ: Invisible Children was founded by 3 college students…Bobby Bailey, Jason Russell, and Laren Fitzgerald Poole… They created the invisible children documentary and founded the organization. They did a lot just being college students and I figured that if they can do all of this than I should be able to help too.

AK: Between classes, volunteering, and everything else, what do you like to do for relaxation?

NZ: I hang out with my friends, a lot of times we sit back and watch movies. We also do yoga booty ballet which is a lot of fun! I also play the clarinet, baritone sax, tenor sax, and alto sax… I don't get to play often because I am so busy.

AK: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

NZ: I have made a lot of big changes in my life and decided to do all of these things but when it comes down to it, I haven't changed who I am.

AK: We have to have a few fun facts… what is your favorite food?

NZ: Tuna!

AK: Favorite singer?

NZ: Either jack Johnson or Rob Thomas.

AK: Favorite movie?

NZ: I am a Lord of the Rings geek!  

AK: Favorite actor or actress?

NZ: Dominic Monaghan...he plays Merry in Lord of the Rings and Charlie in Lost…the best TV series ever!

AK: What legacy would you like to leave when you are finished with your four years here at pierce?

NZ: I want people to remember me as the type of person who is willing to do anything I can and willing to help people out… I am just a happy-go-lucky type of person that is active on campus.

AK: Do you have any advice for other students wishing to get involved on campus?

NZ: Come by the community service office. We have stuff for everybody! Its not the same as a club, but it is still a good time. You get to need new people, interact with others, while learning a lot about yourself in the process.

AK: Anything else you would like to add?

NZ: As long as people have a positive outlook on life and on their goals, no matter what happens and no matter what they are going through, they will be able to make it.

To learn more about invisible children check out their website www.invisiblechildren.com

To learn more about Reality Check, check out http://eraven.franklinpierce.edu/commservice/rc.htm