I t ’ s A l l A b o u t o u r P e o P l e

I s s u e 1 0

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

In this issue of FACES, Albright students reveal (among other stories) how they got through

one of the biggest crossroads of their life – choosing the right college and major for their

personality, talent and interests.

Sound familiar?

We know that the college search process can be a little daunting, but it’s also one of the

most exciting times of your life – and the perfect time to learn from the experiences of those

who’ve been through it all before.

“It’s okay to be a little afraid when you get to college, but don’t put up a barrier,” advises

biology and pre-med student Larryl Damon.

Good advice. In fact, when he first visited Albright, Larryl not only

toured the campus (as a prospective science major, he loved the

science building and lab facilities), he also actually met many of

his future professors. “After that visit, I was 99 percent sure I was

going to attend,” recalls Larryl.

F A s t F A C t s

Albright College was founded in 1856. Today, we’re a

nationally ranked, four-year liberal arts college.

W h e r e W e A r e

Albright’s 118-acre campus is tucked into a residential

neighborhood of Reading, Pa., a city of 80,000.

n One hour to Philadelphia n Two hours to Baltimore n Three hours to New York City and Washington, D.C.

W h o W e A r e

Albright students come from all over the world

to share their stories.

n 1,625 students n 28 states and 24 countries represented n 17% students of color n 8% international students

Here, you’ll work personally with amazing professors.

Our classes are small and interactive by design.

You see, our professors want to know more than

just your name. They will meet with you outside

of class to go over assignments or just to be there

to talk about your goals and how you’ll reach them.

They care about you. After all, that’s why they chose

to teach at Albright.

n 13:1 student/faculty ratio n Full-time faculty: 118

(See page 13 & 14 for more information.)

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Office of Admission Albright College Thirteenth & Bern Streets PO Box 15234 Reading, PA 19612-5234

Tel 800-252-1856 Tel 610-921-7700 Fax 610-921-7729 Email albright@alb.edu Web www.albright.edu

Larryl Damon ’11

[ C R O S S R O A D S ]

A l i t t l e m o r e A d v i c e

f r o m s t u d e n t s A t A l b r i g h t :

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For others, coming to a final decision took a little longer. Education

major, Taylor Murphy waited until May 1 to make her decision. “My

visit to Albright blew me away. I loved it. But I had previously thought

I wanted to go to a school in the city so it

took me a while to listen to my instincts,”

says Taylor. “Ultimately, it came down to the

strength of the education program. I am so

glad I made the decision I did.”

Whether students weigh all of the facts and figures (student to

faculty ratio, average class size, financial aid, etc.) or they simply

trust their gut (or better yet a combination of both) choosing a

college will, of course, boil down to one intensely personal decision.

“A pros and cons list really helps, but when you make your final

decision about college, make it for yourself,” says Taylor.

A l i t t l e m o r e A d v i c e

f r o m s t u d e n t s A t A l b r i g h t :

“breathe through it, and learn

to wait patiently,”says theatre major

Karina Grossman.

“cast a wide net and keep an open mind,”

advises marketing and international

business major, Michael Libor.

“don’t try to please everyone – and once you

get to college, pace yourself,” suggests music

and digital media major, David Smith.

”“i t ’s okay to be a l i t t le afra id

when you get to col lege,

but don’t put up a barr ier .

– Larryl Damon ’11

Get to Know the Faces of Albright... www.albright.edu/faces

Taylor Murphy ’13

Karina Grossman ’13

Michael Libor ’12

David Smith ’12

See our complete library of FACES as well as access all links referenced in this edition: www.albright.edu/Faces10

K A R I N A G R O S S M A NK A R I N A G R O S S M A N

3

class: 2013 major: Theatre/Music Business

hometown: Wilmington, Del.fun fact: Eats ice cream with a fork!

When Karina Grossman discovered an issue of Albright’s

FACES in her mailbox during her college search, something

clicked for the busy high school student. An actress and

dancer, (Karina studied Russian classical ballet since the

age of eight; don’t ask her how many times she performed

in The Nutcracker!), she could relate to the profiles of

students who were engaged in a number of (academic

and non-academic) activities and loving it.

“I remember one student talked about how he was

a swimmer and a singer and I thought, ‘Now, that’s

exactly what I want – to go to a place where I can do all

the things I love,’” says Karina.

Once at Albright, Karina didn’t hesitate. She not only

joined the choir, she fell in love (all over again) with

the theatre – and switched her major from education to

theatre and music business. She was cast in the first play she

auditioned for, Fish Out of Water. Last semester, she performed

in The Cherry Orchard by Chekhov. She was also recently

signed by Victor’s International, a talent agency out

of New Orleans, and is in the Honors Program.

Bravo!

“”

While I’m on stage, I try not to think. I just do.

Find out more about Karina & the latest Domino Players production: www.albright.edu/Karina

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L A R R Y L D A M O NL A R R Y L D A M O Nclass: 2011hometown: Bethlehem, Pa.major: Biology/Pre-med favorite class: General Biology

Metaphorically, you could say that the medical profession is in Larryl’s blood. As a high school student, he was already regularly organizing blood drives (even though he himself was under the required weight to donate). “We got as many as 100 people to donate in one drive,” remembers Larryl. Yet, it was well before high school that he knew he wanted to be a doctor.

“I was first inspired to be a doctor by my own pediatrician, an African-American woman,” says Larryl, “who showed me that, with time and effort, you can achieve anything.”

True to form, once at college, Larryl’s favorite course was one of the most notoriously difficult biology classes. “It’s kind of a weed-out class. I took it as proof that I could do it!” remembers Larryl.

More proof came at the advice of one of his professors when Larryl applied and was accepted into the Primary Care Scholars Program at Hershey Medical School (which included a week-long preceptorship in a nearby pediatric practice). There, he was able to shadow doctors – and watch how they diagnosed illnesses. “The doctors there were really down to earth. I learned so much!”

Larryl also found his top choice for medical school – Hershey Medical School. “It’s got a great family

atmosphere, just like Albright,” says Larryl.

Learn Larryl’s study secrets: www.albright.edu/larryl

”I guess I’m a geek. I really enjoy the library.

“

T A Y L O R M U R P H YT A Y L O R M U R P H Yclass: 2013 major: Elementary Education hometown: Nantucket, Mass.favorite class: “African Autobiography”

with Professor Mary Jane Androne

Keep up with Taylor and her life on campus: www.albright.edu/taylor

”

Taylor Murphy grew up on an island without any malls, neon lights or chain restaurants. “There was only one movie theatre in Nantucket!” she says. Torn between heading for college in the big city or staying close to her family, Taylor ended up doing neither. Instead, she received an e-mail from Albright College that prompted her to apply. Not long thereafter, she arranged for a visit.

“Albright really stood out. I especially loved the one-on-one tour which really gave me a sense of the place,” says Taylor.

It took the education major until the morning of May 1 to make her final decision. “I’ve always been indecisive, but the deciding factor was the strength of the education program – besides the fact that I totally fell in love with the campus.”

The oldest of four, Taylor admits she felt a little worried about living seven hours away from her family. “At first, it was hard but there was a lot of support. I really liked my dorm room and RA. And I stay in touch with everyone back home – through regular Sunday Skype sessions. I even taught my grandmother to Skype!” laughs Taylor.

I learned about so many cultures at Albright... it just expanded my world.

“5

R A C H A E L M c C O U N R A C H A E L M c C O U N class: 2011major: Fashion Merchandising/ Communications: Journalism favorite class: “All of my fashion classes.”

Rachael was 12 when she asked her mom for her very first Abercrombie and Fitch tee shirt. When she outgrew it, she had no intention of letting it go. Instead, she transformed the shirt into a stylish bag. That was around the time she bought her first sewing machine.

“I taught myself to sew,” says Rachael, who started refining her talent in a series of sewing classes and eventually made her own junior prom dress.

When she arrived to Albright as a transfer, it didn’t take long for Rachael to get involved. “The way I see it,” says Rachael, “I’m at Albright to have a great future.” She is a member of Club Vogue, and she writes for Seventh on 13th Street, the Fashion Department Newsletter. (Download the newsletter: www.albright.edu/Seventhon13thSt ).

During the fall, you are likely to find the stylish Phi Mu sorority sister in the football stadium. “If I were a guy, I would be playing football. I am a huge fan!” Rachael also spends her time with her sorority sisters, working (constantly) and being with her baby – a red brindle doxie puppy, who, other than football, is the love of her life.

”I want to have my cake... and eat it too.

“

6

What’s in fashion this season? Rachael’s got the 411: www.albright.edu/rachael

“

Miriah has always loved animals. But her enthusiasm for all creatures great and small hasn’t

always been pain-free. She still has a scar from the cat that scratched her on the cheek when

she was just a baby. Years later, when her Doberman set his sights on a squirrel, Miriah

(clinging to the leash) was dragged across four front yards in her neighborhood. Ouch!

Nevertheless, by the time she was in high school, Miriah began to focus

on science classes so that she could pursue a career in veterinary

medicine, the field she considers her calling.

Her interest in the field was reaffirmed when she shadowed

a veterinarian for an entire semester. “He taught me so much

about the animals. Towards the end, I even gave them shots

and prepped them for surgery. I still remember the heart

beating out of my chest kind of feeling the first time I gave

a shot to an animal.”

A volunteer for the ASPCA and ace softball player, Miriah

also sings with the choir. How does she manage her time?

“Actually, I’ve learned to manage my time a lot better

because of playing with the softball team. Studying hours

are crucial, and getting papers done a few days in advance

is the best way to go. You just can’t procrastinate.”

M I R I A H W I L S O NM I R I A H W I L S O N

7

“

”

Everyone is so supportive.We play as a team.We win as a team.

Keep up with goings-on on the softball field (and at the local Humane Society)… www.albright.edu/miriah

class: 2013major: Biology/Pre-Vet favorite class: Biology 201high school: South Western High School

hometown: Hanover, Pa.on Albright: “The people are so fun-loving! Everyone is willing to talk to you if you talk to them.”

A few of Miriah’s favorite things:

Sugar, spice, and all that’s nice...

but especially kittens and puppy dog tails.

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“i’ve always known i wanted to be a vet.”

C H E L S E A D A V I SC H E L S E A D A V I S

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class: 2013major: Elementary Education

hometown: Bridgeton, N.J. Advice: “Organize your time.”

.

At the age of five, Chelsea would line up her stuffed animals in their “classroom” (aka: her bed). After introducing herself as Miss Chelsea, she would read books to her attentive pupils for hours. Many years later, after considering careers in marine biology, journalism and fashion, Chelsea still feels drawn to education.

That interest probably stems from the aspiring teacher’s talent with (and true enjoyment of) young children. Chelsea remembers how satisfied she felt when she taught a very frustrated five-year-old how to master writing the letter “h” (she had him pretend the letter was a roller coaster and that clinched it for him.) “After that, I thought to myself I am definitely going into the right major,” remembers Chelsea.

The Coleman Scholar and active member of the Albright College Activities Council AC2 (Get the 411: www.albright.edu/AC2) actually had a difficult time adjusting to Albright herself. “College was so much more challenging than high school had been for me and I realized I had to adjust.”

Sitting down with her favorite professor gave Chelsea just the perspective she needed to map out a detailed game plan, and some great tips to follow on time management. “I bought a huge white board and scheduled study sessions for every subject. It really worked,” says Chelsea.

“My dad fell in love with Albright too. If he went back in time, he would probably go to Albright!”

Check-in with Chelsea for what’s new with AC2: www.albright.edu/chelsead

M I C H A E L L I B O R M I C H A E L L I B O R

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class: 2012 major: Marketing/International Business Activities: Rugby, POP, Alpha Sigma Phi

hometown: Willow Grove, Pa.

The Roman philosopher Seneca once stated that, “Travel and

change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” That was

certainly the experience of Albright junior Michael Libor,

who spent his junior year of high school living and studying

in Brazil.

“Brazil gave me my first taste of international travel, and

I came home a changed, more mature person,” says

Michael. “I loved the country and its people. They were

friendly, helpful and diverse. Come to think of it, they were

very similar to the people I’ve met here at Albright.”

Studying abroad influenced Michael to select a major in

marketing and international business. “Marketing is integral

to society because it helps businesses survive and, in turn,

stimulates our world economy,” Michael says. Michael plans on

working for an international company in a job that will allow him

to see the world.

For now, however, he feels very settled at Albright. In fact, not only

is he in the fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, he just became the junior class

secretary! “One tour of campus, and I fell in love with it,” he recalls. “There is

so much to do here, and the people really care. I found my place.”

”

If you want a friendly, close-knit and diverse community, Albright is your place.

“Find out about Greek life on campus from an insider… www.albright.edu/michaell

“”

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Make sure you keep growing. Keep an open mind.

D A V I D S M I T HD A V I D S M I T H

During his first year at Albright, David Smith recorded a song in his

dorm room (it was called “Marathon of Love”). It’s no wonder that

the poet and rapper is vice president of the Albright Songwriters

Organization! David doesn’t stop writing, whether it’s poetry or songs.

His philosophy on avoiding writer’s block? “It’s all about getting the

ideas flowing. It’s better to write something than nothing.”

Last semester alone, on top of classes, SGA Senate meetings,

serving as E-board representative for the Music and Entertainment

Industry Student Association (MEISA), XION Step Team practice and

the African-American Society (not to mention other student activities), David

recorded four songs in a friend’s room with a mike and a mixer.

“Albright has introduced me to things that I wouldn’t have given

a chance in high school, like going to a Broadway show or seeing

a Domino Players production. I like to remain open to new things.”

That openness (coupled with hard work and persistence) also landed

David an internship at a Philadelphia-based radio station over the summer

(WHPI: 100.3, 103.9 and 107.9). David will be helping at various events

on weekends, working in the office and in the studio. Lots of inspiration

for new songs…

class: 2012

major: Music Business

and Digital Media

hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.

favorite class: “Music Business”

with Professor Robin Zaremski

Advice for students entering college: “It’s important to relax and take

breaks, but always remember that the work you do here is going to

represent you when you graduate.”

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Find out how David avoids writer’s block and gets into the flow: www.albright.edu/davids

David brings it as part of Albright’s Xion Step Team. Get in step with Xion: www.Albright.edu/Xion

We offer more than 60 academic majors and programs.

AccountingAccounting, Economics & FinanceAfricana Studies 3 American CivilizationArtArt History 3

Arts Administration 3

Asian Studies 3

BiochemistryBio-cultural Anthropology 3

Biology n Biotechnology n General Biology

Business Administration n Economics n Finance n International Business n Management n MarketingChemistry n Environmental Chemistry n General ChemistryChild & Family Studies Communications n General Communications n Public Relations & AdvertisingComputer Science n General Computer Science n Information Systems

Crime & JusticeDigital Media 1

EconomicsEducation 1 n Art n Early Childhood n Elementary n Foreign Languages n Secondary n SpecialEnglishEnvironmental ScienceEnvironmental StudiesEuropean Studies 3

Fashion n Merchandising & Design n Fashion Design n Fashion Merchandising n Costume DesignFilm/Video 3 FrenchHistoryHolocaust Studies 3 International Relations 1

Latin American and Caribbean StudiesLegal Studies 3

Marine and Aquatic Science 3

Mathematics

1 Combinable major, which must be combined with another major. 2 Pre-professional program 3 Special program/minor

o u r P r o g r A m s o f s t u d Y

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T H E R I G H T R O A D = T H E R I G H T F I TT H E R I G H T R O A D = T H E R I G H T F I T

As the wisest college students know, finding the ideal college isn’t the same process for everyone. Your personal decision comes down

to finding the right fit for you – and should be based on your genuine interests and strengths.

But, personal doesn’t mean you should go at it alone.

In fact, a little bit of guidance travels a long way – and can provide you with clarity, quick access to important information and real support.

Think about the questions that matter most to you (that exercise alone might lead you to some profound answers).

And, don’t forget to ask them all. We’re here and happy to help.

TALK TO A COUNSELOR

Check out our web site to find the admission counselor who can

help you locate the information you need to select the right college:

www.albright.edu/Counselor

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants must submit an application, essay or graded paper,

academic transcript(s), counselor and teacher recommendations and

SAT or ACT test results (or have a test optional interview).

Transfer students can download an application or apply online:

www.albright.edu/Transfer

APPLICATION DATES

Freshmen Admission: March 1

Transfer Admission

Fall Semester: August 1

Spring Semester: December 15

FINANCIAL AIDNamed to Barron’s Best Buys in College Education, Albright College seeks to make the cost of a private education affordable through generous need-based financial aid awards and numerous merit-based scholarships and awards. For further information, please refer to our web site at www.albright.edu/FinancialAid

There, you will also find a link to a handy calculator that you can use now to estimate the cost of an Albright education. A little pre-planning always helps! https://albright.studentaidestimator.com

THE RIGHT PROGRAMS Finally, we’ve included information that might help you with your choice of major(s). We even offer an Alpha Program to help students who are undecided about a major. The way we see it, you don’t need to make all your decisions right away.

In terms of majors and programs, you name it and we’ve probably got it. We also have a January interim for students who are ready for some academic adventure beyond four classroom walls.

Fashion n Merchandising & Design n Fashion Design n Fashion Merchandising n Costume DesignFilm/Video 3 FrenchHistoryHolocaust Studies 3 International Relations 1

Latin American and Caribbean StudiesLegal Studies 3

Marine and Aquatic Science 3

Mathematics

Music Business 1

Optics 1

PhilosophyPhotography 3

PhysicsPolitical SciencePre-Dentistry 2

Pre-Law 2

Pre-Medicine 2

Pre-Veterinary Medicine 2

Psychobiology n Applied n Evolution & Animal BehaviorPsychology n Child DevelopmentPublic Administration & Policy Analysis 3

Religious Studies Sociology n Anthropology n Criminology n Family Studies n General SociologySpanishTheatreWomen’s and Gender Studies 1

CooPerAtIve ProgrAms WIth DuKe uNIversItY n Forestry n Environmental Science

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t A K e A c l o s e r l o o K A t A l b r i g h t o n l i n e

Visit our web site and discover more useful advice about

the Albright Experience – and get to know our people.

MEET THE FACES OF ALBRIGHT

www.albright.edu/Faces

HOME PAGE

www.albright.edu

GET THE FACTS

www.albright.edu/Facts

ALBRIGHT DOMINO PLAYERS

www.albright.edu/DominoPlayers

AC2 (ALBRIGHT COLLEGE ACTIVITIES COUNCIL)

www.albright.edu/AC2

XION STEP TEAM

www.albright.edu/Xion

POPs

www.albright.edu/POPs

CONTACT AN ADMISSION COUNSELOR

www.albright.edu/Counselor

TRANSFER APPLICATIONS

www.albright.edu/Transfer

FINANCIAL AID

www.albright.edu/FinancialAid

APPLY ONLINE

www.albright.edu/ApplyOnline

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/AlbrightCollege

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

www.twitter.com/AlbrightCollege

SEE US ON YOU TUBE

www.youtube.com/AlbrightCollege1856

VISIT ALL OF THESE LINKS FROM ONE PLACE

www.albright.edu/Faces10

WhAt Is A PoP ANYWAY?

No, we aren’t talking about your

grandfather or your dad. Actually POP

stands for Peer Orientation Person,

the students who run a special Albright

orientation program required for all

incoming freshmen and transfer students.

It is four days of good times according to students such as Rachael

McCoun (who later became a POP herself). The orientation is “just fun

and the POPs really helped me with the adjustment to college process.”

“I just loved orientation,” says Michael Libor. “You wake up early and

go to bed late. In between, things get a little loud and you really learn.

Best of all, you’ll meet friends that you will have for the rest of your life.”

POPs help incoming freshmen not only learn about Albright’s campus

through orientation, but in the program, new students develop lasting

friendships with both their peers and their POPs. “It’s really all about

helping people make connections,” Michael adds.

The POPs are a group of highly motivated student leaders selected,

interviewed and then trained to create and facilitate activities during

orientation and the Sneak Peek summer registration program.

Activities such as the “human knot” and “ride the pony” give new

students the opportunity to be themselves and relate to others. Many

students leave orientation wanting to be a POP themselves in order

to share their enjoyable experience at Albright College with future

incoming freshmen.

Get to Know the Faces of Albright... www.albright.edu/faces

At Albright, it’s all about our people. We’re on a mission to find students

who think for themselves, test the waters, work hard and explore the

world around them.

But don’t take our word for it. See what some of our students have

to say. In each edition of FACES, you’ll find real stories of real

Albright people with some very real dreams.

Go to www.albright.edu/Faces to find out more about the Faces of

Albright. You can read personal perspectives of each of the students

profiled in FACES – and even join our online social network.

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAidREADING, PA

PERMIT NO. 25Office of Admission Thirteenth & Bern Streets PO Box 15234 Reading, PA 19612-5234

Tel 800-252-1856 Tel 610-921-7700 Fax 610-921-7729 Email albright@alb.edu

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