W&M Blogs
A peek into the lives of those who learn, teach, research and work at the College.
A Final Welcome
April 22, 2013 by Admission Ambassador
WELCOME CLASS OF 2017!
We are so excited to have you here. For those of you I didn’t meet on Day for Admitted Students (DFAS) I look forward to getting to know you a little better in the fall.
Before making this post, I was going to attempt to write a long list of different pieces of advice for all freshmen over their 4 years here. While that may be possible, I think it is better to be simple and say: just be you.
I was certainly nervous coming to college. How do I meet new people? What if everyone on my freshman hall is weird? Worst of all … what if I was the weird one? These questions and others streamed in and out of my mind as move-in day occurred. Then it hit me…
All of this won’t matter. If you just act like yourself, get involved with activities you love, and be a little open-minded, you will have the time of your life at W&M—I guarantee it. Have you ever wanted to play water polo but never had the opportunity? We have that here. Have you always wanted to audition for a play but was too scared? Do it. Have you ever wanted to research a certain subject, but didn’t know how to start? Our professors can help.
College is a new beginning, a fresh start—embrace that!
See you in the fall, ya’ll!
-John A.
Greetings and Goodbyes
April 22, 2013 by Admission Ambassador
As a senior at William & Mary my time is oh so very quickly dwindling. Currently, we have one full week of classes left until the whirlwind of final exams and graduation. I honestly can’t believe it has flown by this fast and I am so jealous of you all, the class of 2017, because you are just starting out on your adventures with W&M, while my chapter is coming to a close.
I know you have heard this at least 100 times by now, but congratulations class of 2017, you did it! The excruciating application process is done, there are no more Saturday mornings of standardized testing, no more forms to fill out or essays to write—it is truly time the to celebrate! So welcome, welcome to a place that I have come to truly call home in the last four years. Welcome to a place that will challenge you to become a better student, a better friend, a better person. Welcome to a place I love, a place I hope you will learn to love as well.
Of course I feel like it is my right, or duty to pass on at least one piece of wisdom to you. Here it goes … EMBRACE William & Mary and William & Mary will EMBRACE you. Take advantage of the multitude of opportunities offered by this wonderful institution: do research, study abroad, join clubs and organizations, play sports, go to shows and musicals, GET INVOLVED!! Let this process begin in your freshman dorm, don’t be afraid to wander around the halls wrecking havoc and introducing yourself to others, you never know who will become your best friends and make all the difference to your college experience (shout out: YATESMATES love!).
-Rebecca Avison
Overheard in Transfer Committee — It’s Your Turn Transfer Applicants
April 18, 2013 by Admit It!
Admit It! transfers, you’re ready for it to be your turn for all of the committee excitement. Well that time has come. We began committee deliberations for fall transfer applicants this afternoon! Who’s excited? We know we are. We’ve spent the past few months reviewing your applications and learning your stories. Now it’s time to decide who joins the classes of 2015 and 2016. So without further ado…
Overheard in Transfer Committee: It’s nice to see she’s making her way through the GERs.
What the heck does that mean you ask? Well it means that the student who we were reviewing was taking a good assortment of classes across the curriculum. William & Mary is a liberal arts university. We don’t hide from that. In fact, we’re quite proud of it. Yes we understand that college is a time that you get to specialize and take the classes you’re super interested in. But we also know there’s value in studying diverse subjects, in being pushed outside of your comfort zone, in approaching learning from a variety of pedagogies. So here at W&M we have a system of General Education Requirements or GERs which ensure that all students at least get their feet wet in a broad variety of subjects before they graduate.
The particular applicant we were reviewing was hoping to transfer to W&M as an incoming junior. We of course assume that the farther along you are in college, the more you’ll want to spend your time at W&M focusing on your major(s) or minor. So we were glad to see that she had taken classes that would transfer to W&M as fulfilling most of our GERs. That way, once at W&M, she really could pick and choose her classes instead of worrying about a variety of graduate requirements. In other words, she could spend the bulk of her time at W&M in the departments in which she was most interested. And it was specific W&M academic departments that in fact attracted her to W&M in the first place. That’s what we would all call a win-win right?
Certainly transfer students do not have to fulfill every single GER prior to transferring. However, W&M freshmen and sophomores certainly take several if not most of their GER classes during their first few years on campus. Therefore, we like to see prospective transfer students behave similarly. What we don’t always like to see is transfer students who are clearly taking only the classes they really like and who are in fact avoiding the classes that are outside their comfort zone (for example the English major who’s avoiding science courses or the math major who’s avoiding history courses). Being challenged is a good thing. Being liberally educated is a good thing. This applicant was doing a good thing.
So transfer applicants, continue with us on this journey. Committee will last for several more days, and we’ll have another “Overheard in Committee” blog for you before it’s all said and done.
Wendy Livingston ’03, M.Ed. ‘09
Associate Dean of Admission
Rowing at St Andrews
April 15, 2013 by Andrew Schwieder
One of the activities that I picked up at William & Mary was rowing and I loved it. Coming to St Andrews there is a bit of a difference. We have to row in Perth which is about an hour away by car (which I also drive sometimes…on the wrong side of the road) and the weather is not really conducive to rowing. Some days it will literally be snowing while we’re on the water and the water could potentially be frozen if it wasn’t moving. Then there is also the fact that we don’t have a dock, not at all, if you want to row you have to walk yourself into that freezing water to launch the boat.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are definitely perks too. Over spring break we took a trip to Kastoria, Greece where we got to train at a facility that has produced several world class rowers in recent years. We rowed basically right into the town, nestled in between several breathtaking mountains. Plus our hotel had a spa—yes the trip was amazing. Then we were also supposed to get the opportunity to row on the Thames but snow and wind cancelled the race. There are also the weekly socials on Wednesday where all sports teams meet up in the Student Union in their respective uniforms and go berserk. (The rowing onesie may be revealing but at least it isn’t a Speedo.) And of course, Thursday morning practice isn’t tough enough if you’re not nursing a hangover.
A Trip To Williamsburg Isn’t Complete Without…
April 12, 2013 by Admission Ambassador
A blog series from your Admission Ambassadors…
Now that the weather is FINALLY starting to get a little warmer (come on, Virginia!) here is a list of my favorite things to do in Williamsburg during the springtime.
- Colonial Williamsburg. This answer may sound a bit cliche, but Colonial Williamsburg is absolutely gorgeous in the spring. When it starts to get cooler, one of my favorite things to do is wake up early—not too early of course, and jog down Duke of Gloucester (DoG) Street. Last year, a few of my friends in my a cappella group would head over to the lawn on the Governor’s Palace most Fridays and eat a Cheese Shop Picnic.
- The Farmer’s Market. Although I have only been once or twice, the Farmer’s Market takes place most Saturdays on DoG Street. Check it out for some great vendors—crafts, foods and more!
- Busch Gardens. If you haven’t ever been (a surprising number of W&M students haven’t gone!) GO! Busch Gardens is a fun, clean (as far as amusement parks go) way to spend your Saturday when the temperatures get a bit warmer. Most of the time, the Student Assembly on campus holds a W&M Day at Busch Gardens where students get half price off tickets!
- Fridays at 5. These are one of my favorite events in the Spring. Alma Mater Productions (AMP for short) puts on concerts each Friday at 5 on the Sadler Terrace. It is a great way to de-stress from work and welcome the fun of the upcoming weekend.
- Screen on the Green. Another AMP event! Screen on the Green is a large event held on the Sunken Garden from W&M students. AMP provides snacks (popcorn, cotton candy, drinks) and always shows two popular movies. Some of my best times at W&M have come from hanging out with my friends at Screen on the Green!
-John
Going Global
April 12, 2013 by Chuck Bailey
Last week the William & Mary Geology department played host to a group of international geoscientists that descended upon Williamsburg from Japan and Oman. They were at William & Mary to attend the 3rd Critchfield Conference which focused on the Indian Ocean Basin: Navigating the 21st Century Marine Silk Road. Prior to their conference duties, we had the good fortune to rope them into delivering seminars in the Geology department and meeting with geology students.
A North Polar view. This is about the only perspective in which Akita, Nizwa, and William & Mary can be seen all together! Great circle distance from Akita to Williamsburg = 10,700 km, from Nizwa to Williamsburg = 11,800 km.
Professor Toshio Mizuta, the former director of the International Center for Research and Education on Mineral and Energy Resources (ICREMER) at Akita University, Japan discussed his research on Kuroko-type massive sulfide deposits. Professor Takashi Uchida, Professor of Earth Science and Technology at Akita University, presented an overview talk on non-conventional energy resources such as gas hydrates. Collectively, their talks highlighted some new frontiers of mineral and energy exploration. As a mineral resource-limited island nation, Japan has focused much effort on seafloor mapping in a quest for discovering new resources.
University of Nizwa Professor Al-Ghafri in a clip from a Discovery Channel feature on the aflaj system in Oman.
Professor Abdullah Al-Ghafri of the University of Niwza, Oman delivered a seminar to a packed house that focused on his research on Aflaj, an ancient water management system used in arid regions through the world. Later this year I will be starting a geologic research project in Oman and Dr. Al-Ghafri will play a key role in helping me build connections with other Omani scientists. There were also representatives from the Oman embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in attendance.
Geology is a science in which both time and place are important, and as such the Geology Department is well positioned to forge ahead into the realm of international education and research. In the not-so-distant future, we aim to run a geology and environmental field study program in Oman. A joint field trip with Japanese faculty and students to Alaska to explore base-metal deposits is also a possibility. Exciting times ahead.
A Trip To Williamsburg Isn’t Complete Without…
April 11, 2013 by Admission Ambassador
A blog series from your Admission Ambassadors…
MUST EATS:
- Paul’s Deli – a local bar and restaurant that I have memories from since my days in baby W&M cheerleading uniforms and Green & Gold club t-shirts. Located on Scotland St. right across from campus, Paul’s Deli is a local favorite to watch big sports games or to see old college friends. Their Italian Sub and Hot Holly are to die for.
- The Cheese Shop – just a must eat. I think saying “Cheese Shop” to any student or local will initiate Pavlovian responses unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Get the Virginia Ham. You won’t regret it.
- Sno-To-Go – not just shaved ice. It’s a snow cone but BETTER. It will solve any worries you may have from April to October. And if you really want to make your dreams come true, ask for it stuffed and then thank me later.
- Five Forks Café – definition of off the beaten path. Make the trip down Route 5 for this heavenly Southern food. This is that Sunday-after-church food that makes your soul feel good, but you get to eat it whenever you want! If you don’t want to venture out to try it, try Honey Butter’s off Monticello. (owned by the same people. The menus are only a little different.)
- Pierces Pit Bar-B-Q. I don’t even have anything else to add. I think that says enough.
MUST DOS:
- Visit the Parkway Beaches. When people say go to your happy place. I actually go here. College Creek is a good one and so is Yorktown, at the end of the Parkway. Yorktown has some great shops and diners to grab food too. Ben & Jerry & Kelley- yes please.
- Take a trip to the Prime Outlets. I know saying this makes me sound like a stereotypical girl, but I’m okay with that if it gets me 20% off. Also, most stores give you a 15% additional student discount. You get to go to William & Mary and J.Crew rewards you for it? Um, I can live with that.
- CW Mug. This may be the best advice I ever give to incoming students. In Colonial Williamsburg, at the Taverns and canteens, you can buy a mug for ten dollars and get unlimited refills for an entire calendar year. Not only are you getting free drinks, but also soft serve ice cream for a whole year. ROOT BEER FLOATS ARE THE KEY TO MY HEART.
- Ride the Ferry. Our Ferry leaves from Jamestown Island and deposits you on the other side of the James River in Surry. Surry has some of the best diners and will make your heart happy. You can also find strawberry farms that let you pick your own strawberries. YUM.
- Go Ape. But seriously. Go Ape! A high ropes course designed to let your inner primate out. Take the family to the park off of Centerville Road and test your limits.
-Kelley
A Trip to Williamsburg Isn’t Complete Without…
April 11, 2013 by Admission Ambassador
A blog series from your Admission Ambassadors…
Duke of Gloucester Street, or DoG Street as we locals refer to it, is a must-see in Williamsburg. There are dozens of historical shops, exhibits, and restaurants along the street that are open for the entire community. I always love stopping at the Capital at the end of the DoG Street, as well as at the printing shop, where I get to watch a colonial man use an old printing press machine. All of these different sites definitely give tourists an understanding of life in the colonial era. However, hands down, my favorite place in Williamsburg is the maze behind the Governor’s Palace. I used to come to Williamsburg every summer with my family, and my sister and I would spend hours running around the maze. Even my parents enjoyed going through the maze with us! It is definitely a fun and enjoyable part of the Colonial Williamsburg experience that all visitors should take advantage of.
After spending a long day at Williamsburg, you will need to find a good place to eat! Williamsburg has a plethora of wonderful places to dine right across the street from Colonial Williamsburg. One of my favorite places to grab a warm hot chocolate or a tasty tuna sandwich is Aroma’s. Aroma’s is a cute, relaxing, and cozy place to grab something light and enjoy the soothing ambiance. If you are looking for a little more of an upscale experience then I recommend the Blue Talon. This restaurant is right across the street from Aroma’s and has a fantastic assortment of entrees! You can’t go wrong with the French onion soup or macaroni and cheese at the Blue Talon! And if you simply want a quick snack to munch on then you need to go to the Peanut Shop! There are dozens of free samples throughout the store and I guarantee you will fall in love with something you try. Eventually, you’ll probably end up buying some amazing Virginia peanuts to take home with you. These are just a few of my favorite places in Williamsburg. Although it’s small, the city has plenty of variety for people to explore!
-Grace
X is for (Ted)x(CollegeofWilliamandMary)
April 11, 2013 by Bailey Thomson
Greetings from Johannesburg, South Africa, where fall has officially begun! While the College is getting warmer and the Sunken Garden is filling up with sun-soaked students, I am turning on my space heater and bundling up in my cottage. I often wish I could just move from place to place following summer on its annual journey across the globe.
Three Spark Ferndale Primary School students on our playground.
Since I last posted, we opened a school! On January 14, Spark Ferndale Primary School opened its doors, and three months later, we are going strong! The school serves 161 students and their families and employs 9 incredible educators. Our students hail from across Johannesburg; they are eager to learn, absolutely hilarious, and so kind. Our teachers are hard working, mission driven, do-what-it-takes educators committed to their students. I continue to be grateful to serve on the eAdvance team, a visionary crew with a no-excuses attitude. The second school term (of four) began this week, and we are in the midst of celebrating our students’ academic and personal progress from last term. That’s a very short way of saying much has happened since I posted in October, and I have much to be proud of and thankful for.
Practicing my talk in Brinkley Commons at Miller Hall the day before TedxCollegeofWilliamandMary.
During school term holidays, I had the opportunity to return to the United States for about ten days. I spent half the time in California, where I visited friends in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Oakland, and San Jose. I also got to see and teach my former students at Rocketship Mateo Sheedy Elementary School during two afternoons. Then, I flew to Richmond, Virginia for the last half of the trip. There, in addition to spending time with family, I had the privilege of speaking at TedxCollegeofWilliamandMary, an independently organized TED event at the College.
Let me give you a peak inside my brain for a moment: I got to return to the place I love the most (the College) to speak at a conference licensed by my favorite “ideas organization” (TED) about the cause I am most passionate about (education reform) alongside the people I most respect (William & Mary students, alumni and professors). I was absolutely thrilled—and also seriously nervous.
The inaugural TedxCollegeofWilliamandMary speakers.
What I should have anticipated was that my talk was not even close to the highlight of my Tedx experience. My talk was the last in a 4 hours series of thought-provoking talks on innovation in storytelling, data-driven international aid, myth in religion, community engagement, gender equity and more. By the time my talk about education reform and habits of innovation came around, I felt like much of what I had to say had been expressed over the course of the afternoon by the other speakers. It’s a beautiful thing to feel like the essence of your ideas is also encompassed in the ideas of others. This community conscience – one that simultaneously values tradition and newness, and in all things, seeks to serve others – may be the William & Mary-est thing about William & Mary.
Go Tribe,
Bailey
A Trip To Williamsburg Isn’t Complete Without…
April 11, 2013 by Admission Ambassador
A blog series from your Admission Ambassadors…
1. A stroll down Duke of Gloucester (DoG) Street: I love being able to step off campus and take a walk through Colonial Williamsburg (CW). It is a great break from work and extracurricular activities, plus an opportunity for some fresh air is always a good idea. When my best friend from high school, Ella, comes to visit each year from Washington D.C., we always make it a priority to spend some time soaking up CW. Our favorite place is the colonial coffee house; the twenty-minute tour includes information about what the coffee house was used for in the late-18th Century and a tasting of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. I always go for the hot chocolate; it’s delicious!
2. Tasting the samples at The Peanut Shop: The Peanut Shop offers countless types of nuts, particular all kinds of flavored peanuts. Everything is open for sampling, which makes for a really fun shopping trip. I always pick up a can of Virginia Honey Roasted Peanuts for my little sister; she can’t get enough of them. There are almost always students inside enjoying some free samples, plus students get a 10% discount with their ID. A stop at The Peanut Shop is a must when family or friends are in town!
3. Enjoying a Stuffed Snoball from Sno-to-Go: Sno-to-Go is a local dessert stand that offers tons of flavors of shaved ice ranging from Blue Raspberry to Frog in a Blender. Their specialty is layering the shaved ice with vanilla soft-serve, called a Stuffed Snoball. My family loves Sno-to-Go; we always make a stop when they’re in town. I even got my sister one of their signature t-shirts that reads, “Where it’s okay to eat yellow snow!” We will definitely make at least one stop during graduation weekend for old time’s sake and to beat the heat!
-Jordan