Senior Circuit...Vanessa AntoineVanessa Antoine grew up in Flushing, N.Y., one of the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City and home of the New York Mets. When she started high school she moved to Columbia, S.C., and saw Wofford for the first time when her junior class visited on a college tour. She was hooked.
“I immediately fell in love with the campus because of its beautiful scenery and homey atmosphere,” says Antoine. “My guidance counselor encouraged me to apply, and after my interview for Wofford’s Scholars Day, I knew I was coming here.”
Antoine has been very active at Wofford.
“I am involved in several different organizations on campus, including Success Initiative, Association of Multicultural Students, Wofford Women of Color, Gospel Choir, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and I also tutor local elementary students in the Arcadia afterschool program.
A premed student and biology major, Antoine is currently dealing with the often difficult process of applying to med school.
“I am also considering taking a year off to do research before med school, because this summer I participated in a research program at Weill Cornell Medical college in New York and I have to say this was a life changing experience,” she says. “I gained a greater appreciation for the world of research.
She says her two favorite classes were taught by Dr. Robert Moss and Dr. Charlie Bass.
“I took Immunology with Dr. Moss last semester and I thoroughly enjoyed learning everything I co
uld about our body’s natural defense mechanisms,” she says. “I also enjoyed Organic Chemistry with Dr. Bass. He is a an amazing professor and he made organic chemistry very enjoyable, even in the summer.
“One thing I love about Wofford is the small intimate class sizes which makes it conducive to forming good relationships with you professors. There are about a dozen professors here that I have done that with, some whose classes I’ve taken and some not, and I truly appreciate them all. My advice to first year students is this: take advantage of your professors and form these relationships. This will not only make you a better student but also help you appreciate them more.”
She might also add to be prepared for some of their best memories this year.
“Some of my best memories were from my freshmen year,” she says. “I remember living on the ‘Lab coats’ hall and pulling all nighters with almost the entire hall. I formed friendships with all of those people that have lasted me through this year. Only instead of meeting in the common room on the first floor of Marsh to study, we meet in the Milliken Science Center.”