Hometown: Rockton, Ill.

Major: Business Economics

How the Porter Scholars Program helped her: I didn’t want to go to Beloit at first because it’s so close to home, but I did the Porter Scholars Program in high school and I really liked it. It’s a way for high school students to take classes at Beloit. First you apply to the program and then you apply to the college and if you get in, you can take classes for free. I took Principles of Economics and Intro to Psychology. It was really intimidating at first but definitely worth it. I also got the prerequisites I needed to take upper level econ classes when I got here in the fall.

What she likes about Beloit: I like that there’s always something to do here. I was a little worried about that before I came because it’s a small school, but some weekends you have to choose between all the different things going on. It’s so easy to be involved. I just started volunteering with Todd Reading Club. We go once a week on Mondays. For the first half you read with your buddy and then all the kids work on a play to get them excited about reading. It’s really fun. And even though Beloit is small, you still meet new students every day.

Why she chose her major: I was really involved in Future Business Leaders of America in high school. I knew I wanted to major in business but Beloit doesn’t have a business major, so I chose business economics. Right now I’m taking Microeconomics, Energy & Environmental Economics, Anthropology Society and Culture, and my FYI (First-Year Initiatives Seminar). My favorite class is probably anthropology because it’s really different. I came from a high school with not a lot of diversity, so it’s interesting to learn about other cultures.

 What she does when not in class: I heard about the BIFF  (Beloit International Film Festival) internship opportunity from my friend who did it. She actually got hired by BIFF right after she graduated. I decided to interview because it seemed like a good opportunity, and I was told I got it right away. Right now there’s not a lot to do because the festival doesn’t happen until February. I’ve been Skyping with another intern in New York to plan. We will be responsible for contacting filmmakers who have been chosen to be in the festival and making sure their hospitality needs are taken care of when they arrive in Beloit.

Why she loves her internship:
I’m excited to see all the people that come to Beloit for the festival. Interns can watch all the films before they’re decided on and before they’re shown to the public. We get to have input.