Allysa D.
Class of 2014
Ask Allysa a Question!Read my blog: Life Without Sound—Allysa D.
Follow me on Twitter: @JHU_Allysa
Hometown: Cream Ridge, NJ
Majors: Global Environmental Change and Sustainability, International Studies
Current residence: Off-campus
Past residence: Wolman Hall, Charles Commons
Campus involvement: Student Admissions Advisory Board, Hopkins Hosting Society, student worker for Admissions Office, Alpha Phi Sorority, teaching assistant in the Department of Public Health Studies
Why I chose Johns Hopkins: After visiting, I remember leaving Johns Hopkins thinking, "Wow, the students are such an amazing group of people." They all had passion and drive for learning and independence. That was a common thread I saw throughout all the students that I still see today. Our character is something that doesn't go unnoticed.
Favorite class: It’s so difficult to choose because I have taken so many great classes. But the first class that comes to mind is Contemporary International Politics, taught by Professor Steven David. I actually added this political science class last minute after several of my friends recommended it. It was a very reading-intensive class but the professor was absolutely amazing. Because of that class, I ended up declaring my international studies major and the professor is now my advisor!
The biggest difference between high school and Johns Hopkins that I have experienced: The biggest difference is coming from an all-girls school with 33 girls in my grade to a coed class of 1,275. Even more so, the class of 2014 alone is bigger than my entire school, from pre-school to 12th grade.
Favorite place on the Homewood campus: Mason Hall, home of Undergraduate Admissions. It's one of the most beautiful buildings on campus and I'm fortunate to be there almost 24/7 for my student worker job and SAAB!
Favorite Johns Hopkins memory: So far, it was Convocation. It is a huge formal ceremony that officially welcomes the freshman class. Just being there alongside with my classmates, I felt so honored and lucky to be able to attend a school like Johns Hopkins.
What I want to do with my major: Somehow I want to make a difference in our world. I want to work in developing countries and their governments. With my majors, I hope to focus on the environmental and social aspects of that certain country.
Three unusual things about myself:
- I am an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.
- I can't wink.
- I am profoundly deaf and sign language was my first language.
