Ciana Fe Gadut:

Sarina Simpson

Despite being a freshman in college, Sarina seems to have found her direction in life. We learned of her passion, the pursuit of becoming a criminal psychologist, as she claims that the lack of a background in psychology would hold her back from being completely successful in criminal justice. It was intriguing how ultimately, she wanted to use her knowledge in that field to figure out why people turn to violence and use that to prevent children from turning to that path. I admire her ambition as well as envy how she knows exactly what she wants to do with her future.

As a person with two left feet, I am amazed by someone like Sarina who expresses her creativity through dance. Learning her ability to dance multiple styles from hip hop to ballet, we also found her extreme dislike for tap dancing, though she still maintains her respect for the individuals who pursue tap. As a form of relief, dance is also a way Sarina likes to stay active, as she told us that she’s not very good at just simply running. Her other interests lie in horror and thriller movies, sharing the same enthusiasm to talk about them with Neil.

It didn’t take us long to find out that Sarina is easy to talk to. You know she’s listening to you when she makes eye contact and constructively builds on your ideas. Her caring nature shines through as she told us that sometimes she acts more like the parent with her parents and worries about them when they’re driving.

I believe that her communication skills and compassion will bring her success pursuing her career as well as new friends who are drawn in by her vibrant nature.

Sarina Simpson:

Neil Baker

Neil Baker is an intent listener who often poses creative, thought-provoking questions. His eyes will peer off to the left as he conjures up a query such as “If you could build any landscape, what would it look like?”. His answers to his own questions are just as intriguing. For example, if Neil could have one wish, he would wish that we could pause time in our most enjoyable moments, allowing us to relish in the activities we love the most. Neil expressed that he thoroughly enjoys horror movies, particularly psychological horror, and we discussed films such as Parasite, Hereditary, and Midsommar. Furthermore, Niel has a passion for philosophy, which leads to a sort of existential anxiety that causes him to overthink. If he could pursue philosophy, he would want to find a practical way to apply the seemingly convoluted, and therefore intimidating, way of thinking. Neil revealed a more carefree side of himself when he said that one of the items on his bucket list is to “frolic in the moonlight”. His easy going nature was further expressed when he told Ciana and I that he joined an improv group on campus with no prior experience in order to get better at living in the moment. He also stated that if he could become involved in an activity that he has little previous involvement in, it would be music because he believes it is a wonderful way to express oneself. He told us a short anecdote of when he visited a nursing home and sang “Happy Birthday” to some of the patients there. This revealed the power of music to Niel, and his newfound enjoyment is not surprising considering the fact that one of his passions is making people happy.

Neil Baker:

Ciana Fe Gadut

Through observance and conversation with my new friend Ciana, I found myself grinning. Now, I do not believe it is inherent to conversation that one grin, especially to the magnitude that I was. So, it begged the question – “why I am grinning?” Although the one and only Ciana Fe Gadut does in fact have an infectious smile, this is but only part of the “why am I smiling” equation. Ciana carries about her an aura, as it were, of distinct quality. She has the friendliness and openness that one finds at a s’more roasting bonfire. Around a bonfire, people tend to open up and speak freely. I feel as if I could tell her anything about my life, and she would listen actively – no physical bonfire required. Moreover, if I told Ciana that I had a problem I know that she would try to fix it or assist in any way possible. If I had to slay a dragon to save my medieval hamlet from imminent doom, she would be the one to tend to my total body 3rd degree burns. Heck, she might even try to slay the dragon herself because of her potent selflessness; she wouldn’t want me to get hurt. Ciana is selfless. Ciana mentioned that she is interested in going into the medical field – specifically oncology – and I believe she is a perfect fit for such a field. She has the passion, care, and selflessness that the field requires. Ciana has had a familial experience with cancer and I believe her choice to pursue the study and treatment of cancer is clear; so that she can personally aid family members, friends, and the world from the pain cancer brings. The desire she has to study the field of oncology further illustrates her tendency to care and help those around her.  I find it fitting that her favorite landscape is the mountains, yet she has a fear of heights; obstacles will not keep her from enjoying what she loves or desires. To further extrapolate – this also echoes the strength she has. It is undoubtedly difficult to keep climbing/moving when a family member is battling with cancer. I commend and admire Ciana’s ambitions, and I am ecstatic to have met her! I believe she is someone who is entirely capable of having an impact on the world.