Hi! I’m Rylan, a fourth-year double majoring in Economics and Psychology at the University of Virginia. Beyond academics, I’m actively involved around grounds in quantitative finance, marketing for events, and digital media production. I love showing prospective students what makes grounds special from navigating academics to finding your community at UVA! I would love to guide you and show you all UVA and Charlottesville have to offer!

Hometown

New Hyde Park, New York

Major(s)

Economics and Psychology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Clubs: Quantitative Traders at Virginia, Hoos for Memory, Universities Programs Council, Club Quadball at UVA, Catholic Hoos, Advertising and Marketing Association, UNICEF Work: UVA School of Education Marketing Intern, UVA Career Center Marketing and Event Assistant, UVA Athletics Class Checker and Tutor, Boylan Heights Burger Bar Bouncer, UVA Recreation Student Referee

Describe your college experience

Transitioning to UVA was an exciting yet daunting challenge. I was the first person in my family to go to college in the U.S., so there were a lot of unknowns not only to me but also my family in both the process of selecting a college and when it actually came to going. I had no idea where to go, what to do or how to go about doing it, and I want to help others go in to college with more knowledge and less fear of the unknown. Now, majoring in 2 fields (Economics and Psychology) has allowed me to combine analytical thinking with understanding human behavior. Balancing academics with leading student organizations and competing in club sports has given me a rich, well-rounded perspective on student life here. I'm happy to discuss more of my experiences, from applying to visits and of course, my current life here!

Tip for future students

1. Don't ever limit yourself. College has so many opportunities, don't pass them up because you think you won't like it. It's a time to explore and doing something you think you won't like could become the greatest decision of your life. 2. Similarly to the first tip, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, especially early on. Join clubs, talk to people, do things you never usually do. It's a fast way to build good friendships and find out what you are genuinely passionate about on campus. 3. Say yes to everything (within reason). 4 years. That is all you get in college. It is the most free you will ever be, you will have the most free time and the easiest access to a variety of experiences, especially in Charlottesville. Don't limit yourself by saying no. 4. Chat with people immediately. It does seem like a lot of people here and in other colleges know each other, and while that's probably true, it's no big deal! The more you talk to people, the quicker you can close that perceived gap and get more of the inside scoop on clubs etc. 5. Befriend upperclassmen. They have run the race and know what to do and what not to do, so ask them for advice, talk to them about majors, clubs or anything else really. They are truly goldmines of information.

Favorite class

Commercial Law with Professor Sherri Moore. Her no-tech, blackboard only approach creates an amazingly engaging classroom where you actually absorb the material in real time. Beyond breaking down legal concepts so they apply directly to everyday life, Professor Moore is famously genuine, hilarious, and deeply supportive of her students. Her 'Last Lecture' at the end of the semester is something every UVA student should experience.

Career goals

I hope to work in finance or consulting, but also am exploring all the career paths I can walk down.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Ideally, I love to call some friends over, cook something together and play some games on the Wii, play board games or just talk!

High school or secondary school

Chaminade High School (New York)

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is probably the Lawn. It's a great place where students can come together, there is so much history that surrounds it and it honestly is the heart of UVA.