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Meet the Johnsons: Shlomo Honig ’18 Meet Shlomo Honig ‘18, whose day consists of analyzing rocks, protecting the environment, and ultimate frisbee

“It is both humbling and inspiring to be immersed in an environment with so much to teach and offer to the mind, body and soul.”

Shlomo-Honig-600x400 Meet the Johnsons: Shlomo Honig ’18Meet Shlomo Honig ‘18, whose day consists of analyzing rocks, protecting the environment, and ultimate frisbee

Q: How did you first hear about the Johnson Scholarship?

My sister was a First Year at W&L when I was going through the application process, so I was already somewhat familiar with the Johnson Scholarship and its prestigious reputation for bringing in top students who are ready to be leaders on campus and in the community.

Q: Were you considering other colleges when you applied to W&L?

I was also considering Miami University, University of Michigan, and Case Western Reserve University.

Q: Why did you ultimately choose W&L?

Really, the people. Everyone from the professors and students to the cafeteria workers and campus security played a large role in my decision. I felt that I could thrive here and that my peers and professors would help me develop into a well-rounded and capable individual by the end of my undergraduate studies. Coming from Michigan, the less harsh winters and amazing mountains were also a bonus.

Q: How has Johnson affected your views on leadership and integrity – or on academics?

The Johnson has certainly helped me realize that leadership is something embodied in your actions. I also think the Johnson has changed the way I view education. Since freshman year, I have put far less emphasis on knowing every textbook detail, instead focusing on what I learn from my interactions with peers and professors, both during and outside of class. While I enjoy the exceptional education and intellectual experiences, the personal growth fostered along the way will help me achieve knowledge and perspective beyond my own expectations (which were pretty demanding to start with). It is both humbling and inspiring to be immersed in an environment with so much to teach and offer to the mind, body and soul. I feel it is my duty to carry that forward and make a meaningful difference, as well as to impart that sense of duty to others.

Q: What is your favorite story about your W&L experience – if you had to pick one?

During February Break my sophomore year, I went hiking on Mount Pleasant with a few close friends, and we camped overnight at the peak. Even though there was a torrential downpour, sub-zero temperatures, a nearby tornado warning, and near 60 mph winds, I wouldn’t have traded that trip for anything. Though the conditions were far from ideal, our tight knit group decided to stargaze at a truly mesmerizing night sky. It was a perfectly clear night and there were thousands of stars that we could see. I’m also convinced I saw my first “shooting star,” which made the experience even better.

Q: Do you have a mentor on campus? Faculty, staff, or another student?

Probably Kim Hodge. She’s an incredible person who balances a million things at once but will always drop what she’s doing if I ever need to talk about courses, work study, career aspirations, or the meaning of life. Washington and Lee would be a lesser awesome without her.  

Q: What extra-curricular are you involved in right now that you are extra passionate about?

I think Hillel and Ultimate Frisbee are at the top of that list right now. I have been involved with Hillel since I was a First Year, and I enjoy being a member of the Hillel Student Board, which allows me to play a significant part in a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into making Hillel a great experience for a lot of students, Jewish or not. The Ultimate Frisbee club started this year, and although we often play on Saturday mornings, it has become a worthwhile part of my schedule because I can work off some steam from the previous week and clear my head.

Q: What is your favorite campus tradition or piece of history?

I’m not sure if it’s technically a tradition or not, but I’ve made a point of walking the Colonnade as much as I can. As a geologist, I would say that the best history in the area is the nature and the surrounding mountains. As a student, I think it’s fascinating to consider how long Washington and Lee has existed and how different things must have been back then.

Q: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to “first day on campus” you?

I would probably tell my past self to never pass up an opportunity to learn a new skill or do something with which you are unfamiliar.

Q: If someone asked you “why choose W&L” – what is the one reason you would tell them?

Living in an unpredictable world with increasingly interdisciplinary work and unfathomable technological advancements still to come within our lifetimes, it is imperative to establish a well-rounded foundation to prepare yourself to become a lifelong learner and active contributor to society. The students and professors at Washington and Lee, as well as the surrounding community, provide such an environment to hone skills and explore diverse passions that will ultimately help you define who you are as a scholar and, more importantly, as an individual.

If you know any W&L students who would be great profile subjects, tell us about them! Nominate them for a web profile.

A little more about Shlomo

Hometown:
West Bloomfield, Michigan

Majors:
Geology, environmental studies, pre-med

Extracurricular involvement:
– Hillel
– FYOC
– Ultimate Frisbee
– Racquet Sports Club
– Geology peer tutor
– SEAL
– The Outing Club

Off-campus activities/involvement:
– Tutoring
– Invasive Species Cleanup
– Camping

Why did you choose your major?
I love learning about nature and better understanding why things work the way they do. I was raised to embrace and develop my talents and abilities to help others and repair the world we live in. I also really enjoy the outdoors.

What professor has inspired you?
There are a few remarkable professors I really admire and seek out: Kim Hodge, Chris Connors and Leah Green

What’s your personal motto?
I don’t think I really have one, but if I did it probably would be along the lines of that ancient Chinese proverb, to paraphrase, “fall down seven times, stand up eight.”

What’s your favorite song right now?
That’s a tough one. It’s probably a tie between “Let it Burn” by Magic Giant and “Carter and Cash” by Tor Miller.

Best place to eat in Lexington? What do you order?
Blue Sky. I highly recommend their tuna melt and four-cheese focaccia.

What do you wish you’d known before you came to campus?
I wish I would have known the 60 percent of items I brought up that I didn’t actually need.

Post-graduation plans:
I am still at a crossroad as to my post-graduate plans. I plan to either attend graduate school for geology or environmental science (with a path to a Ph.D), or medical school – they all really appeal to me, so for now I’m still undecided.

Favorite W&L memory:
Snow-day shenanigans

Favorite class:
Another tie: Petroleum Geology and Geophysics with Chris Connors or Intro to Environmental Studies with Leah Green

Favorite W&L event:
Mock Convention

Favorite campus landmark:
The back campus gazebo

What’s your passion?
Two things: 1) Anything competitive, and 2) Learning random neat facts

What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
I bowled competitively in high school and I am a second degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Why did you choose W&L?
The people. I definitely didn’t anticipate I’d feel so welcomed and at home when I visited.