My W&L: Julia Lancaster ’15
“I was lucky to start college in a supportive yet competitive program that set the precedent to succeed on and off the field.”
I got an early start to my W&L experience three years ago, because freshmen year started with three weeks of pre-season training. As a member of the women’s soccer team, I was taught the W&L style right away–work hard, but have fun.
This beginning proved to shape all aspects of my W&L experience.
I was lucky to start college in a supportive yet competitive program that set the precedent to succeed on and off the field. As my academics advanced, I continued to meet more such driven people behind the white columns of our Colonnade. My professors always encouraged me to follow my intellectual curiosities, while fellow students were always eager to collaborate to progress both our strengths and weaknesses. W&L enables students to try it all, so I’ve taken a variety of creative classes such as Professor Bower’s “Ad Class,” but have also enjoyed an independent study on contemporary German literature with Professor Youngman.
Ultimately, I believe my W&L experience has been most profound outside the classroom. The many opportunities offered to get involved in extra-curricular activities at W&L have been fundamental to my well-rounded experience. Continued involvement in campus organizations allowed me to work and socialize with diverse people, expanding my horizons bit by bit. I am thankful for everyone in the community–my coaches, advisors, friends, etc.–who always encourage taking full advantage of everything W&L has to offer.
I came in as a freshman without a clear career path and without any idea of what my future would hold. Now as a senior, I still may not know exactly where I am heading, but I will leave this unique place confident that the academic, athletic and social experiences I had with my W&L family prepared me well for the future.
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Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Majors: Journalism & Mass Communications, German
Extracurricular Involvement:
- Women’s Varsity Soccer
- Kappa Alpha Theta, President
- University Tees Campus Manager
- 24: Many Sports, One Team
Off-Campus Experiences:
- The Coca-Cola Company, Public Affairs & Communications Intern, Summer 2014
- Porsche Cars of North America, Public Relations Intern, Summer 2013
- Vienna, Austria, Study Abroad, Summer 2012
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you? I love adventure! I’ve gone skydiving, I run a half marathon every year with one of my best friends, and I love scuba diving.
Why did you choose W&L? I wanted a good liberal arts school in a rural setting. I also liked the Honor System and spring term. The more I learned about this place and the people here, the easier my decision became.
Why did you choose your major? German because I was raised bi-lingual, and Journalism & Mass Communications because I figured it would be an interesting major with many professional options.
What professor has inspired you? Professor Youngman has inspired me to work hard, be professional, but to also be relaxed and enjoy life.
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Favorite W&L Memory: Tough question. But beating Virginia Wesleyan in the final minute at their place last season and then being ridiculously happy with my teammates ranks at the top.
Favorite Class: Ad Class (BUS-370: Integrated Marketing Communications)
Favorite W&L Event: I love our big, traditional weekends at W&L such as Homecoming, Christmas Weekend, Fancy Dress and Young Alumni.
Favorite Campus Landmark: The view from Watt Field down over campus, being able to see the George Washington statue from Washington Hall and the mountains in the distance.
What’s your passion? I have many, but most of my passions include my friends and family.
What do you wish you’d known before you came to campus? I wish I had known that for every initial reason I ever considered W&L, I would discover it to be even better than I could have imagined.
Post-Graduation Plans: Taking a gap year to work in the British Virgin Islands and Germany. I then hope to travel throughout Australia. After that, find a job!
Advice for prospective or first-year students? Get involved! It’s the best way to meet people and become a part of this community.
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