The recent release of “Boyhood”, the groundbreaking film shot over a 12-year span through the eyes of a child, inspired our staff to capture Capital students’ growth on newsprint. By interviewing the following four freshman once during their first semester of college and again at the end of the year, we aim to capture the real-life challenges they face during their first year away from home. Perhaps you will even find similarities between Ethan, Samuel, Mallory, and Taylor’s freshman journeys and your own.
Ethan Wittkorn
From: Delaware, Ohio
Why Capital? “I wanted to stay in Columbus, because I really like the city. I like Capital’s size, and they gave me a decent amount of scholarships. I definitely feel like I made the right decision.”
Major: “I’m a political science major. I dropped my music minor because I was under the impression the classes were like extracurricular classes.”
Future goals: “I’m really interested in being a lobbyist for any sort of organization or company.”
Hobbies: “I really like to play tennis, I have a really extensive record collection…and I do a lot of woodworking. Before I came to school, I bought a lathe; it’s like a potter’s wheel that spins wood instead. I can make gages, bowls, rings…anything round and wooden.”
What do you hope to accomplish by the end of next year: “Academically, I want to start off on good footing for my freshman year. I might look into film club, too.”
What don’t you like about Capital? “I don’t like the fact that everything in the surrounding area closes at 10 p.m.”
Samuel Gracida
From: Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, but recently moved from Shenyang Shi, Liaoning, China
Why Capital? “I came to Capital because I got a substantial scholarship.”
Major: “I’m a jazz studies major. Guitar is my primary instrument.”
Future career goals: “I’m still thinking about that one, but I guess I really just want to be a professional musician. Who knows? I have a lot of ideas.”
Hobbies: “I really like reading. It’s a great way to lose yourself. It allows you to travel to other worlds. My favorite book in Spanish would be Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”…and I learned Mandarin Chinese three years ago.”
What are the biggest differences between China and the U.S.? “There are like a million, but honestly, I’ve been to the U.S. before, and I have a bunch of American friends in China. I really wasn’t surprised by much, but I wasn’t expecting there to be as many Chinese girls here.”
Are you happy with your decision to come here? “Yes, I am! I love it here. I feel I’m going to improve here.”
Mallory Stickle
From: Gahanna, Ohio
Why Capital? “My best friend came here, and we’re rooming together, so that’s the main reason. And Capital offered me the most scholarships and financial aid.”
Major: “I’m studying business management right now and I’m thinking about double-majoring in marketing…though before I came here, I wanted to be a math teacher. That changed once I actually got my schedule with all the math classes.”
Hobbies: “I really like shopping, and working, surprisingly. I’m kind of a workaholic. I also like spending time alone to get myself together.”
What’s the most noteworthy thing that’s happened to you thus far? “Well, I found a cicada in the shower. It was huge…but aside from that, everyone I’ve met so far is really nice. I like my professors.”
What do you hope to accomplish this semester? “I eventually want to make Dean’s list. I’m hoping to get all A’s this semester.”
What don’t you like about Capital? “I don’t like the food and parking.”
Taylor Gardner
From: Chesterfield, Mich.
Why Capital? “When I came for orientation, I loved the fact that it was so tiny. Within my first five minutes on campus, I was in love with the place.”
Major: “I’m a biology/pre-vet. I think next year I’m going to minor in criminology.”
Future career goals: “I want to work on a wildlife preserve in Australia or at the zoo.”
Hobbies: “I like to hang out with friends, read, write…okay this is a long list…watch musicals, sketch, sing, and take long naps.”
What’s the most noteworthy thing that’s happened to you thus far? “I think joining a sorority. It was stressful but fun. I got to meet so many friends, even if they didn’t end up in my sorority.”
What do you hope to accomplish this semester? “I want to make it through my midterms first. My goal last week was to get an A on my math test, and I got one!”
