Name: Ashley Holmes

Major(s): Philosophy

Minor: Religious Studies

Year: Junior

Previous high school or college, location: Paradise Valley HS, Phoenix AZ

Hometown: Phoenix AZ

Do you live on or off campus? On-campus

Why did you choose to attend The University of Arizona?

I choose to attend the U of A because for me it was the best offering of the three in state institutions. It provided me with the best potential education, the most financial help (scholarships) and the best faculty and resources. I’ve stayed because all of this is true and because it’s a great campus and I’m surrounded by amazing people.

What are some benefits of being a student in The Honors College?

There have been a few significant benefits to being an honors student for me. First is priority registration. Being able to register early helped ensure that I got the classes I needed at the times I wanted. Second, is the honors college staff, which is extremely helpful and committed to making my college experience the best it can be. They have always been quick to answer my questions and put me in touch with resources. Finally, being an honors student allows me to check out books from the library for 6 months, which has been extremely beneficial for my long term projects, plus books are fun!

What clubs/organizations are you involved with?

I am an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a nationally recognized community service fraternity (so much fun) and I currently work with Arizona Research Labs in the business office. I’ve been a Resident Assistant in an honors hall, the president of the ballroom and Latin dance club, and a program assistant for the Summer of Excellence Program.

What is your favorite class?

My favorite class this year is Symbolic Logic (sounds boring, but it isn’t), my favorite class of my college experience so far has been English 103H (if you can, get in Julian Billups class, he’s amazing!)

Who is your favorite professor?

I’ve had lots of amazing teachers, the ones that top the list are: as mentioned above, Julian Billups, also Roderick Donald (Africana Studies Department, visit him in office hours), and Chris Brown (he’s a grad student and his class was challenging, but so fun)

Where is the best place to study on-campus?

The Library! It’s quiet and not the dorms, where you live and play, which is ripe with distraction.

What is a book that you have read in the past year for fun?

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche (I can’t list just one so…)
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris, and
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundra

Have you studied abroad? If so, where? When?

No, but I’d like to.