Okay so, you guys know Wonder woman, right? She’s really cool and as awesome super powers? Well, our campus celebrity this week is actually ten times better than Wonder Woman. With a full course load and a million stellar extracurricular activities, Caroline Brazill can pretty much take on anything. Her Campus was lucky enough to track her down and to have her answer some questions for us. Caroline is majoring in international relations with a concentration in peace and conflict resolution in Africa. That sounds pretty cool, right? But she’s also minoring in public anthropology. Below are some questions and answers that definitely help in not only encapsulating how incredibly busy she is, but also how awesome she is. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet the one and only, Caroline Brazill.
What extracurriculars are you involved in on campus?
I’ve been competing on the mock trial team since my freshman year, which I absolutely love. That’s my main time commitment outside of classes; the intricacies of the case get to be really demanding! The team has had great success this year, and we’ve travelled to North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania for tournaments. I work as a barista at the dav making early morning lattes, and I am on the executive board of Delta Phi Epsilon this semester.
What is the most rewarding thing that you have done affiliated with a campus organization?
Continuing the mock trial thread, maybe because the memory is so fresh in my mind, this past weekend three AU teams competed at regionals. We saw the culmination of the past six months; two teams finished in the top 7 of 20 teams, earning bids to the next round of competition. The weekend was exhausting and stressful and emotional, but when all is said and done, it was rewarding: rewarding to be able to say we, as a program, fought for our success with everything we had. I am so looking forward to working with the team in the weeks to come.
Talk about your sorority briefly.
Delta Phi Epsilon is AU’s professional foreign service sorority. I’ve never met a group of more inspiring, compassionate, hard working women. I’m amazed every day at their accomplishments and their selflessness. Joining Delta Phi Epsilon was one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming to AU, because I’ve found a community of resources and a community of knowledge, but above all, a community of sisters.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in OFF campus?
I interned with Senator Casey of Pennsylvania last summer. During the fall, I interned with Search for Common Ground, an NGO dedicated to transforming how the world approaches conflict resolution. This semester, I’m volunteering at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Since coming to DC, I’ve been almost unable to sit still; I’ve always thought that by branching out and collecting meaningful experiences, I’ll be able to find exactly what it is I want to do.
Have you been abroad? If yes, where and briefly describe your experience.
My first big abroad trip was before my senior year of high school. I traveled to Romania with a program called Global Volunteers to work at an orphanage for young children, many of whom are mentally disabled. I worked alongside a team of fifteen other volunteers, and together we assisted the orphanage staff in taking care of the children. The orphanage has since been shut down by the Romanian government, but I remain in contact with my team mates and current staff.
My most recent abroad trip, and the one that finalized my commitment to studying Africa, was my trip to Rwanda with American University’s Alternative Break program. My team of fifteen people travelled to study healing and justice after genocide, and we met the most inspiring organizations and individuals who were dedicated to moving the country forward and maintaining the memories of 1994.
What do you see yourself doing in the near future?
I’m throwing about one hundred details up in the air as to my spring and summer plans. I’m hoping to return to Sub-Saharan Africa, and I’m juggling studying abroad details—deciding between Nairobi and Paris. In April, I’ll be facilitating a workshop at a civic engagement conference about my experience in Rwanda. As for the nearest future? You can find me in the Dav tomorrow morning.
What is your favorite place in DC?
I maybe cheating on this answer, but work with me here. For those willing to take a 30 minute metro trip or so, I highly recommend Northside Social, off the Clarendon Metro stop. It’s a coffee shop/wine bar/restaurant with an awesome, chill vibe. It’s my study break and my escape from the everyday routine.