Year: 2016
Hometown: Dracut, MA
Major: Business
Minor: Hispanic Studies and History
Her Campus: What attracted you to Brandeis?
James Machado: I liked the fact that it was a really good school and I could play baseball here. On my recruiting visit, all the people I met through athletics were really down-to-earth and liked to have a good time.
HC: What activities are you involved in on campus?
JM: I’m on the baseball team, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and Team Impact. I’m in Gosman a lot—I’m Building Manager, I work the front desk, and I play lots of intramural sports.
HC: You are currently in the midst of organizing Brandeis’ Be Bold, Be Bald! campaign. Can you tell us more about this program?
JM: Basically, it’s a cancer fundraiser started in 2009 by Jeff Freedman. Freedman and his best friend, Mike Connell, founded the Small Army advertising agency in Boston; when Connell passed away from cancer, Freedman created the Small Army For A Cause nonprofit organization in honor of Connell. The way it works is you buy a bald cap, write on it who you’re wearing it for, and raise funds. The cool thing about this campaign is you can choose from about 40 charities to donate your funds to—you’re not stuck with just one foundation like you are with some other cancer fundraisers. You can pick.
HC: What has been the most rewarding part of working with Be Bold, Be Bald?
JM: I like bringing the community together—I’ve always thought it’s nice to bring a group of people together towards a common goal. The effect of this campaign is to help people with cancer get through day-to-day stuff. One of the biggest things with cancer is not only getting through it physically, but emotionally as well. When there’s people by your side telling you “You can do it,” it just makes each day easier.
HC: What are your goals for the rest of the school year?
JM: I’d like to get to where I was freshmen year health-wise, because I’m coming back from a couple of injuries from baseball. I’d love for Be Bold, Be Bald! to be even more successful this year than last year. I’d also like to get every requirement for the Brandeis BA/MBA program out of the way and ultimately get accepted to the program.
HC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
JM: I see myself either working in marketing or business management. Probably married. Maybe a kid, maybe not. It depends.
Quick Facts:
Single or Taken: Taken
Something Most People Don’t Know: I love to cook: stir-fry especially.
Favorite Artist: Zach Brown Band
Favorite Spot on Campus: The SCC
Favorite Boston Attraction: Fenway
Guilty Pleasure: Queso