Name: Katarina Weessies
Year: 2018
Hometown: Santa Ana, CA
Major: English and Politics
Minor: Legal Studies
Her Campus: What attracted you to Brandeis?
Katarina Weessies: I wanted to go to a smaller school that would make me feel like an individual rather than just a number. I also wanted my education to emphasize social justice and social progress. At Brandeis, there are multitudes of opportunities to involve myself in social justice, and despite the enormous amount of opportunities, I still feel like the student body is small enough for me to make a real difference on campus.
HC: What activities are you involved in on campus?
KW: I am a Staff Writer for the Hoot and the Secretary of the Brandeis Quiz Bowl Team. I just finished up with a ‘DEIS Impact 2016 display, “Relearning Gender: Memorial to Transgender and Nonbinary Activists,” for which I was the sole coordinator. I am also acting in the Vagina Monologues, which is opening the weekend of March 24th. I think that enjoyment and self expression is just as important in college as building more obvious academic and professional skills. I enjoy all of my activities because I can work on skills like writing and fundraising while expressing myself and my views freely through fun mediums such as acting and writing.
HC: What has been your best moment at Brandeis so far?
KW: My best moment so far was probably making snowmen during my first winter here. I had never lived through a real winter before, so the experience of making snowmen and having snowball fights was completely new.
HC: What advice do you have for incoming first years?
KW: For incoming first years, I would recommend that they spend as much time as they can relaxing and enjoying themselves. I know that this is easier said than done, since Brandeis students tend to be ambitious hard workers, but being able to stop and enjoy the college experience is a huge part of what makes going to a lovely school like Brandeis worthwhile.
HC: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
KW: Hopefully I will be a successful young lawyer working toward opening my own firm.
Quick Facts:
Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction and Mean Girls
Favorite Quote: “They misunderestimated me” – George W. Bush
Favorite Spot on Campus: Einstein’s
Favorite Song of the Moment: “Work” – Rihanna
Favorite Boston Attraction: Anywhere that serves clam chowder
Favorite Class at Brandeis: Politics of the Middle East
Prized Possession: My journals (I have way too many)