Name: Sam Zucker
Year: 2018
Hometown: I currently live in Omaha, Nebraska, but I was born in Rhode Island. I’ve also lived in New Jersey and Florida, and I lived in Texas for middle school and high school.
Majors: Economics and Business
Minor: East Asian Studies
Her Campus: What attracted you to Brandeis?
Sam Zucker: So I did the normal BU/Northeastern/Brandeis tour, which I’m sure a lot of people did, and Brandeis felt really homey. What I tell recruits for diving when they come here is that everyone here is so nice: they’re relaxed and willing to help you out. There’s not a lot of pressure here. I felt that when I did my tour and I’m still feeling it now, which is why I’m still here.
HC: What activities are you involved in on campus?
SZ: I’m a diver on the Brandeis Swimming and Diving team, and I’m currently doing research with a professor in the Econ department right now. I’m also on the Social Department for Student Events, so we plan Louis Louis Week and Bronstein Week. Last semester I didn’t do a whole lot because it was my first semester on it, so I planned this small donut event where we basically just handed out 600 donuts in the SCC. But this semester I took a larger role because I had more experience.
I wanted to do another event like the library party, but we didn’t want to have it there because the library party is a once-a-year, novelty kind of event. So my idea was to have a dance in the new area of Sherman, but Sodexo said no. Then they gave me the idea to hold an event in Upper Usdan. I kept building off of that idea after they told me I could hold an event there, and now it’s going to be huge. Club 33 is the final event for Bronstein Week and it’s going to be Disney themed and have student DJs and a beer garden. It was hard to plan but there’s going to be a lot of relief when it’s done. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I like it. It’s fun to be in charge of something big.
HC: What has been your favorite Brandeis moment so far?
SZ: I was handing out bucket hats today for Bronstein Week, and I’ve never seen kids so excited. I know they’re swag and stuff, but it was awesome to see different kids from different directions going to class and wanting bucket hats. They had to say a Bronstein event before they got one, so that was really fun.
HC: What advice do you have for incoming first years?
SZ: So a lot of people say to get involved early on with as much stuff as possible and then see what you like, but I think it’s cool to wait to find the right thing to get involved with. Wait and figure out what you’re interested in and then go all in in a few things so you can really make an impact. It would be cool to be a president or coordinator of one club rather than an active member of 50.
HC: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
SZ: So I don’t really have a game plan, but I think it would be really cool, at least short-term wise, to work in China for a few years. Part of the research I’m doing relates to China, so I really see myself working there for a little while. Getting an MBA from a top school would also be really nice. And from there I have no idea.
Quick Facts:
Secret Talent: I can hold a handstand for a minute and a half
Favorite Movie: Lion King
Favorite Spot on Campus: My Rosie
Favorite Song of the Moment: “Say my name” by Peking Duck
Favorite Boston Attraction: Walking around Harvard Square
Favorite Class at Brandeis: Econ 10 with Coiner
Prized Possession: My bar mitzvah shirt because it still fits me and I still wear it.