Interview With Lisa McDilda, ’14 Horizon Student.
Her Campus Hollins sat down with Horizon Student, and modest high academic achiever, Lisa McDilda to get the inside scoop on her experience at Hollins, her recent academic honors, how she juggles being a mom, wife, worker, and student and what she’s learned in the process.
Her Campus Hollins: Well, first off, you have a tie for the highest GPA in your year, (2014) how does that feel? What were you thinking when they called your name?
Lisa McDilda: Honestly, I was so shocked. I thought it was a mistake.
Her Campus Hollins: Did you know previously?
Lisa McDilda: I had no idea.
HCH: Second, you are a Horizon student. Do you feel your experience is differed from that of a so called “traditional” student? If so, how? Is there anything you particularly enjoyed? Is there anything you would change?
LMD: I think the “traditional” students are so talented at writing papers. This is something I have had to learn and it has been difficult at times. The good news is that I can always count on fellow students to help and encourage me. I don’t think I would change a thing about my Hollins journey.
HCH: Tell me a little bit about your major and why you chose it?
LMD: My major is Sociology with a concentration in Social Psychology. I loved Sociology when I was in college many years ago. After taking a few more SOC classes at Hollins, I knew it was the perfect major for me.
HCH: How did you discover Hollins and why did you choose to go here?
LMD: Since my unsuccessful first college experience, it had always been my goal to return to school and earn my degree. Several years ago I went to a college fair and learned about Hollins. After my son went away to his college I started looking into educational options for myself. I remembered Hollins and decided to check it out further. I really liked the idea of being part of the Hollins sisterhood. I also realized I needed the support of the Horizon program – getting back into academia after an absence of 25+ years was scary.
HCH: What projects – both within and without of Hollins – are you working on currently?
LMD: I am gearing up toward starting my thesis next semester. Outside of school my husband, son and I have been busy planning a trip to Portugal and Germany. We are taking the trip to celebrate two college graduations – my son and I will both graduate in May of 2014!
HCH: What did you want to do with your life when you were 18? What do you want to do now?
LMD: When I was 18 I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was interested in so many things that I had no direction. Now I am focused on my goal of graduating and looking forward to having time to pursue some leisure activities!
HCH: What the important thing in your life and why?
LMD: My family is the most important thing in my life. They have been so supportive of my college journey. I couldn’t have succeeded without them. My husband, son and my 89 year-old mother will be front and center on graduation day!
HCH: What are your three favorite things you’ve done at Hollins?
LMD: Learning French was a highlight. Meeting so many fabulous fellow students has been wonderful. I feel certain graduation day will be my third favorite thing!
HCH: What are your three favorite things you’ve done in your life?
LMD: Ice skating at Rockefeller Center in NYC, attending and graduating from Hallmark Institute of Photography and, believe it or not, performing in water ski shows and races.
HCH: What are you most proud of?
LMD: I am most proud of being the mom of an awesome young man – my son Alex!
HCH: What do you struggle with (if anything)?
LMD: Having confidence in myself is sometimes a struggle.
HCH: What two books would you recommend – one fiction, one non fiction -?
LMD: One of my favorite books of fiction is To Kill A Mockingbird. For non-fiction, I would have to say Night by Elie Wiesel. It is so powerful.
HCH: Favorite movie?
LMD: Gone With the Wind
HCH: What does a typical day look like for you?
LMD: I either go to my classes or work at my job at the Boys & Girls Club. I do schoolwork most every day!
HCH: What do you like to do in your free time?
LMD: I love reading, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
HCH: What would a perfect day look like for you?
LMD: Sleeping in, having coffee and reading, maybe lunch or dinner out with my husband.
HCH: Favorite class you have taken at Hollins?
LMD: Social Psychology with Dr. Poskocil
HCH: Finally, what advice would you give to students on being successful?
LMD: Take your education seriously, work hard, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way!