Name: Emarii Lopes
Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology with a Mental Health emphasis/Music with a Vocal Performance emphasis/Music Education
Hometown: Clinton, Maryland
Her Campus (HC): What is your favorite thing about going to school at Mary Baldwin?
Emarii Lopes (EL): It exposes me to different lifestyles, races, and cultural practices that will help me become a well-rounded person. Therefore, I know when I graduate I will be aware of my surroundings. Mary Baldwin also has good education and extracurricular activities for the minority groups on campus.
HC: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities on campus?
EL: Yes, I am a part of the Greater Things Dance Ministry, Annointed Voices of Praise, Baldwin Charm, Ladies of Elegance, Sisterhood of Leaders, and Ubuntu Mentors.
HC: Do you serve in any leadership positions for any of those activities?
EL: I am the president of Greater Things Dance Ministry, the vice president of Annointed Voices of Praise, Student Director of Baldwin Charm, artist director for ladies of Elegance, and a big sister in the Ubuntu Mentor program.
HC: Can you tell us the main mission of the extracurricular activities you are involved in?
EL: The mission of most of the groups that I am involved in is not only to reach out to the community as a whole, but also to strengthen the spiritual and mental growth of those involved in the activities.
HC: What made you get involved with your extracurricular activities?
EL: When I first came to college I was concerned about being home sick and not fiiting in, so I wanted to counteract that with getting as involved as possible. Additionally, I believe involvement compliments an academically sound student on the resume’.
HC: Are there any main events coming up for the activities you have listed as a part of your involvement?
EL: Yes, between all of the activities there are many upcoming events: the Greater Things Dance Ministry will be having a recital on the 28th of March, 2015; Charm Jam is on March 29th, and Gospel Extravagnza for Annointed Voices of Praise is March 29th. The Ladies of Elegance do not currently have their own event be will be guest performers at Charm Jam.
HC: Who would you say is the most influetial person in your life?
EL: My mother. Because I have watched her persevere throughout my life. From watching her I know that even though life gets hard I can persevere. Also, she has always been very helpful in my decision making processes.
HC: What is one character trait you value most about yourself? Please explain.
EL: I am big-hearted. I believe that this character trait comes from me being brought up as a child and being told to give without expecting anything in return. Also, it makes me happy to be able to provide for other people.
HC: You mentioned you were an Ubuntu Mentor. What is the most important piece of advice you think you could give to incoming freshman?
EL: Stay true to yourself. When you come to college there are many different influences and a lot of different paths for you to get sucked into. So, it is important to stay true to yourself and the people who truely care for you will be there for you either way.
HC: What are your long term and short term goals for after graduation?
EL: My major long term goal is to be able to work with the military in order to formulate new treatment plans for war veterans with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) through music therapy. My short term goal for after graduate is to go directly into graduate school, so I can obtain my Master’s degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology and music (therapy).
HC: What are some of the things on your Bucket List?
EL: Getting to travel around the world to as many places as possible. Also, I think to be nationally recognized for my break through with PTSD would be a great honor.
HC: What are the top five places you would like to travel to?
EL: Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Paris, and Amsterdam.