Meet Ashley Abbott

Name: Ashley Abbott
Hometown: Sarasota, Florida
Year:Junior
Major/minor: Sociology major and Jewish Studies Minor

You are running for USG Senator at Large.  Have you served on USG in previous years? This is my first time running for USG. I’m super nervous.

What else are you involved in on campus? Alpha Epsilon Phi, Orientation Team Leader (x2), Tidal Wave (Homecoming Committee), Tulane Jewish Leaders, RHA Executive VP Internal Affairs (2010-2011), Jewish Studies Student Organization, Panhellenic Recruitment Counselor…and I find time to work at the desk of the Tutoring Center! 

How did you get involved in all of these activities?  Any advice for people trying to get more involved on campus? I just put myself out there from day one, I have always been an involved individual so I knew that when I got to Tulane I just wanted to dive into it. I thought it was going to be a good way to get to meet people and staff…you always want to know people on staff. 

For people trying to get involved, you have to remember that it’s never to late to join an organization or run for something. I’m a rising senior and have never run for USG and just decided I wanted to give it a shot. Also, don’t worry about what your friends are doing, sometimes they may not be as outgoing or willing to be involved in certain activities. No one is going to judge you if you show up to a meeting alone — it actually shows confidence in my opinion. So if you think you might be mildly interested in something, give it a try. No one is going to make you come back if it’s not for you. 

What has been the most rewarding experience for you so far at Tulane? Being an Orientation Team Leader has been the most rewarding experience so far. Having the opportunity to work with all of the new students and help them in their transition is really cool. 

What comes to mind when you think of Tulane? Call me an idealist but when I think Tulane Crawfest is the first thing that comes to my mind. It’s all of the student body together listening to great local music, eating hot crawfish, and drinking daiquiris in the sun. It’s seriously the most perfect day at Tulane. I just love the community that we have here and I think this is the quintessential snapshot of Tulane students in action. 

What’s your favorite place to eat in New Orleans and what do you order? This is so hard, I’m such a foodie. No joke, I keep a list of restaurants in my planner and check them off as I go along. All of my friends know where to go if they need a recommendation. If I had to pick a to-go restaurant though, it would be Milk-Bar (3445 Prytania Street). I’ve tried most of their sandwiches but Christmas in July is my favorite for sure.  

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to be right here in 10 years. I love New Orleans and never want to leave. Maybe Tulane will hire me for a position in Student Affairs…that would be ideal. 

What is something most people don’t know about you? Even though I’m involved in so many things and interact with a lot of the Tulane student body, I get petrified when I need to give a class presentation. I go completely blank and stumble over my thoughts, it’s so embarrassing.