The graduating class of 2023 is full of driven students who have each had unique experiences throughout their years at The Catholic University of America. Each student, however, started out in the same way – moving into the dorms.
From moving in to moving on, seven seniors caught up with us to provide an update on how they have transformed throughout their college experiences.
Andrew Carpenter arrived at Catholic University from Fairfax, Virginia in 2019. He was drawn to the school’s beautiful campus - the largest in Washington, D.C - sat in on classes before committing to majors in philosophy and classics. Andrew started his first year with an academic goal of being a part of the Honors Program, while also looking forward to exploring downtown D.C. with his friends.
Back in 2019, Andrew loved to binge watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, his favorite late night snack was milk, and he said that he would have a hard time leaving behind driving as he began his college life in the city. Soundtracked to “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin, Andrew’s first impression of the campus community during move-in 2019 was that “they all seem great!”
Has your major changed?
Yes and no. I started with philosophy and am ending with it, but at one point I picked up a second major in classical humanities, which I'll end up only having a minor in.
What has been your favorite memory at CUA?
One of my first dates with my girlfriend was at the National Gallery of Art and my pre-COVID bulking season at the Kane Fitness Center.
What are your plans for the future?
Law School.
What is one thing you will be sad to leave behind, and one thing you are looking forward to after graduation?
I’ll be sad to leave behind walks around campus, but I’m looking forward to living in a new place, since I also grew up in the area.
What’s your favorite show to binge watch?
Mad Men
How about the last song you listened to?
"Notes" by Modern Baseball
What is one goal you hope to accomplish?
Stay relatively sane during the first year of law school.
What is your final impression of CUA?
It’s a very unique place, with a wonderful philosophy faculty.
If you could go back in time and tell yourself something on your first day, what would it be?
The things that you worry and think most about and expend the most inefficient effort on aren't going to be the things you actually end up doing best.