Hello! My name is Michael. I am a second-semester Freshman at UA, majoring in Finance as part of the Culverhouse College of Business. I am an out-of-state student from Crozet, Virginia, and I am a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity.

Hometown

Crozet, Virginia

Major(s)

Finance

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Sigma Pi Fraternity, Wellness Committee

Describe your college experience

As an out-of-state student, I was initially skeptical about how my transition would go. I worried about finding my place at UA and whether I’d connect with others. However, after just a few days, I felt surprisingly comfortable. Everyone was so outgoing and eager to meet new people, and the University did an excellent job of creating opportunities for the new class to connect. There were so many students in the same position as me, and through my fraternity, dorm, and classes, I felt at home at Alabama within only a couple of weeks.

Tip for future students

Since coming to Alabama, I’ve learned a lot of things I didn’t think about before actually experiencing them. For one, there’s a big difference between the dorms—some are really nice, while others are pretty rough in comparison. If you have the choice, try to get into Pres 1 and 2, Lakeside, Riverside, or Ridgecrest. Another thing I’ve realized is the importance of time management. With so much going on—whether it’s people going out, football games, basketball games, or other events—it’s easy to get distracted. It’s crucial to stay focused on your work, even with the constant buzz around campus. That said, I’d definitely recommend going to as many sports games as possible, especially football. Make sure to grab tickets as soon as they’re available because, without a doubt, almost every UA student will tell you that those games are the highlight of the semester.

Favorite class

My favorite class I've taken at UA so far is GBA 146. It teaches business soft skills, and it was one of the classes that I felt best prepared me for my future career by helping me learn how to actually communicate with people in my field.

Career goals

I hope to get into Investment Banking or Private Equity.

Ideal way to spend a free night

It depends on how I'm feeling- if I'm tired or feeling a little lazy, I'll grab some Canes from Paty Hall and watch a football game or hang out in my dorm with my friends. If I'm feeling up to going out, the Standard on the Strip is one of my favorite spots to go with friends as they normally have a lot of games on and great music.

High school or secondary school

Western Albemarle High School