Hey guys! My name is Vanna Figueroa, and I am a senior here at Carleton. I am half-Chinese half-Filipino, and grew up in the concrete jungle of Manila! My family moved to the suburbs of Chicago when I was in middle school, so I can say I’ve spent around an equivalent amount of my life in these two vastly different, equally amazing environments. Throughout this cultural transition, I’ve maintained a strong passion for the arts. I am a current director of WHOA!, Carleton’s main hip hop dance group, and have choreographed for EDB as well. Musically, I absolutely love all kinds of RnB, soul and hip hop as well (I’m always open to start a convo about artists such as Smino, FKJ, or Anderson.Paak)! I also have a strong interest in CAMS, Biology, as well as Public Health!
What excites you about being at Carleton?
Although Carleton holds a very prestigious academic reputation, I believe that what makes this school uniquely “Carleton” is the individuals within it. I can say that of the friendships I’ve made, the mentors I’ve found, the professors I’ve met… countless individuals in Carleton have made a tremendous impact on my life. They have taught me lessons, made my belly hurt from laughing, given me heartfelt advice, and made me an overall stronger, self-reflexive person. In this environment, cheesily enough, I feel as if I’ve learned to truly feel comfortable in my own skin.
What is something you wish you had been better prepared for, before arriving at Carleton?
While Carleton has been fun, it’s easy to feel very much trapped within its social bubble. As a rural school, it’s easy to let yourself only think about what’s happening on campus, which is why I suggest getting out of campus once in a while, not limiting yourself to what’s happening in Northfield, and truly exploring what lies beyond Carleton.