Matt Larsen
Female
Schaumburg, IL
2011, BA

 

Majors: Culture and Conflict, Music
Interdisciplinary: International Studies
Concentrations: Middle East, Latin America, Flute Performance
Extra-curriculars: Fencing, Habitat for Humanity, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sigma Alpha Iota
On-campus Jobs: Tour Guide
Favorite Book: Just one?!
Favorite Film: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Favorite Song, Artist, or Group: The Tron Soundtrack by Daft Punk is pretty awesome.

 

  
What was the final factor that made you say "yes" to LU's offer of admission? I loved that Lawrence was so well rounded in both academics as well as in music. It seemed that no matter what I was interested in, Lawrence would have strong professors and programs to support me in my studies.
Who is your favorite professor (and their department) at LU? Why? I have so many favorite professors. Martyn Smith is one of my favorite professors. He's in the Religious Studies department but he first taught me Freshman Studies. I love the discussions we have in his classes and how he allows you to pick what final project topic you want to do associated with the class. He's a great professor. David Helvering in the Music theory department is amazing. He taught a class on film music in the studio era that was just fantastic. He's so passionate about what he teaches. My other favorite professor is my flute professor, Ms Whitman. She's been so supportive my whole time here!
What is the best course (and its department) that you have taken? Why? Cairo: Islam in Context. Religious Studies Department. We studied Cairo throughout history and the development of the Islamic world there. It was terrifically interesting. I also picked to do a paper about Umm Kalthum as my final project, which really combined both my international as well as my musical interests.
What one thing would you say is “The Lawrence Difference”? I love that you can design your own classes at LU. I designed a tutorial called Race and Ethnicity in Latin America. It was amazing. My three friends and I simply researched and brought in different articles and books on the topic and discussed them with our professor. We could take the class where we wanted to. I just love that Lawrence allows you to follow your interests like that, even allowing you to design your own major.

 

  
Which is your favorite resident hall? Why? Ormsby is my favorite residence hall, mostly because I lived there my freshman year and that's where I made a lot of my friends initially. It has a smaller community but is nice and cozy. I loved planning Zoo Days with their hall council and think it has just such a nice community.
What is your fondest memory of your roommate from freshman year? Both of our birthdays were at the very beginning of the year. Mine was in September and hers in October. We both decorated our room for each other and it was just such a nice way to start our rooming experience. She was great!
What is your favorite study spot on campus? My favorite study spot on campus is actually in the campus center by the little fire place on the third floor.
What is your favorite thing to do in Appleton? I love going to the coffee shops and bars on the ave. Copper Rock has amazing chai and chocolate chip scones and is a great place to write a paper. The Wooden Nickel has really good elk burgers. Delish.

 

  
If you were a crayon or paint swatch, what color would be you? Why? f I were a crayon, I would be Bermuda Blue. I did an abroad program through SEA Semester where we sailed up to Bermuda. The water there is the most beautiful bright blue. That or Portuguese Man of War Purple. Pretty, but dangerous!
What is an uncommon hobby you have? Why do you like it? I collect thimbles, which is not that common anymore. I have SO many from when I went abroad last year to the London Center because we traveled all around Europe. It's getting to be a pretty extensive collection. My most recent one is from Mt. Rushmore, but I have them from everywhere!
What was your favorite theme party thrown this year at LU, and what did you dress as? I haven't gone to any theme parties lately, but the group I went to the London Center with goes out all the time! It's London themed I guess. We meet in the VR on Tuesdays and talk about London and Europe and how some day we're all going to back. That or we go to the Irish pub. It's amazing.
What is something LU helped you learn about yourself? LU is all about embracing your interests and not being afraid to be a nerd about them. I think I spent too much time in high school pretending like I didn't care about what I was studying. At Lawrence, everyone is so passionate about everything, it would be weird if you weren't a nerd about something you were taking.