Laurie Costa

Connecticut

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What has been your favorite class at COA? Why?

I have really enjoyed every single class I've taken so far. I loved my Human Ecology Core Course with John Anderson. We got to go outside a lot, and went on amazing field trips. I also loved Starting Your Novel with Bill Carpenter. Not only did I get an opportunity to start writing a novel, but I also got a lot of great feedback and saw my writing improve significantly.

What classes have you taken at COA?
Human Ecology Core
Contemporary Culture and the Self
Physics 1
Physics 2
Biology 1
Biology 2
Starting your Novel
Poetry and the American Environment
A Survey of British Literature

What is your dream occupation?
I would love to teach English or Biology and be a novelist on the side.

Do you work on or off campus? If yes, where?
I work on campus in the Admissions Office. I'm also a tour guide and a resident advisor.

What do you see yourself doing after COA?
I want to go to Grad School for English, Bio, and Education. I don't think I'll ever stop going to school.

What country or state would you like to visit? Where would you love to live?
I am dying to go to Italy. I want to travel a lot. :]

What is happiness to you?
I am completely happy when I'm surrounded by family and friends, hanging out at the beach, with the sun shining. Happiness is also reading a good book, swinging on swings, playing Ultimate Frisbee, smiling, laughing, blowing bubbles, and getting/giving great hugs.

Have you had an internship? If so, doing what? Where? If not, what are your plans, if any, for your internship?
I haven't had an internship yet, but I am looking forward to applying for some next year. It will most likely involve education.

What are your ideas for your senior project? If you have already done one, what did you do?
I would actually like to finish my novel for my senior project. My roommate and I have also discussed hiking the Appalachian Trail and writing/doing research along the way. Right now, I'm just tossing out ideas.

What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
I love thinking about all the fun times I had hanging out at my Grandma's house; cooking, climbing trees, etc. I have a lot of great memories I thank my parents, grandparents, and wonderful siblings for.

What is your favorite thing to cook?
I love making home-made ravioli and slow-cooked pasta sauce.

What do you like to do when you're not doing school work?
I like to read, write, play Ultimate Frisbee, hang out with friends, and I love to go exploring.

What are your favorite colors?
Blue, Green, and Yellow.

What are your favorite flowers?
I love Lillies, Daisies, Orchids, and Pansies.

What are your favorite animals?
I really like my cats and my puppy a whole lot. I'm a fan of all animals.

What came first, the chicken or the egg?
Oh, Human Ecology.

What is the motto you like to live by?
"Everything happens for a reason"...and "A hug can fix anything."

Why did you choose to come to COA?
I fell in love with COA the moment I started learning about it. It was an easy decision for me. I applied Early Decision.

What do you like to study?
I like to study everything. I'm sort of a nerd in a way. I read anything and everything I can get my hands on.

Who are your favorite writers? Poets?
Oh my, I love so many. I've probably read "Out of Africa" fifteen times, I also really love "Les Miserables"...I read "Cyrano de Bergerac" whenever I need a pick-me-up. I adore books.

Who are your favorite artists? Musicians?
As far as artists go, I love Picasso.. a lot. I listen to a lot of different types of music, but find myself listening to Ska a lot.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?
Jean Valjean is pretty inspirational.

What historical figure do you most admire?
I think Martin Luther King, Jr is amazing, and I truly envy his strength.

Who is your hero today?
My Grandmother has always been my hero, but I must say, I'm starting to appreciate my mother a whole lot more than I used to. She's probably my hero.

What do you value most in your friends?
I value honesty and sincerity. My friends are all incredible and I love them. I also appreciate how good they are at hugging and cuddling.

What do people say is your most marked characteristic?
Probably my hugs. I hug people like it's my job.

What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I had an ounce of musical talent.

What is your least favorite spice?
I don't think I have one.

Do you have anything cool or unique you would like to share?
I'm the fourth of five children. When I first came to COA, I had the hardest time dealing with them not being around me all the time. It's a little easier now I've made such amazing friends here, but is still really tough.