The Observer, October 5, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 6
Student Profile: Hilary Michel
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Junior Hilary Michel has definitely found her place at Case. Between majoring in biology and French with minors in dance and chemistry, she still finds time to dedicate herself to a variety of organizations. You've probably seen her around campus; she seems to be everywhere as a Case Concert Choir member, Case In Point music director, ELP mentor, Rainbow Babies volunteer, Orientation leader, and much more.
Katie Chioran: Why Case?
Hilary Michel: I originally applied just because the application online was free. But as soon as I visited, I loved it. I initially thought it was too close (I live about an hour away) but I had "that moment." I know that's really cheesy, but I really did. I loved it, and I still love it three years later.
KC: You definitely have a creative combination of majors and minors. How did you go about choosing them?
HM: I came in just thinking bio. I wanted to go pre-med so I went bio. But a semester in, I realized I was missing two things that were the biggest passions in my life. I'd taken French in high school and I've danced since I was in first grade. Those were two things I wasn't willing to give up. I guess [initially] I didn't realize I could do more than one thing in college.
KC: What's your favorite class/teacher?
HM: This semester, my favorite class is Neurobiology of Behavior with Dr. Ritzmann. We read journal articles and discuss them. Dr. Ritzmann is hilarious. He has a really dry sense of humor and I love it.
KC: When and how did you start getting involved at Case?
HM: Before school even started, I auditioned for Case Concert Choir my freshman year. I'm still in that now. From there, things that interested me started popping up. I tried to continue with things I liked in high school, and there are a lot more opportunities here. Any interest I had has a match here at Case.
KC: Do you have a favorite activity or memory from any of your extracurriculars?
HM: Oh man, that's difficult. I'm the music director of Case In Point (I started that last spring). I love when everything meshes. That's when we really feel like a group. It might be a new song, and it might be difficult, but we all feel how the song is supposed to be, and it's awesome.
KC: Obviously you've found your place here, but do you have any plans for after Case?
HM: Yes. I hope to go to med school, although I don't know where yet. I'm exploring options as to what kind of doctor to become. But then my life goal is to become a part of Doctors Without Borders and go to French-speaking Africa. A family might be nice someday, too. I wouldn't mind that.
KC: Is there anything you wish you'd known or wish you'd done differently at Case?
HM: I'm sure there are. Umm…that's a difficult question. I guess I wish I'd been even better educated about the opportunities Case has. I think I was pretty well-educated, but there's always room for more.
KC: Early morning or evening class?
HM: Early!
KC: Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt?
HM: Brad Pitt.
KC: Soda or pop?
HM: Pop.
KC: The Office or Grey's Anatomy?
HM: The Office.
KC: Good choice. Constant Euclid construction or near mutilation by bike?
HM: Which would I prefer? That's a funny question. I don't know; I'm usually the one nearly mutilating people on my bike. Is that a valid answer? I'm always in a hurry to get to class.
