Senior profile: Leesa Malczewski

Image courtesy Leesa Malczewski.

What is your preferred name?

Leesa Malczewski.

What is your major and minor?

Computer science major and Spanish minor.

What are some of the jobs you held at McDaniel?

I was a student worker in undergraduate admissions freshman and sophomore year, then I moved to the IT department for my junior and senior year.

What organizations were you part of at McDaniel?

I play tennis and I am a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) sorority.

How much did you enjoy your time at McDaniel?

I have absolutely loved my time at McDaniel. There were ups and downs, no doubt, but that goes along with any college career. There were times where I thought that a liberal arts school may not have been the best choice for a computer science major, but I wouldn’t change anything. The small school atmosphere was perfect for me and I am so thankful to have been able to even go to college, let alone join a sorority, work, and play tennis.

Who do you think is/was your best mentor(s)?

My FYS professor and first advisor, Dr. Becky Carpenter of the English department was a great mentor to me. The first year of college is hard and full of a lot of new experiences and adjustments. I could always go to her for anything and I was lucky to have her as an advisor.

What has being a part of a sports team at McDaniel meant for you?

I have loved being a part of a sports team at McDaniel. I have made close friendships with students I may have not met otherwise, which is my favorite part. I also think student athletes learn time management, cooperation, respect and communication when being a part of a co-ed team with a diverse group of people.

What were some of your greatest sports highlights for you?

In conference, we usually have a lot of tough matches. This year, my doubles partner and I won two games against Johns Hopkins, which is not a lot but we were very excited because they are #15 in the nation. It was also great to win our conference match against Bryn Mawr 5-4? my sophomore year.

Were there any times you felt as though you couldn’t continue with sports and what were they?

Definitely. I took on a lot during my college career – always working two jobs (one of which being an hour away), leadership roles in my sorority, in addition to the normal college work load. I was very busy and stressed a lot of the time and I often felt like something had to give. But, I never gave up on tennis because I love playing the sport and I knew that I had a commitment to the team.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I will be working full-time as a computer analyst at the Department of Defense.

What advice can you give to those not graduating?

I would tell anyone who is not graduating to enjoy your time at McDaniel while you can. Everyone says that 4 years flies by, and while sometimes you may think it doesn’t, senior year certainly flied by. McDaniel has so many opportunities – intramural/intercollegiate sports, organizations, on-campus employment, guest lecturers, the CEO, and many more – so take advantage of these services while you can. Balance school and fun – because while your education is the most valuable thing you can receive, the memories you make with friends are everlasting.