What was your nickname?
AB: He called me “Mr. Bell” because I was the old kid [in class], and I would always answer all the questions.
You’ll be carrying the banner at commencement. How did you find out about it? And why do you think you were selected?
AB: I’ve been working in the undergraduate admissions office for all my four years here. I’ve always been a staple with a lot of the admissions and advising faculty. I’ve been a stronghold of the office, like the longest serving intern. I’ve known all the faculty, all the deans, that sort of thing.
Whenever I was in the office, I would always make an effort to say “Good morning” to everyone, to say “How are you,” to strike up small talk. Patricia Ramos [the senior office manager of the Marshall undergraduate programs office] said [she nominated me] for being a star at Marshall.
I know a lot of the faculty. I think probably most of the kids in my grade in Marshall know who I am … and so it was an honor.
What are your post-graduation plans?
AB: Post graduation, I’m working at Deloitte. I interned this past summer and I got the offer.
I’ve been studying for my CPA exam as well. In the future, I would definitely want to go to postgraduate school, whether it be in the northeast or maybe back at USC. Ultimately down the line, I think my dream is to own a professional sports team or be a general manager.
If you could go back and give your first-year self one piece of advice what would it be?
AB: I would say, “Don’t sweat the small things.” I think there have been a lot of situations at USC where I’ve overstressed myself and everything worked out.
When I first came here, I would get anxious in certain situations. But everything will always work out and everything happens for a reason. Everything is learning and everything is a lesson. That’s the best way to put it.
Is there anyone who’s really helped you in your Marshall journey?
AB: I was a member of a program called MPP — Marshall Pathways Program. It was run by Kristi Culpepper. She’s been my rock. She’s vouched for me for a lot of things. She’s been like my mom away from home.
If I ever wanted to talk about anything, she’d sit down and talk with me for an hour or two at a time, and I really appreciate that. She’ll give you advice because she was a student here as well, so she knows all the ins and outs of the social life.
She’s always been like a counselor doubling down as a teacher, doubling down as an admissions worker, doubling down as a director. She wears so many hats at the school, but she’ll always make time for you.
When it’s commencement day and you’re carrying the Marshall banner and leading your fellow students, what will that mean to you?
AB: I’m going to feel a big sense of pride. It’s kind of like my grand finale at Marshall. … There’s a quote by [soccer player] Xabi Alonso: “Lived it. Loved it. Farewell, beautiful game.”
That’s how I’m feeling. I’ve loved every second of it.
