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Julianne Ayyad

Junior from Balch Springs, Texas
Accounting/Pre-Law

Do you live on campus? If yes, what do you like about living on your own?
Yes, and I love being independent and taking full responsibility for myself. It is an empowering feeling to be on your own in the world. Living on campus is also really convenient. I enjoy waking up in the morning and walking to class. Living so close really allows students to be more involved in all realms of college life at the University.

List some of the clubs or organizations you are involved in at UT Dallas.
CV Honors Program, Jazz Band, Rotaract and Terry Scholars.

List some of your hobbies.
Reading, surfing the Internet, volunteering, playing sports, watching movies, dancing, listening to music, singing and playing my clarinet.

List something unique about yourself.
I sing and play the clarinet for the UT Dallas Jazz Band, and I am an avid salsa dancer. I want to take ballroom dance lessons!

Why did you decide to become a First-Year Leader?
I hope by being a First-Year Leader, I can give back to the University. My main reason for applying to be a First-Year Leader is to create a more spirited and proud student body at UT Dallas.

What advice do you have for the freshmen class coming into UT Dallas?
Don’t be overwhelmed by all the opportunities college has to offer; the key is moderation. Have fun, study hard, but have a good balance. Take full advantage of your resources and get to know your professors. College is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but don’t forget that the choices you make today will change your future.

What do you wish you did during your freshman year that you didn’t?
I wish I had taken full advantage of the academic resources the University has to offer, such as the math lab and library.

What do you like about UT Dallas?
I love that UT Dallas stands for academics and that the reputation of the University is growing stronger each day. I also love the location of the University; it’s a great central location for developing a strong networking system.

Why did you decide to attend UT Dallas?
UT Dallas is a part of my family; my dad and two older sisters graduated from the University. When I visited during Scholars’ Weekend, UT Dallas felt like home, and in that weekend I knew I was going to be a future Comet!

What has been your favorite/best UT Dallas experience so far?
There are so many memories that I have made at UT Dallas, and I have way too many favorites! I love intramurals and probably enjoy playing on a team more than any social activity. I am also very proud to be a member of the first class of Terry Scholars at the University.

What did you learn about college life that you didn’t know before?
I have learned that moderation is key. I also learned that you control your future and who you want to be. Everything is in your hands; all you have to do is work hard, but have fun while doing it. I learned that no matter what anyone says or thinks of you, it is what you truly think of yourself that is most important.

What do you to do unwind after class?
After class I like to go back to my apartment, turn on some great music and relax for a few minutes before studying.

Other information you’d like to contribute:
I work on campus in the School of Behavior and Brain Sciences as a research assistant in Dr. (Alice) O’Toole’s lab, where we study facial recognition.