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Mary Gurak

Junior from Denison, Texas
Math major with minor in physics

What do you like about living on campus?
I like the independence and living so close to all my friends. It makes hanging out a lot easier.

List some clubs or organizations you are involved in at UT Dallas.
Destination Imagination, Intramural Sports, Math Club, Homecoming Committee, and Supplemental Instruction Leader.

List some of your hobbies.
Playing sports (especially volleyball), watching movies, cooking, hanging out with friends, and reading.

List something unique about yourself.
I work in the Nanotech Institute, researching superconductivity.

Why did you decide to become a First-Year Leader?
My freshman year was a very chaotic time for me, and having an older student around who knew the ropes was really helpful. And now, I want to be that older student and share my experiences with younger students.

What advice do you have for the freshman class coming into UT Dallas?
Have fun! Life’s too short to let it pass you by (but keep your grades up).

What do you wish you did during your freshman year that you didn’t?
I wish I had spent more time talking with the upper classmen. There’s so much you can learn from them.

What do you like about UT Dallas?
I like the availability of opportunities for undergraduates. At UTD, it’s possible to work in a lab or serve on a major committee as a freshmen/sophomore, something which is rare at other universities.

Why did you decide to attend UT Dallas?
One reason was a great scholarship opportunity. But more importantly, I was very impressed with the people I met here and their attitudes towards education, and life in general.

What has been your favorite or best UT Dallas experience so far?
Going to Peru for my psychology class. Machu Picchu was absolutely amazing!

What did you learn about college life that you didn’t know before?
Being independent is very different from what I had pictured it to be.

What do you like to do to unwind after class?
Playing sand volleyball with my friends or watching TV or listening to music