Name: Amanda Major: Fashion Merchandising Year: Senior Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Tell me about your major:
There is this misconstrued idea that FM majors sit around talking about fashion trends, but rather, our core classes are focused on the retail industry, basic business functions, textile construction, and yes, a few “fashion” classes to understand the history of retail and current consumer influences on what retailers sell.  What’s great about the fashion merchandising program at Philadelphia University is that students graduate with an extensive knowledge of the retail industry and general business, giving us the option to work in multiple retail positions or in another business altogether.

Why did you become an Ambassador?
I always saw other students giving tours and thought it was something I could do because I knew almost everything about Philadelphia University.  Now I’m giving tours and helping prospective students and their families make an important decision.  Ambassadors represent Philadelphia University and I feel that being a representative of your college is the ultimate way of knowing you’ve succeeded as a student.

Are you a member of any clubs or organizations?
In addition to being an Ambassador, I’m president of Hillel, the national organization for Jewish students.  I’m also president of Delta Mu Delta national honor society for business students, and through that, I’m a student leader for the School of Business Administration (SBA).

What do you like about Philadelphia University?
Just by comparing different aspects of Philadelphia University to my friends’ colleges, I feel that our school is just more professional and focused.  Though few, the majors offered here help students become very proficient in specific industries.  Our class sizes are small, allowing for students to communicate with the professors and learn about opportunities.

Do you have any advice for prospective students on tour?
If you have a question, ask it!  Don’t be shy, we can answer most questions, and for those that we can’t, an admissions counselor can certainly help.  It really helps if before you go on your tour to read up about Philadelphia University because there’s bound to be something you’re curious about.  Just one question can be the deciding factor of if you want to attend our school or be in a specific major.

 What do you like to do in your free time?
I don’t have much free time because of classes, jobs, and other activities, but I try to go to the Campus Activity Board (CAB) events on the weekends, which includes movies, bingo, performers, etc.  My friends and I go to Center City to shop and eat dinner, and of course, to check out the many museums and historical sites.  But sometimes, I just like to lounge around in my PJs and watch a movie -- it’s the college thing to do!

Do you like Philadelphia cheesesteak? If so, where can I find the best cheesesteak?
I’ll admit it, I’m close to graduating and I’ve still never had a Philadelphia cheesesteak.  I hear they’re really good, especially at renowned places like Pat’s and Geno’s in Center City.  Right near school, there’s Dalessandro’s and Chubby’s.  Don’t be like me, try one while you’re in Philly!