Fernando F. Jenkins Jr. '10, or as he's commonly known at Grinnell, Fonz, is a first-year student from Little Rock, Arkansas. As third oldest of eight children, Fonz attended Little Rock Central High School, which is most commonly known for being the high school where the "Little Rock Nine" graduated. He's currently unsure of what he'll major in because he enjoys political science, biology, history, mathematics, acting. In other words, he enjoys essentially everything!

Activities: Fonz enjoys playing football, acting, track and field, music, all of the arts, and learning something new everyday.
High School and Hometown: Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock, Arkansas Best thing about Grinnell: "The diversity. I came from a school were there was so much diversity in terms of ethnicities and that made it so much easier to adapt to Grinnell.

Fonz will be avilable to chat online Sunday evenings (April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29).

Maurie Kathan '08 comes from Maryland right outside of D.C. Both her parents are alumni of Grinnell and her brother is a current first-year student. She is a junior General science major with a concentration in chemistry, and she has an environmental studies concentration. She is an avid lover of board games and spending time with friends.

Activities: She is on the swim team, is an active member of the environmental group, Free The Planet!, is part of the swing dance, and yoga club.
High School and Hometown: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Chevy Chase, Maryland
Best thing about Grinnell: "I can't really pin point one thing. But here are a few of my favorite things. Grinnell's social conscious is really high. I also really love the town of Grinnell, it's a friendly place and has some great restaurants and stores."

Maurie will be avilable to chat online Monday evenings (April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30).

Justin Erickson '10 is first-year student from Wisconsin. During his time at Grinnell, he hasI discovered a new-found passion in the Russian language and has been allowed to build upon my passion of studying history. At Grinnell, he has found a place where hard work and a love for learning is intertwined.

Activities: He write for the Scarlet and Black (the student run newspaper) and plays Varsity Soccer During his spare time, which rarely occurs, he loves going to lectures sponsored by the academic departments.
High School and Hometown: Appleton North High School in Appleton, Wisconsin
Best thing about Grinnell:"The Location!!! I love Grinnell, Iowa. It's a picturesque town where everyone knows everyone. The location allows students to focus on their work and not become distracted. The campus is a tight community where professors ALWAYS make time for their students inside and outside of class. They truly care for our well being and want to see all of us do well! I know that I would not be happier anywhere else!"

Emily Roberts '10 is from a very small town in Western Colorado. Her mother is an elementary teacher in Delta and her sister goes to school in Boston. Currently, Emily's major is undeclared, but she will most likely major in German while fulfilling pre-med requirements. She enjoys baking, music, German, theater, hanging out with friends, chocolate, musicals, unusual stuffed animals, and coffee.

Activities: Grinnell Singers, Dance Team, Free The Planet, Feminist Action Coalition, Tango Society, Youth Ministry Assistant at the local United Methodist Church, waiting tables at The Depot (a local restaurant), tennis, and acting.
High School and Hometown: Delta High School, Delta, Colorado
Best thing about Grinnell: "The people. Everyone here is just so....Grinnellian. They are all so intelligent, thoughtful, and amazing people. Trust me--you've got to see it to believe it. And once you see it, you'll love it and never want to leave!"

Emily will be avilable to chat online Tuesday evenings (April 3, 10, 17, 24).

Jill Akiyama '10 sent herself to Grinnell from the not-as-small town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Right now, she has no idea what to major in, but is leaning towards a possible history major with interests in sociology and religious studies. Though in love with her hometown's university's Tar Heels, Jill loves the community she found at Grinnell that is also combined with rigorous academics. In the little free time she has from homework, Jill enjoys reading, listening to music and spending time with her friends.

Activities: Swing Society, Varsity Tennis
High School and Hometown: East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Best thing about Grinnell: "The lack of a Greek society and the small student body population. Both help de-emphasize the cliques of high school and that between the students and athletes often found at Division 1 schools. There's a stronger sense of community and family here."

Jill will be avilable to chat online Wednesday evenings (April 4, 11, 18, 25).

Eli Best '07 was born in Manhattan and moved to Colorado when he was three. His father is a Law Professor at the University of Denver, and his mother is a modern dancer/choreographer. Eli is on track to graduate from Grinnell College as an English major in the Spring of 2007. He loves sports and when he isn't studying you will find him playing tennis, playing basketball, or in the gym.

Activities: Varsity Tennis, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, The Scarlet and Black (student newspaper), Davis Buddies (volunteer mentoring program). High School and Hometown: Cherry Creek High School. Englewood, Colorado. Best thing about Grinnell?: The luxury of being able to meet face to face with a professor almost any time. Professors are very accessible; they are eager to help students and get to know them.

Eli will be avilable to chat online Thursday evenings (April 5, 12, 19, 26).