do you have the clarkson gene?
Clarkson Student Spotlight: October '09
Olivia “Oli” Merlusca ‘10
Business & Technology
You’d think that coming to the U.S. would be enough of a “study abroad” experience for Olivia. But, in fact, the idea of studying in other foreign lands is one of the many reasons that Olivia chose Clarkson in the first place. Back this year after a semester in Hong Kong, Olivia shows us what’s it like to really be an international citizen. Let’s see what else she’s passionate about!
Q: Who is your favorite professor?
A: Every semester I have a favorite professor, but this semester it is Professor Sonmez Atesoglu, who teaches Money, Banking & Monetary Policies. Even though the class is at eight in the morning, I look forward to it because Professor Atesoglu’s teaching method is amazing. He combines sharing his real life experiences with jokes, which is like a breath of fresh air in what could be a boring class!
Q: The world is ending in one week! What's on your to-do list?
A: I’d convince all the people who are dear to me to join me in Bora Bora (French Polynesia) so that we could wait together for the world to end in a breathtaking place.
Q: What are your favorite things about Clarkson?
A: I love the nice, small campus and the overall atmosphere, the educational system and teaching methods used by professors and, of course, all of my interesting friends from different backgrounds!
Q: Which is more attractive: making money or becoming famous? Why?
A: Making money because making money requires time, hard work and knowledge. Somebody can become famous without working hard or having any capabilities or talent, which is not at all attractive to me.
Q: If you weren’t a Business and Technology major, what would you be?
A: I would have been pre-law, but then I’d probably go to college in Europe for it.
Q: What would be your ideal last meal?
A: Wiener Schnitzel with fried potatoes (German dish), and a cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!
Q: What is your idea of a perfect Friday night at Clarkson?
A: My favorite times are when I’m catching up with friends, either by having dinner together or just meeting up and talking.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Reliable. Straight-forward. Adaptable.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, real, imaginary, dead or alive, who would it be?
A: There are many people I would like to have the chance to meet, but for now it is Vladimir Kush. I love his work and I think he is one of the best artists of our times. His paintings are clearly influenced by Salvador Dali, however he does manage to create something unique and new; something that is beyond ordinary peoples’ minds.
Q: Tell us something that people would be surprised to know about you.
A: I love classical music. I speak three languages fluently, and I’ve traveled to 23 countries and lived in four countries for more than six months. I really am an international citizen!
Q: What has been the proudest moment of your life?
A: I’m still waiting for it…May 2010, when I will graduate from Clarkson.
Want to see more Clarkson student profiles? Click here!
Business & Technology
You’d think that coming to the U.S. would be enough of a “study abroad” experience for Olivia. But, in fact, the idea of studying in other foreign lands is one of the many reasons that Olivia chose Clarkson in the first place. Back this year after a semester in Hong Kong, Olivia shows us what’s it like to really be an international citizen. Let’s see what else she’s passionate about!
Q: Who is your favorite professor?
A: Every semester I have a favorite professor, but this semester it is Professor Sonmez Atesoglu, who teaches Money, Banking & Monetary Policies. Even though the class is at eight in the morning, I look forward to it because Professor Atesoglu’s teaching method is amazing. He combines sharing his real life experiences with jokes, which is like a breath of fresh air in what could be a boring class!
Q: The world is ending in one week! What's on your to-do list?
A: I’d convince all the people who are dear to me to join me in Bora Bora (French Polynesia) so that we could wait together for the world to end in a breathtaking place.
Q: What are your favorite things about Clarkson?
A: I love the nice, small campus and the overall atmosphere, the educational system and teaching methods used by professors and, of course, all of my interesting friends from different backgrounds!
Q: Which is more attractive: making money or becoming famous? Why?
A: Making money because making money requires time, hard work and knowledge. Somebody can become famous without working hard or having any capabilities or talent, which is not at all attractive to me.
Q: If you weren’t a Business and Technology major, what would you be?
A: I would have been pre-law, but then I’d probably go to college in Europe for it.
Q: What would be your ideal last meal?
A: Wiener Schnitzel with fried potatoes (German dish), and a cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!
Q: What is your idea of a perfect Friday night at Clarkson?
A: My favorite times are when I’m catching up with friends, either by having dinner together or just meeting up and talking.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Reliable. Straight-forward. Adaptable.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, real, imaginary, dead or alive, who would it be?
A: There are many people I would like to have the chance to meet, but for now it is Vladimir Kush. I love his work and I think he is one of the best artists of our times. His paintings are clearly influenced by Salvador Dali, however he does manage to create something unique and new; something that is beyond ordinary peoples’ minds.
Q: Tell us something that people would be surprised to know about you.
A: I love classical music. I speak three languages fluently, and I’ve traveled to 23 countries and lived in four countries for more than six months. I really am an international citizen!
Q: What has been the proudest moment of your life?
A: I’m still waiting for it…May 2010, when I will graduate from Clarkson.
Want to see more Clarkson student profiles? Click here!