Sasha Afanasyeva's Introduction

Sasha Afanasyeva

Raleigh, 23 years old. Full time economics student and news writer. Part time political and sci-fi junkie. I stay on top of economic trends, events around campus and Raleigh, and geek culture. I am interested in seeing how theoretical economies in sci-fi worlds function and work. As a big follower of the the Austrian school, my writings tend to take on a more Libertarian perspective with emphasis on the free market. I have done extensive work in the field of economics and will be graduating this upcoming May. I am also an experienced writer, first taking interest in it as a hobby back in high school. Now I have been a news writer for the Technician, the NC State newspaper, for more than two years and I have had about 70 news articles published to date. I have interviewed people ranging from students to CEOs of major companies such as Duke Energy and BB&T. I am also the president of the campus student organization called Society for Politics, Economics, and Law, and I encourage all to check it out sometime.

Katie Richardson's Introduction

Hello! My name is Katie Richardson and I am am a freshman at NC State University. I am studying Chemical Engineering. I chose chemical engineering because of my interest in chemistry. Within chemical engineering, I am interested in sustainability and new materials.

I live on campus and I am part of the Arts village, which is a really fun group of people. I am from Carrboro, NC, which is right next to Chapel Hill, and I have lived in North Carolina my whole life. I love living in North Carolina because the beach and the mountains are only a few hours away.

I have a sister who is two years younger than me and a high school junior. We have a dog and a cat. Our dog is named Chicka after a children's book. She is sweet but definitely a scaredy cat. She will hide from dogs smaller than her, and she always stresses when it storms. Our cat is named Pokie, which is short for Polkadots, and she looks like she has a milk mustache.

I love sailing and am part of the NC State sailing team. I always enjoyed sailing, and in high school I got into the racing side of it. I have been to regattas in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina for sailing, and I really enjoy getting to sail in all these different places. My hobbies include pottery, sewing and stamp making. I am taking a pottery class at the craft center this semester which I am really excited about.

Dani Deibert's Introduction

I’m Dani, but they call me DaniBoy. I’m a freshman at NC State University, and I’m one of the most awkward people you’ll ever meet (in the most charming way possible). Currently, I'm in the exploratory studies program, but I intend to major in applied math and minor in Spanish. I’m originally from a small town in the mountains in New Jersey--yes, there are mountains in Jersey. Where I’m from it’s not at all like “Jersey Shore,” I swear. Regardless, I am happy to be going to school in a new place. I love Raleigh and the warmer weather down south, but I do miss the 24-hour diners and Jersey pizza (aka the best pizza). I also miss my best friends: my mom and my dog. My dog is a corgi mix, and in my opinion, she is the best dog in the world. Those who know me know I'm slightly obsessed with my dog, but it's pretty tough not to be. I have been dancing since the age of 4, and danced competitively for 10 years, up until I graduated high school. I was also on my high school dance team. Now I am a member of the NCSU Dance Company, which is a modern dance group. I am extremely passionate about dance and will continue to do so as long as my body allows me. When I’m not nerding out, dancing, or crying over my dog, I love to spend time either staying in or going out with my friends!

Laura Carpenter's Introduction

Hi, my name is Laura Carpenter; I’ve been called Laurie, LC, Lola, Laurita, Laurs, and probably lots of other names, but Laura is just fine by me. I am a junior at NC State, studying mathematics. I honestly have no idea what I want to do with my major, but hopefully I will figure that out soon, as time is ticking.
I am tutoring at Mathnasium this semester, and I actually highly enjoy it, but I don’t plan to teach or tutor long term. Although I am from charlotte, the past two years I have been at a college down in Florida, where I swam my heart out, and decided I was over the student-athlete life. Although I’m excited to have seasons again, the cold weather is reminding me why I went to Florida in the first place. Since I am no longer swimming, I love to go for runs or “hit the gym” to stay in shape. 

I am the middle of five kids, which is an experience in and of itself. I have an older brother and sister, and younger brother and sister; I often tell people I get the “full experience”. I am super close with both my sisters, and my little brother. My older brother and I don’t talk much but we still get along; he’s getting married this summer and I’m so excited. In my spare time (which is not a lot) I love to read, or hang out with my friends and roommates; one of our favorite things to do is find a cute coffee shop to do work at.