Office and People Directory

Abaigael Lebrun

Concentration

Broadcast Media Production

What do you like about your major?

I love that everyone is passionate about what they are pursuing. Since there is so much choice involved in the program and curriculum, you never feel like your work is done in vain. This creates passion for the work, and that energy is shared with peers.

What projects have you worked on in classes that you’ve found particularly rewarding/useful?

In the Fall of 2020, my project design class was given the opportunity to work with local organizations working to improve food access in Vermont. From that experience, the class created an online resource website where Champlain community members could go and find information on education, volunteering, and assistance with food insecurity. It was rewarding to create a product that real people could and would use.

What advice do you have for students thinking about coming to Champlain for college?

Whether you come for a tour or an open house or some other admissions event, take a few minutes to sit and observe the school in action—there’s an energy about this place that you can’t find anywhere else.

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Katherine Taddeo

Concentration

Professional Writing

What made you choose your major?

I really like to write and create stories, but I also enjoy learning about science. Why not create stories that teach about the planet?

What projects have you worked on in classes that you’ve found particularly rewarding or useful?

Creating posts for one of my environmental classes in collaboration with the Emergent Media Center. It was a good exercise to try to distill scientific facts to the size of a post and make them entertaining. It was satisfying to see them published. I also liked working on a food website with my classmates in my Project Design course.

What is your favorite class you’ve taken at Champlain?

I’ve enjoyed the classes where I have learned a lot, and there are a good number of those. I think the one that I learned the most in is Screenwriting I. I really love cinema, and have lots of ideas for films, but you can’t get anywhere without a good script.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

Living on campus gives you the feeling that you’re not alone and that there are other people like you studying. I don’t have a spot in particular that is my favorite, but I like walking around Maple Street and South Willard Street because it’s the center of campus and you’ll see other students.

What do you like about Burlington?

Burlington is big enough to explore but small enough to be safe and it is physically beautiful.

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Maia Tebbets

How did you apply to Champlain?

Regular Decision

Why I Chose Champlain

I chose Champlain because of the cozy tight knit campus and the small size of the school! I went to a small high school so it was important to me that I would be able to connect with my professors and peers, and I have definitely found that here!

Ideal Weekend in Burlington

My ideal weekend in Burlington would be grabbing coffee at Cosmic Grind down on Church Street, exploring the lakefront with friends, having a slice at Pizza 44, and playing board games with my friends!

Clubs & Student Involvement

• Resident Advisor
• President’s Council
• Captain of Champlain College Dance Team
• CHAMP

Favorite Champlain Memory

One of my favorite Champlain memories was Spirit Week my freshman year! It was themed after space camp and there were lots of cool crafts and activities. It felt like the first time I really connected with my people!

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process

One piece of advice for students starting to look at schools is to go with your gut. It can be easy to make a decision based on what other’s expect from you or what you think you are “supposed to do”, but go with what feels right! For me, I felt a connection when I visited campus. I hope you find what you’re looking for!

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Jessica Turner

Concentration

Cybersecurity and Social Justice

Internship

NuHarbor Security

How have you benefited from the Upside-Down Curriculum?

I can’t imagine being at any other institution and not taking major-specific courses right off the bat. Taking a deep dive into your field of study so early on allows for more opportunities within your field. By the end of my sophomore year, I was an intern at NuHarbor Security doing information assurance. I feel as though I would not have been able to get that opportunity elsewhere.

Can you discuss your internship experience?

I have worked as an intern at NuHarbor Security in Colchester, Vermont, since January 2020. The president of Champlain’s Womxn in Technology Club at the time, Mackenzie Marsocci, was interning there and put in a good word for me with her boss. I got an interview after submitting my rèsumè at the Career Fair, and I received an offer less than a day after. I’ve been working there ever since, and in November 2021, I got a full-time job offer after graduation as an information assurance analyst.I’ve also interned as a research assistant for Professor Duane Dunston, and we have completed many different projects together. One of these projects was on an expert system for identifying victims of human trafficking. I’ve also worked on building a virtual reality application for a local non-profit organization, Vermont Works for Women, aimed at teaching members the necessary skills to work on a construction site.

Have you volunteered or participated in a service-based experience?

I am a part of Techdren, Champlain’s student-run nonprofit. My role is to gather a group of volunteers and refurbish donated technology for students in need. We distributed about 65 laptops to students, as well as to the Boys and Girls Club and a local nursing home.Volunteerism emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. I strongly believe in using your skills for the greater good and serving others.

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