Bimbola Akinbola , '11
Hometown: Columbia, MO

I am a Macward Bound leader because I had a blast on my freshman year Macward Bound trip and am looking forward to meeting new first years. And because Allison Greenlee is tons o' fun. Oh and because Minnesota is beautiful in the summer.

My advice to a first year student would be that you don't need as much stuff as you think. You will get rid of most of it when you realize that you don't have room at the end of the year. Pack light and get the necessities here.

Involvement at Mac: Emerging Scholars Program, BLAC, Pluralism and Unity, Women of the Black Diaspora, Black History Month Committee member, Allies Project

Justin Allison, '12
Hometown: Madison, WI

I am a Macward Bound leader because last year I had the chance to be part of the Macward Bound trip up to the Boundary Waters and it was a great introduction to Macalester so I wanted to come back as a leader this year! It is a great experience where you will meet good friends, create lasting memories all while enjoying the splendid North Woods of Minnesota!

My advice to first year students is:
1. Be spontaneous. See what lies beyond the Macalester bubble.
2. Expect the unexpected. Know that a lot of your previous conceptions will change but at the end of it all, it will be a growing experience.

Involvement at Mac: Mac Crew, MacDems, New Orleans Alternative Spring Break

Elise Griffin , '10
Hometown: Madison, WI

I am a Macward Bound leader because I want to meet and be friends with all of the new students and I enjoy being outside. I look forward to sleeping outside, campfires, cooking, hiking and canoeing with all of you!

My advice to a first year student would be to enjoy yourself, try new things, get on your bike or the bus and explore. This is the beginning of what will be one of the most memorable parts of your life so make the best of it.

Involvement at Mac: Women's Ultimate Frisbee, MacBike, Bike Share Coordinator, Emerging Leader Scholar, Mac Ski Team

Ainsley Judge , '11
Hometown: Barrington, RI

I am a Macward Bound leader because I really enjoyed being a first year on the trip and leading last year, getting to meet the new students and having fun in the outdoors.

My advice to a first year student would be have fun and don't be afraid to try new things and explore different interests.

Involvement at Mac: Women's Ultimate Frisbee, MacBike, Veggie Coop, Outing Club, Intermural Frisbee and soccer

Abe Levine , '11
Hometown:Brookline, MA

I am a Macward Bound leader because I love the outdoors. It is a place where my mind is pristine like river water. Also, I had a wonderful experience on my orientation trip and I am looking forward to throwing some of my campers off the boat.

My advice to a first year student would be to do what you truly want to do, not what you feel obligated to do. This is especially important at college when there are a lot of obligations.

Involvement at Mac: Sitting @ Mac, Salsa Club, Swing Club, Intermural Basketball

Dominika Seblova, '11
Hometown: Czech Republic

I'm a Macward Bound leader because I enjoy spending time in the outdoors and getting to know new people. Also I was a leader this past year and it was one of the best experiences that I have had at Macalester.

My advice to a first year student would be:
1) Engage and try something new! It can teach you a lot.
2) Bring posters to decorate your room. It will help to make your dorm look more like your own space.

Involvement at Mac: Outing Club, Veggie Coop, Pluralism and Unity, MacCares