Andre 'A.T.' Thomas

Andre Thomas PERFORMING ON A L I B E R A L A R T S S TA G E

Hometown: Chicago Majors: Psychology and Theater

A . T. ’ S B I G Q U E S T I O N :

How can I apply my knowledge and interest in three unrelated fields to learn how people perceive the world around us?

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ndre (A.T.) arrived at Connecticut College sure that he would major in neuroscience.

He enrolled as a Science Leader, one of a small group selected to participate in Conn’s challenging program that prepares students for careers in the sciences. He and the other 12 Science Leaders in his class participated in a first-year seminar, “Toxins and the Nervous System,” and shared a faculty mentor who taught the class.

It was during the thought-provoking discussions in his seminar that A.T. began to have a change of heart ... and mind.

“I was interested in the mind in high school and thought that meant neuroscience. But in my first-year seminar, I realized I was more interested in the psychological reasons behind behavior than the biological reasons, and that convinced me that a career in psychology was the perfect choice.”

He’ll continue as a Science Leader throughout his time at Conn, conducting independent study with a faculty mentor, participating in special seminars, using sophisticated laboratory equipment and conducting research fully supported by the program. Only now he will have a different focus, one more in alignment with his long-term goals.

PA R T O F S O M E T H I N G B I G G E R

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espite being a self-described introvert, A.T. bonded with his fellow Science Leaders and has connected with other groups all over campus, including his Posse. He and 10 other students from Chicago-area public high schools were recruited by the Posse Foundation for their exceptional academic and leadership potential and received scholarships to attend Conn as part of a multicultural team, or “Posse.” They receive leadership training and mentoring from faculty and go on to become dynamic campus leaders.

“At first, we did everything together. And even though we’ve met a lot of people on campus, we still rely on each other and will throughout our time at Conn and beyond—and not just because we’re in the same Posse. We challenge each other to excel as student leaders.”

A FAV O R I T E C L A S S ART 200: PHOTOGRAPHY I

An introduction to the art of photography through traditional film and darkroom methods. Emphasis is placed on controlling the technical aspects of the medium as a function of individual expression and exploring different modes of subject/photographer interactions.

Professor: Theodore Hendrickson, Associate Professor of Art

Among the other connections A.T. has made are members of two important committees he was selected to join: the career task force, a group of faculty, staff and students focused on establishing the premier liberal arts career program in the country; and the Honor Council, a committee of students elected to uphold the College’s Honor Code. More than just a code of conduct, the Honor Code is a philosophy by which the Conn community lives, a personal commitment everyone makes to improve the quality of life in the community by words and actions. Conn’s is one of a handful of college Honor Codes nationwide that applies to both academic and social life.

“The Honor Code is a pledge to be a good person, and the students who serve on the Honor Council ensure all of us take that pledge seriously, and we hold accountable those who don’t. This shared responsibility is what makes our community so strong.”

P U R S U ING ADDITION AL PATHWAYS

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s part of the College’s Connections curriculum, A.T. took a ConnCourse, an interdisciplinary class that helps students discover the connections between their studies and real-world issues. He selected “Building Culture,” an interdisciplinary survey of the history of architecture, taught by

Emily Morash, the dean of first-year students.

“A.T. embraced the integrative approach central to ConnCourses and discovered how various academic disciplines intersect with—in the case of my class—the history of architecture. By questioning how the built environment developed over time, he challenged common assumptions and developed new perspectives. A.T. analyzed the Municipal Building in New London, which he had seen before taking the course, and learned how to describe, analyze and place it in its historical and social context.”

A.T.’s decision to take that particular ConnCourse led to the development of a new interest and a likely minor.

“Dean Morash is a fantastic teacher, and I appreciated the opportunity to explore a field I knew little about. The art history component of the class was also fascinating—and definitely challenging.”

A.T. and his ConnCourse classmates held regular study sessions in the College’s Academic Resource Center (ARC), located in Shain Library, which provides all students with resources and support to become more efficient and effective leaders. The extra attention he gave this course paid off.

“I look at and photograph buildings differently now, and I’m contemplating minoring in architectural studies.”

“New London isn’t your typical college town, but it’s got great stores, restaurants and other hidden gems. My style of relaxing is probably atypical—exploring downtown’s antique stores is my way of winding down.”

H I S W O R L D ’ S A S TA G E

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hough A.T. has yet to officially declare his major, he is considering a second major in theater. He acted throughout high school and landed roles in his first year at Conn in a Princeinspired retelling of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and a classmate’s senior directorial project, “Eurydice.”

A.T.’s ultimate goal, however, is not a Tony Award—it’s a Ph.D. He wants to connect all his interests into a single scholarly focus, and he knows the College’s Connections curriculum will ensure that happens.

“I would like to study psychological elements in theater and architecture. I want to see how the character-building we do in the theater, and the physical buildings we inhabit, impact the way we think and behave.”

LOOKING AHEAD

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dvisers from the College’s Office of Career and Professional Development work closely with every first-year seminar, and that’s how A.T. met Deb Brunetti, associate director of the career office. The two have become close.

“Deb is great. Right away she made herself available. She’s helped me with my professional communications, building my network and how to approach graduate study. She’s the reason I have a job in the career office, in addition to being an admission tour guide.

Their bond is so strong that Brunetti attended both his theatrical productions on campus. She says A.T. is the type of student who is engaged from day one.

“In his first year, I saw him pursue leadership roles, get involved in theater productions and write blog posts aimed at prospective students.

He has taken advantage of every resource on campus and gotten to know many people in a very short time. He is definitely making the most of his time at Connecticut College.”

A.T. lives the advice he gives to prospective students as he leads campus tours.

“I tell students and their families that the key to thriving at Conn is to make the experience what you want it to be by putting yourself out there. Try living life outside your comfort zone.”

A . T. ’ S L I T T L E Q U E S T I O N S ■

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Dream Dinner Party Guest? Betty White, Janelle Monae, the Obamas, Denzel Washington Favorite Food on Campus? Quesadillas from the grill in Harris Actor Starring in a Movie of Your Life?

Kevin Hart Best Place to Clear Your Head? Tempel Green, under any tree along the sidewalk Superpower of Choice? Duplication Hidden Gem on Campus? Quiet study spaces on the third floor of Blaustein Humanities Center Book You’d Want if Marooned on a Desert Island? Any book from the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series

Watch a video of A.T.: www.conncoll.edu/at Learn more about Connecticut College at: www.conncoll.edu/admission