Sophomore Spotlight: Whitney Fraley

RELEASED: Dec. 28, 2006

DANVILLE, KY—At Centre, each year students become more engaged in the broad range of opportunities offered by the College. It's during the sophomore year that they declare a major, study abroad and participate in internships. Whitney Fraley '09 of Flatwoods, Ky., is doing all of those things this year.

Fraley was attracted to the College for several reasons. "It's obviously an outstanding school academically, but when I made my first visit to Centre it also felt like home. I knew that it was a great school with a sort of charm that I didn't see in other places."

At Centre, majors aren't declared until the spring semester of their sophomore year. This gives students a chance to take a variety of courses and decide which path is right for them. Fraley, who will decide next term, is currently considering an English major with a minor in French.

"I took Dr. Mark Lucas' American Literature class my first semester of freshman year, and it was a class that really grabbed my attention," Fraley says. "I think the art of storytelling is fascinating and after finishing that course I was almost certain that I wanted to do English."

Like many Centre students in their sophomore year, Fraley is looking forward to the study abroad opportunities offered at the College.

"I'm getting ready to go to Australia for CentreTerm '07 ["Sustainability"]. I think it's going to be an awesome trip. I'm also getting ready to apply for the Strasbourg program for the fall of '07. I love the French language, and I'd really like to become fluent so studying abroad is a great opportunity to do that."

By sophomore year, students at Centre have had a chance to get involved in a range of extra-curricular activities. From community service groups to Greek organizations to political associations, the social life at Centre is active and offers students a variety of choices.

"I'm involved in Tri Delta [national sorority], which has been a great outlet for me to do community service, build friendships and learn how a successful organization functions. It really helps to have that network of friends, and it also opens doors for you through alumni who have connections for jobs, internships, etc."

Still early in her academic career, Fraley is uncertain of her future plans. She is sure, however, that her Centre education is already preparing her for her next steps.

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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

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