Nick hails from Weedsport, N.Y., a small town outside of Syracuse where he grew up in a family of eight kids on a farm in the countryside. After changing from a major in optics, he is currently a Biomedical Engineering major, which he chose because it allows him to combine his interests in both engineering and human anatomy/physiology.
“I’m really big into the mechanics of movement, musculo-skeletal interactions and gait analysis,” Nick said. “I also like the clinical applications of my interests, and how I can potentially use what I learn and work with to help the lives of others. It’s an up-and-coming field to get into – one with a lot of opportunity and a bright outlook for the future.”
Nick is also involved in a wide variety of activities on-campus. He is a member of the Catholic Newman Community Steering Committee, he was a rector for the Kairos retreat, which was put on by Newman students in the fall of his junior year, he’s been a resident adviser for the past two years and has been a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society for the past two years, as well as serving as the class representative for the class of 2006.
How did you become involved in all of these activities?
“I became involved in the Catholic Newman Community very early in my freshman year. I went on a Kairos retreat in the fall semester and the great experience I had made me really want to deepen my faith and get involved in the Newman Community.
“I was elected to the Steering Committee in the fall of my sophomore year and I’ve been an active member ever since. The Steering Committee plans and puts on programs for the Newman Community and the college campus, including spirituality, social justice, community development and fundraising programs. For my first three semesters, I was in charge of finances, and the past three semesters I have been a co-president of the committee.
“What I really like about the Steering Committee is the work we do to promote Catholicism on-campus and serve others. It’s a service-based group, and it’s rewarding to put on programs that encourage others to explore their faith and get involved themselves.
“I also became involved with the Kairos retreats that are put on each semester by Newman students and was the rector for the retreat in the fall of my junior year. The retreats were one of the most meaningful activities I have been a part of at Rochester. I’ve met a ton of great people through the retreats, and leading the retreat was the most worthwhile experience I’ve ever had. In addition to the Steering Committee and retreats, I’ve been involved with the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program at Newman as a sponsor for Kyra West. I also went on theAlternative Spring Break trip to Baltimore this spring, which was an incredible experience. This also is a Newman student-led program, where we went into inner-city Baltimore to volunteer our time at community outreach programs for both adults and children.
What made you want to be an RA?
“I’ve wanted to be an RA for as long as I can remember, especially for freshmen. To me it’s a great way to help the incoming students enjoy their first years, as I’m able to serve them as a mentor, advisor, confidant and friend. Saving money on housing has been a big plus, as well. It is definitely one of the best perks of the job.
“As an RA I’ve met some great people, been introduced to a variety of campus resources and have enjoyed the role as a student leader on campus. I’ve learned a lot about working with a diverse group of students from a variety of backgrounds, and these skills will stay with me wherever I go.
“It’s true that RAs put up with a lot – as many of my guys will attest to – but each year has been worth it for me, and being an RA has been one of the better things I’ve involved myself with on-campus.
Could you possibly do more?
“Let’s see, I’m a huge sports fan and I love to play football, basketball, golf, racquetball – anything involving competition. I guess you could say I’m pretty competitive, but that comes from growing up trying to find my place in a huge family.
“I like to work out, whether it’s lifting or cardio. I played the saxophone in the Wind Symphony for one semester at UR, and that was fun while I was a part of it. Oh yeah, and I really love to eat.”
Weintraub can be reached at
aweintraub@campustimes.org.
