Embodying Diversity: Fiona Bultonsheen
Embodying Diversity: Fiona
With eyes that shine as bright as her kind-hearted soul, Fiona is a dear friend I am so glad to have. From figuring out how to do laundry on Commons last year to going to work out classes together, we have become great pals for the past year and a half. She is a light to anyone who meets her, and I hope to show y’all how amazing she is and !
Name: Fiona Bultonsheen
Year in school: Sophomore
Hometown: Center Valley, PA
Major: Economics
Minor: Arabic and Business
After coming in undeclared freshman year, I took Micro with Prof. Buckles who got me more interested in the subject, specifically on questions surrounding economic development. With my minors, I hope to apply those questions to developing countries in the Middle East.
Choosing Vandy:
I actually got off the wait list the day before graduation, so it was pretty sudden! Vandy also happens to be the 1st school I ever visited.
Future goals/plans:
Very hypothetical right now, but I’m thinking about going into consulting and then development advocacy work abroad. I’d love to eventually start a nonprofit in the Middle East focused on empowering women and displaced minority groups.
Campus involvement:
- AKPsi – business fraternity
- Voce – female a cappella group
- Vanderbilt Moneythink – personal finance tutoring group who teaches local high school students about investing and budgeting
- ASB – Alternative Spring Break: service projects in underserved communities
- NAVS – Nashville Navigators: interdenominational ministry
How do you balance everything?:
Good question! Honestly, it can be hard and I definitely haven’t figured it all out yet. Prioritization and planning my week in advance are key. I also leave room for down time, and don’t fill my plate too much unless it’s necessary. Learning to say no is so important for health’s sake.
Favorite things about Vandy:
I love how community-oriented Vandy is. From the get-go on Commons, I felt like it was easy to meet new people and I ended up finding some of my best friends. People dream big here, and I’m really inspired by the stories I hear. There’s also always something going on, the campus is beautiful, and the professors really care. I love being in Music City too. And I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities offered here. That being said, it is a high pressure environment which can get stressful, especially when it seems like everyone’s busy all the time and you feel like you have to match that without catching a break. That’s where learning to say no comes into play.
2 minute advice to a younger self / prospective student:
- Know yourself, and be present in the moment.
- You never know who you might meet here. Don’t be afraid of being the dumbest person in the room.
