Brandeis University

About Me

Intro

I'm insanely passionate about whatever I'm doing, whether it's digging at an archeology site, attaching electrodes to my lab rats, or debating the latest political hot topics. Find me in the library, the art studio, or wherever I can hunker down and get work done. Don't worry, I'm not anti-social. The only thing I like more than doing my work is talking about my work.

You'll often find me at political demonstrations. Thanks to alumni like Abbie Hoffman and Angela Davis, my long history as an activist is well-known. The picket line isn't the only place where I get political, though. I think debate makes life interesting, so prepare to hear my opinions everywhere from the classroom to the dining hall. "Apathetic" is not a word used to describe me.

If I sound intimidating, don't be freaked out. I'm not a partier, but I love making the most of my time with friends. On any given Saturday, you might find me singing in an a cappella troupe or playing intramural soccer. Confident, cool, and charmingly self-effacing—I am quite the catch.

Name

Ollie the Owl. I carry a gavel because I'm named after Louis Brandeis' Supreme Court buddy, Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Hometown

Waltham, MA, a.k.a. The Watch City. Just nine miles west of Boston.

Birthdate

1948

Body Type

With 3,588 undergrads and around 2,000 graduate students, I'm a little bigger than your average "small liberal arts school." And much smarter than your average bear.

Current Living Situation

I'm happy to report that my living situation has gotten better in the past few years. In freshman year, things are always a bit dungeon-like, but upperclassmen have plenty of options for singles, suites, and dorms. They even get private kitchens. All the cool kids are getting off of their meal plans.

Plus, I have a castle. Yep, turrets and all.

Relationship Status

I'm not really good enough at sports to have any real rivals. Eep. I guess I am a little touchy on the subject of Tufts.

Religion

It's a common misperception that I'm religious. Actually, I have no real affiliation. I'm what's called a "nonsectarian, secular Jewish university." I know that's a mouthful, but it basically just means that there are a lot of Jewish people here—slightly more than half the undergraduates, in fact. And there's no class on Jewish holidays, which is great news, because there are a lot of them.

Politics

I'm known for being a bleeding heart liberal, but I give conservatives a fair shake. For me, the important thing is that you have opinions, no matter what they are.

You should apply to me if...

you're motivated, passionate, and will defend your beliefs to the grave—even if no one asked you to.