Name: Mary Kathryn Ballentine
Hometown: Blythewood, South Carolina
Majors: Women’s Leadership and Accounting
Favorite place for lunch on campus or in town: Chick-fil-A (#3 meal with a Coke if you’re curious!)
Favorite spot on campus: Sitting underneath the Library Bridge looking out onto the reflection pond and North Green!
Favorite question on a tour: “What is the best resident hall to live in on campus?” Due to my experience in residence halls, I have lived in 4 in 3 and a half semesters here, it depends on what you are looking for. Manning is great for girls who want to have their own girl squad in your hall. Douthit or Core are awesome for a newer resident hall experience and Douthit gives you a nice workout going to class. Core is a hub for activity if you want to see people you know everyday right when you walk out of your room! If I could redo my first year I would definitely still live in Manning, just maybe a different floor, nine flights of stairs can be its own workout!!
Clubs and Organizations you are involved in on campus: I am a part of Greek life and a part of the UPIC program in the First-Year Academic Programs.
Hobbies: I love to go for long walks with friends on campus to spend time with them as well as keep myself moving.
Advice for jumping into college life: BRING SHOWER SHOES!!! No matter where you end up, bring the shoes! But on a serious note, everyone is in the same position you are so just keep thinking that when trying to make friends! Everyone is trying to figure out how they want to experience college.
Advice on how to choose a college: Pick a place you feel at home or you could see yourself connecting to the campus. I was raised a South Carolina fan but when I stepped on Clemson’s campus I knew this was where I needed to be! It may not be an instant feeling but you will know when comparing other universities.
Fun fact about yourself: I was in the first cohort of the Tigertown Summer Bound program here on Clemson’s campus! It was a great first experience into the Clemson family.