Name: Jeffrey Wood
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Majors: Global Affairs and Chinese
[1]Jeffrey Wood
Why He Chose Mason: “There is something for everyone here,” he says. “Because I’m from D.C., it was important that I felt far enough away from home but still could have access to D.C.’s opportunities.”
What Sets Him Apart: As a sophomore at Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School, Wood competed and was selected as one of nine inner-city students to participate in the D.C. China Scholars Program. The program gave Wood the opportunity to spend six weeks in China over the summer to study Chinese language and culture and receive follow-up Chinese language instruction on his return home. An independent filmmaker also documented his experiences. As an alumnus of the program, Wood was invited to return to Beijing and participate in a fund-raising concert to help more students study in China. Wood’s other high school achievements included being the debate team captain and the D.C. vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America state organization. He also participated in Model U.N. He is currently an intern for the director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
What Surprised Him about Mason: “Mason has some really good professors who engage with their students to make them feel part of the learning experience.”
What He Would Tell Prospective Students: “There is a lot of passion here that you won’t see at many other colleges. And if you are worried about making friends, don’t. Once you move in, you instantly get rid of that fear and enjoy college.”
Plans: Wood wants to return to China for more study and pursue a career in international relations, perhaps as a diplomat.
—Robin Herron