It's a wonder Liz Pinzon has time for class.

A freshman from South Floral Park, N.Y., Pinzon has already joined the Quinnipiac Pep Band, ALANA mentoring program, the Ballroom Dancing Club, campus ministry and the Latino Cultural Society. She also competed in the annual "Hall Wars" competition, which pits residence halls against each other in a variety of games. "I'm the sort of person that loves to get involved," she explains.

In high school, Pinzon balanced a wide range of activities with numerous Advanced Placement courses, graduating 7th in her class. Her interests range from soccer and karate to playing the flute, writing poetry and arts and crafts. She was also involved in her church, participated in Girl Scouts and served as a volunteer for the Special Olympics. "It was one of the greatest experiences," she says of watching people overcome disabilities to compete in the Games. "It was inspirational."

A physical therapy major, Pinzon is taking seven classes, including two labs. She says her class work is challenging but knows the effort she's putting in will be worth it. She chose physical therapy because of her passion for science and a desire to help people. "I love human interaction--I'm a big people person," she says.

Pinzon is also thinking about minoring in Spanish. She learned some Spanish from her father, who was born in Bogota, Colombia, but says she'd like to improve her grammar skills. Pinzon says she's interested in studying Spanish for the cultural aspect, but also because she knows being bilingual will be a professional asset.

Pinzon applied to several other schools, including Hofstra, Boston University, Northeastern, Sacred Heart and Scranton, but says she had a feeling about Quinnipiac right from the start. "You got that warm fuzzy feeling like you belong," she says.

Pinzon participated in the ALANA "Sneak Peek" program, in which admitted students are invited for an overnight stay on campus in early spring. The experience solidified her decision. "I'm already home. This is where I'll be going to school next year," she says. It was also important that her parents approved of her choice. "My mom said, 'You have my blessing to come here.' "

An only child, Pinzon says she has always been very independent, so the transition to living away from home wasn't difficult. And her residence hall, Dana, already feels like home. "My floor is already like a family," she says. "I'm like the mom of my floor." Pinzon is often the one making pancakes on a Sunday morning or lending an ear to a homesick floor-mate.

"I like the fact that it's a close-knit community," she says. "I try to meet at least one new person every day."