Major: Psychology

Minor: Neuroscience and Chemistry

Hometown: Belmont, N.C.

Brad came to Wake Forest planning to major in chemistry or biology. He changed his mind. “I always thought it would be cool to figure out how other people think, so I took a psychology class, and I found the subject really interesting. That led me to take more classes in the field and eventually declare that as my major.” Outside of classes, Brad played piano in the Wake Forest jazz band, the Deacon Jazz Machine. After graduation, he will return to Wake Forest to earn his masters in experimental psychology.

Brad (right) and his friend Troy before their last football game as members of the marching band

Was there a class that surprised you?

Research Methods II. I heard it was the most difficult and boring class in the department, because it was all about how to do research and statistical analyses. However, I discovered I love thinking of new and interesting ways to do research and answer questions that have never been answered before. Because of that class, I realized that I want to conduct research no matter what field I end up pursuing.

What was one of the most important skills you learned in college?

How to think critically and present concise arguments — how to say what I mean and mean what I say.

Any memorable advice you received?

When working on my honors project, my research adviser said, “You will never have time to do anything unless you make time for it.” This advice has made me realize that things don’t just get done by themselves – you have to set time aside to accomplish the things that are most important to you.

Did you have a favorite activity outside of the classroom?

I had the privilege of leading worship for the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and it has been an amazing experience. The people in this fellowship are some of the most welcoming and amazing people I have ever met, and I am honored to call them all my friends.

What will you miss most when you leave campus?

Definitely the community. I’m sure I’ll never again be in a community with so many talented, ambitious, and diverse individuals as Wake Forest.  The friends I made here are some of the most amazing people I have ever met, and I will miss them greatly.

If I were a beginning my first year at Wake Forest, I would…

Not be afraid to get involved in everything. As time goes on, I’d decide which activities I really loved, and I’d invest myself fully in them. My time here is too short to waste. In everything I do during my time at Wake Forest, I want to make sure I’m working to better myself and my community.