avatar

Maya D.

Ambassador at Emory University

She/her/hers

Class of 2025

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Major: Finance

Minor: Nutritional Science


What has been your most impactful class?

My most impactful class has been my freshman writing: Food Writing with Professor Mitch Murray. The course was not only extremely interesting, but deepened my intellectual curiosity, communication skills, confidence, personal vigor, and creative leadership. The Food Writing course also shifted my motivations and changed the way I viewed academic work. Rather than imposing strict regulations, the professor provided rough guidelines that provided structure without limiting student choice. While academic writing traditionally emphasizes narrow prompts and rubrics, this “Food Writing” course allowed me the agency to write only for myself.            Moreover, the class emphasized continuous student growth in a unique and effective way. Rather than receiving traditional letter/number grades, we received qualitative feedback (elaborate comments, targeting each aspect of the assignment). While I still strived to achieve the best product, the absence of grades removed the pressure, allowed for creative exploration, and encouraged us to continuously strengthen our work.

My favorite thing to do in Atlanta is...

My favorite thing to do is go on a run on the Atlanta BeltLine on a weekend morning with my good friends, and then stop by Ponce City Market for delicious brunch and a great view.

On a random day, you're most likely to find me….

On a random day, you are most likely to find me at the Dobbs Common Table (DCT): The main dining hall on the Atlanta campus. The DCT not only has a wide variety of delicious food, but I enjoy having casual conversations with the wonderful staff & it's a great time/place to catch up with friends.

What is your favorite Emory tradition?

My favorite Emory tradition is Dooley's Week! One of the organizations I am involved in, the Student Programming Council (SPC), plans this week-long spirit event every Spring in order to celebrate Lord Dooley and bring amazing energy to the Emory community!

I'm passionate about...

Cooking Running and exercise Traveling and Seeing New Places Jewelry Making Yoga Family time Creative writing Economics

I'm involved with...

Indian Cultural Association Emory Student Programming Council (SPC) Emory Student Ambassador Nutritional Science Research Emory Women in Business
View all team members for Emory University