I simply cannot believe that I’m nearing my last week of undergrad! It’s gone by so incredibly fast, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I came into university not wanting to sacrifice any of my (very different) interests, and I’m happy to report that I very much did not. In fact, I’ve balanced studying biology & business with dancing in a professional show, gaining undergraduate research experience, exploring jobs in digital marketing, and expanding my own company. While it definitely wasn’t easy, I got to live the best of all worlds for my 3 years here. Starting in my first semester, I would train for the world championships of Irish Dance from 8-10, go to class from 11-2, then go off to rehearsals for Busch Garden’s Celtic Fyre. Each spring was spent in the busy cycle of morning classes and evening performances. During my next semester I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in marketing and research. I joined the STEP team writing this very blog and making posts for students like you! I also had the opportunity to join Professor John Swaddle’s lab, working as an assistant to a grad student examining the effects of polarized light on zebra finches. This would later lead to an independent research project on the effects of lead on birdsong! During all years I witnessed the rollercoaster that has been megmstudy. Megmstudy is my own little brand that started as an instagram page during the pandemic, sharing tips and tricks about learning from home. Since then it’s surpassed 107,000 followers, 10 million monthly views, and certainly my imagination. I’ve hired an employee (does it count if she’s my sister?) and expanded to practically all social media platforms. While managing this company started purely from my own intuition, I’ve learned more about how to conduct professional businesses from my time abroad in the Global Business Minor Program. Along with my time working for STEP, I’ve gained hands-on knowledge on better digital and social media marketing practices that I couldn’t have gained on my own. I will forever be grateful for all of the experiences I’ve been blessed to have at this school. William & Mary truly is the perfect place to try it all. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I will do anything for a good cup of matcha. During my time abroad, I came across Blank Street in London who have the absolute best matcha I’ve ever tried. Unfortunately for me and other Blank Street lovers, the closest store to here is in Georgetown. In a search for finding the best matcha in Williamsburg, I’ve tried the matchas at the cafes on campus and surrounding areas, but nothing comes close to the level of matcha that big cities have (though, Hohl came pretty close). Matcha is becoming increasingly popular amongst college-age individuals as a great alternative to coffee or regular tea. However, Its quality can be variable on a variety of factors during production making it a more popular homemade rather than mass produced drink. This makes finding a good quality matcha extremely difficult. As someone who doesn’t drink coffee and rather opts for a chai or matcha latte, there is a lack of non-coffee options at local cafes, and consequently a perfect opening for a matcha-centered cafe in this city. Williamsburg holds the quaintest campus and is extraordinarily loving of cafes which makes me believe that the addition of a new matcha spot would do extremely well here. Under constant development, there is always a new retail spot for a new cafe to come in (either on campus or nearby). Having this new matcha-centered cafe would be a great victory for those looking for coffee alternatives. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Blank Street, but Williamsburg is the perfect place for a new matcha spot.