Curb Scholars 2009-2010



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James (Daniel) Eubanks, Houston High School, TN



James (Daniel) Eubanks, Houston High School, TNExpected majors: Economics, Mathematics
 
In the past year I've discovered the common thread that unites all of my sometimes seemingly unrelated interests: I'm drawn to the idea of connectivity and interrelated systems. In economics, one change in any part of the economy can cause a cascade of events that can lead to big changes for everyone. In mathematics, a small change in an initial condition or variable can alter the whole system. Likewise, the roots of modern events can be traced through history. Small events in the past can echo through the centuries and culminate in events that shape humanity. The same fascination with inter-connectivity explains my passion for travel and engaging with foreign cultures. Nothing happens independently; everything fits into a larger framework.
 
Activities/Hobbies: Juggling (Juggleville); oboe (Memphis Youth Symphony, etc.); travel (People to People Student Ambassador)  
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James Gillin, Livonia High School, NY



James Gillin, Livonia High School, NYExpected major:   Computer Science
My time at Vanderbilt so far has been extremely rewarding. It was scary at first when I realized I would have to work extremely hard to pass my classes, but as my study habits developed I've been reaping the rewards of good work as reflected in my test grades. I came here with the idea that I should join a bunch of organizations and try a bunch of things to figure out what I like, and that has worked really well. I trained as a DJ at WRVU first semester, and now I'm a DJ with my own show and a music director at the station. I volunteered with Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science for a semester, and I plan on doing it in the future. I also got pulled into the Slant (satire periodical) on activity fair day by some wise-cracking writers and I've been writing for it as time allowed all year. I'm doing my best to have lots of fun with my organizations and to balance that with hard work within my major, as I hope to be a digital entrepreneur before or after I graduate. I'm excited for where my exploits will take me, and for the future of the Curb center as the program continues to grow and Vanderbilt becomes a creative campus.
 
2009-2010: WRVU 91.1 FM, Musical Director & DJ; The Slant
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Maria Hibbard, Gahanna Lincoln High School, OH



Maria Hibbard, Gahanna Lincoln High School, OHJunior bassoonist majoring in Musical Arts; Human & Organizational Development, with a minor in piano  
 
I am a junior in the Blair School of Music, majoring in musical arts (bassoon focus) and minoring in piano performance. I'm also completing a second major in Peabody College in Human and Organizational Development (public policy focus). Over my past two and a half years at Vanderbilt, I've constantly looked for ways to combine my two majors, and I've enjoyed working with groups across campus, including Pencil Projects, Versus, Great Performances, the Undergraduate Honor Council, and working as a freshman RA. Being involved in the programs at the Curb Center, however, has been one of the most challenging and exciting experiences of my time at Vanderbilt, and the process has helped me harness my diverse interests into a more defined direction. Currently, my dual interests have combined in my focus on information policy and digital music, and I'm working on initiating a chapter of Students for Free Culture at Vanderbilt, a national student organization that advocates for digital rights. In the coming year, I am excited about focusing my interests in a future career and continuing my involvement the Curb Center as the Creative Enterprise and Public Leadership program grows.
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Branden Sanders, Riverdale Country School, NY



Branden Sanders, Riverdale Country School, NYExpected majors:   Economics
 
Since I arrived at Vanderbilt, I knew I wanted to take part in music-based, entrepreneurial-like activities similar to the small record label I had started in high school (and which I continue to run). While I hoped to explore the music industry during my college years, I was skeptical about whether I could find the optimal blend of liberal arts education and industry experience I wanted. Surprisingly, I’ve been able to take a handful of really relevant classes like American Popular Music and Entrepreneurship, and I’ve also had the opportunity to do awesome hands-on music business work. With the help of the Curb Center, fellow scholar Will Schreiber and I are designing and developing a recording studio for Vanderbilt that should be up-and-running in the near future. Additionally, I joined The Music Group, a student organization that puts on popular concerts (Jay-Z, Drake, and O.A.R. this year alone). I’m probably going to major in economics and, possibly, an independent music business double major. On another note, I used to play (and be good at, if I do say so myself,) ice hockey, and I’m hoping I’ll play for Vandy’s club team next year. Right now, I just keep myself busy with classes and extracurricular activities, but I still have time to hang out with my friends and walk around Nashville from time to time, so I’d say life is good.
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William Schreiber, Mountain Brook High School, AL



William Schreiber, Mountain Brook High School, ALExpected majors:   Economics and History; Communication studies
It is not the knowledge you absorb, the tests you may ace, the material you understand, or the textbooks you read that make you brilliant; instead, true genius lies behind the creation of something new, something unique. Dreaming beyond classroom material, thinking of things that have never been, and making it a goal to go out and accomplish those tasks is the true form of contribution and learning. It is my goal to go beyond what already exists in everything I undertake; I have the entrepreneurial bug to create systems, businesses, and art from scratch to try and improve upon what we already know. This mindset has led me to start my own business, Bus Productions, LLC, which designs and produces t-shirts and websites; I have joined with fellow scholar Branden Sanders to create a new recording studio and music club on campus; as a member of VSG, I am working on re-launching the current Vandy Vans system by overhauling the logo and adding features such as GPS tracking; and I am working to develop a new social network that will redefine how we utilize email.
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Melinda (Lindy) Shearer, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, FL



Melinda (Lindy) Shearer, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, FLExpected majors:   Business, environmental resources, and psychology
 
As one can see from my multiple expected majors, I do not have a clear idea of what I want to major in, because my interests are very diverse. I like chemistry and am very passionate about protecting the environment, but I also enjoy economics and giving back to the community. In order to explore my interests, I have joined Vanderbilt Students Volunteering for Science, Habitat for Humanity, and Vanderbilt Biodiesel Initiative. Through VSVS, I help inspire kids to think about science as a possible career path through fun and interesting experiments, as well as get them excited about college. And I love that feeling of accomplishment you get after a hard day's work on a house with Habitat for Humanity. With VBI, I convert coking oil into biodiesel fuel that is then used in numerous machines around campus. I also love to play piano. My goal is to experience as many different activities as possible in order to broaden my horizons!
 
2009-2010: Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science; Habitat for Humanity; Vanderbilt Biodiesel Initiative