Alumni

Ethan Smith and Brandon Farmer adjust to life after Verbum Dei

Navigating the terrain of the first year of college can be very challenging – adjusting to a new culture, tougher academic expectations, being away from home. But it can also be a time of life defining experiences – a conversation with a peer that changes a fundamental point of view, a class from that special professor, a fieldtrip with a bunch of strangers who become lifelong friends. Verbum Dei Alum and LMU Freshmen Ethan Smith and Brandon Farmer are navigating along that terrain and doing just fine.

As the two wolfed down burgers and fries at the Crimson Lion, they shared their experiences. During the summer, both participated in The Learning Community – a program that helps African American students adjust to the academic and social aspects of college life. “We got to do a lot of cool things. We went Rock Climbing, had dinner with the President [of LMU], ate Ethiopian Food, Greek. We even ate alligator,” says Brandon. They also went hiking at Sequoia National Park. And we’re not talking about camping in a motor home. They had to hike into their campsite and sleep six people to a tent. Driving up to the camp site, their van broke down. They had to wait in a rural mountain road for the ranger to show up. But these sort of experiences have a way of making people closer.

Ethan says, “There were people from all over the country in our group. From Colorado, St. Louise, the Bay Area, the LA Area.” The social aspect of the program seems to have paid off. As we wander through campus taking photos, both Ethan and Brandon are greeted by numerous students. It’s almost like your walking with the Big Man on Campus, except in this case, it’s two.

Both Brandon and Ethan have made different choices in terms of major. Brandon started as an English major but feels like Psychology is more of natural fit. He says, “I’ve always been curious about people’s motivations. I want to understand human nature.” He’s also pre-law so that understanding of psychology could be beneficial in the courtroom. He’s also thinking about getting a minor in political science. “The presidential election has really gotten me interested in politics – that and my class in Critical Thinking. We’ve been talking a lot about what makes an argument valid and I’m questioning the truth of a lot of things.”

Ethan is considering either Mechanical or Civil Engineering. He says, “I always had a feel for math and science. It’s just always comes more naturally to me. I’ve always wanted to be an engineer.” While Ethan was still a high school student he participated in the Science and Engineering Community Outreach program at LMU. He was also involved in the Robotics club at Verbum Dei. He’s now working on finding an engineering internship for the summer with the help of one of his professors.

When asked if they miss Verbum Dei, Brandon and Ethan look at each other and share a contained giggle. These guys are too mature to admit it right up front, but then Ethan reveals, “I miss high school football.” Brandon chimes in, “High School was fun. It was a very different environment - the people, location.” But Brandon seems to have adjusted well to life on campus and finds that he doesn’t go home as often as he thought he would. “It feels like I’m going to college far away from home. If I went home every week I wouldn’t feel like I’m living on my own.” Next year, Brandon will be living in an on campus apartment with four other students. Ethan will live in the dorms.

As we wrap up taking photos, the two head back for class. They disappear into a crowd of students. Yeah, they’re handling this first year terrain just fine.

Alumni Database Form

Some Recent Alums