UMass Amherst

Elisabeth Aileen Budd

Majors: History, Psychology

Hometown: Springfield, Massachusetts


"Joining the Commonwealth College community has been one of the greatest decisions I've made," declares Elisabeth Budd. She appreciates the diversity of people at UMass because she says, "It encourages you to challenge your ideas and beliefs. It makes you excited to get involved."

And Elisabeth is definitely involved. As a member of the women's indoor and outdoor track and field teams, she runs the 400m and 500m, the 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay. At the Atlantic-10 Track and Field Championships she earned all-conference first and second indoor team honors, and second outdoor team honors. Successfully balancing academics with athletics, Elisabeth enjoys defying "notions that athletes can't excel academically."

In PsychTAP during her first year at UMass, Elisabeth shared two courses and a special seminar with students in her residence hall. "The seminar requirement was the best thing about the program," she says. "I got a firsthand look at what psychologists are doing in their respective fields.

In addition to being a residential assistant, Elisabeth is also involved with the ALANAI Honor Society, BASIC, SAA, MAPS, and Psi Chi. She says the programs offered by these groups provide her with a supportive academic and social network.

"I thrive on challenges and there are plenty of them here," Elisabeth says. "I've learned time management, organizational skills and how to think. But most importantly, I've recognized my potential as an individual. I feel like I can do anything."