Doing both
Our admissions ambassadors are often the first real point of contact for prospective students, providing a chance for the students to imagine their future after embarking on a journey of personal and academic growth and answering questions about the Skidmore experience.
What are these questions? Well, many hinge on the flexibility of academic undertakings at the College: Can you double major? Beyond that: Is studying multiple academic areas encouraged at Skidmore? Will there be time for other pursuits and for fun?
The short answer is “Yes, you can do both!” But what does this really look and feel like? Meet three ambassadors who are doing both (and more).
Maggie Besthoff '24 (she/her)
Neuroscience and Music Double major, Honors Forum minor
Outside the classroom: Music Cognition Lab student researcher, peer health educator, Filene Scholar, singer, Nu Rho Psi Skidmore chapter president, Periclean Honors Forum VP, French Club, Outing Club
Hometown: Carlisle, Mass.
Why Skidmore? “I chose Skidmore because of its interdisciplinary emphasis. I wanted a liberal arts school where I could ‘do both’ — the sciences and the arts. Both programs are so strong. I also love Saratoga Springs. It’s bigger than my hometown, but it’s not a big city. It’s perfect for me.”
Favorite Skidmore memory (so far)? “Playing the role of Alexander Graham Bell’s sign language teacher in last spring's opera performance, Bell. This experience allowed me to use my passion for music to inspire people and illustrate the important role ASL plays in society.”
What’s a Saratoga must do? “Chowderfest. Also a hint: Ben & Jerry’s gives out Phish Food.”
Favorite movie? “'The Italian Job.’ I’m still waiting to get my red Mini Cooper.”
A fun fact about yourself? “I sang the National Anthem at Fenway Park with a group and now sing it at Skidmore
men's lacrosse games.”
Faith Anderson '25 (she/her)
Dance and Economics Double major, Honors Forum minor
Outside the classroom: Dance Costume Shop volunteer, Economics Department assistant, Dance Department researcher, Benef-Action board member, Junior Class Financial Officer for Inter-Class Council, Racing Club, Investment Club
Hometown: Guilford, Connecticut
Why Skidmore? “Skidmore stood out as a college where you can combine dance and business/economics. We aren’t a dance conservatory, but it has the same feel and level of experience — and not at the cost of being able to explore other areas of interest.”
Favorite Skidmore fact? “We produce some of our own campus energy from a combination of renewable energy sources: Solar, small hydro, and geothermal.”
What does "doing both" look like for you? “I am a Gemini, and we like to juggle our passions, so naturally, I split my academic life between the dance and business departments.
In the Dance Department, I was a student rep on a faculty search committee. There, I felt that my voice mattered and was heard, in part because I’m trusted to speak on behalf of my peers.
On the other hand, when I took a micro-econ class and began exploring statistical methods, what once scared me became something I want to pursue as a career."
Favorite movie? “'Funny Face’ with Audrey Hepburn. I love seeing fashion through all her outfit changes.”
Anna Matthews '25 (she/her)
Education and Religious Studies Double major, Art minor
Outside the classroom: Admissions head arts tour guide, Education Studies Department research assistant, Residential Life assistant, Religious Studies Department peer academic coach
Hometown: McLean, Virginia
Favorite Skidmore fact? “Our library isn’t open 24 hours which shows families that students fill their time with other activities beyond academics.”
What do you like to do in your free time? “I love my jobs in Admissions and academic departments. It’s a little silly to say my jobs are fun, but honestly, I take a lot of pride in the work I do. Past that, I am a social butterfly. I have a lot of friends here, so after classes and work I want to see them. I love that you can make so many different kinds of friends at Skidmore.”
What’s a Saratoga must do? “My family does something called ‘bopping,’ which means you go into a shop and just look around at things. So you ‘bop’ around one store and then head to the next shop. You must go bop at Saratoga Tea and Honey. Dark Horse Mercantile is also a perfect store to bop at.”
Favorite Food: “Cheese. If there’s one thing you know about me, it’s that I love cheese.”
Want to learn more about doing both with Maggie, Faith, and Anna? Join our discord community.