Reese Clark
What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
The most significant change I’ve experienced is my ability to navigate differences and apply interdisciplinary thinking. A turning point was my Introduction to Buddhist Traditions course with Dr. Whitaker, which challenged my preconceived notions of truth. At first, I resisted perspectives that contradicted what I had grown up believing, but eventually, I realized that discomfort wasn’t something to avoid—it was something to lean into. I ultimately realized that diverse viewpoints create more nuanced and effective solutions. This shift-shaped my approach to leadership, problem-solving, and social identity. Since then, I’ve become more open to ambiguity, more willing to challenge my beliefs, and more intentional about seeking perspectives different from mine.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
The foundational friendships I built through my fraternity and the club basketball program were some of the most meaningful aspects of my life at Wake Forest. Both communities gave me a sense of belonging early in my college experience. My fraternity introduced me to people with different backgrounds, interests, and perspectives, while club basketball was my outlet. Competing alongside teammates who shared my passion for the game created some of my best memories. Both experiences shaped my Wake Forest journey by reinforcing the importance of balance. More than anything, they reminded me that the relationships and memories you forge along the way make the college experience truly unforgettable.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
One of my favorite classes was an experimental, divisional mathematics course in the WakerSpace. Unlike traditional math classes, this course required physical deliverables that encouraged creativity and hands-on learning, allowing us to explore mathematical concepts through real-world applications and interactive projects. The freedom to combine logic, equations, and structure with artistic expression and personal interests made this class so engaging. Whether 3D printing or laser cutting, I loved how the course challenged me to think beyond formulas. This experience reminded me that creativity and analytical thinking aren’t mutually exclusive.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
One of my favorite Wake Forest traditions is Pitsgiving, our annual Thanksgiving feast in the Pit. It’s one of those moments where the entire campus — friends, classmates, and people you don’t see often — comes together to share an incredible meal sponsored by our wonderful dining hall staff. Regardless of your circle on campus, everyone gathers in the dining hall to celebrate, laugh, and take a break from the chaos of the semester. What makes Pitsgiving special isn’t just the amazing food (some of the best the Pit serves all year) but the sense of community it fosters. Sitting (or even standing) shoulder-to-shoulder with old and new friends reminds me of what makes Wake Forest unique. It’s not just an academic institution; it’s a home where traditions like this create lasting memories and connections.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Wake Forest was how accessible it was to get involved and make a tangible impact on campus. I took on leadership roles from my first year that shaped my personal growth and the student experience. Serving on the Traditions Council allowed me to foster school spirit and connect students with the university’s history. My work on the Campus Life Advisory Council gave me a voice in shaping policies impacting student life. As a President’s Aide, I had the unique opportunity to engage with university leadership and contribute to strategic conversations about Wake’s future. As a Student Conduct Advisor, I helped students navigate stressful situations and ensure fairness and accountability. These experiences reinforced what makes Wake Forest unique—its deeply engaged student body and the ability to step into meaningful roles that create lasting change. I honored those who came before me by leaving a legacy of strengthening the community that shaped me—opening doors for others to do the same.
Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
As a first-year student, I didn’t have a solid career plan besides my interest in business, but I wasn’t sure how I wanted to apply that purposefully. It wasn’t until I began exploring philosophy and religious studies alongside my major that I started to appreciate abstract and theoretical thinking—how to use an environment like the law to bridge creativity and structure: ethics and sustainability with private industry. My minors challenged me to think critically about systems of power, discourse, and knowledge. These experiences, combined with my exposure to business ethics, corporate governance, and social responsibility in my business coursework, ultimately led me to law. My plans evolved because I found a way to refine and apply them more meaningfully.