Joseph Doria
What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
Since my time as a first-year student, the most fundamental change I’ve experienced is becoming more independent. Coming from New York, I did not know anyone at Wake Forest and never lived away from home. I decided to get out of my comfort zone and experience things that I have never experienced before. During my time at Wake Forest, I learned to “be comfortable being uncomfortable.” Whether it be signing up to be a tour guide, becoming the President of the Catholic Community, or presenting in front of 500 people with the Entrepreneurship department, I learned to push myself and do things that I could have never imagined.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
One non-academic experience at Wake Forest that was the most meaningful to me was when we beat Duke in basketball in the spring of 2024. That game is the most meaningful because it truly brought the entire Wake Forest community together. Students, alumni, and residents of the community all came together and were proud to be Demon Deacons.
What song or songs will always remind you of your time at Wake Forest? Why?
Home by Philip Philips because Wake Forest is truly my second home. The people and friends that I have made have truly become my family.
Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate motto is a guiding philosophy for many students and alumni. Did it have an impact on your student experience and has it influenced your plans for the future?
Pro Humanitate is a guiding philosophy in everything that I do. Whether I am in class, at a club event, or just hanging out with my friends, I try to look out for everyone and help those who need it. During my time at Wake Forest, I found myself becoming more involved in groups that help others. Events such as Project Pumpkin or Wake N’ Shake allowed me to help others and they are some of the most memorable experiences of my life. For the future, I chose a career path that allowed me to continue this Pro Humanitate philosophy. I will be working in wealth management where I can help those achieve their goals and dreams.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
My favorite class outside of my major or minor was my Philosophy class with Dr. Hortal. This class appealed to me because it allowed me to think differently and deeper. Dr. Hortal often encouraged us to try to see the world in different ways and I believe that this helped me become a more well-rounded individual.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
My favorite Wake Forest tradition is Pitsgiving. This may sound similar to a lot of seniors but I loved this event because it brought the entire community together. All of the students decorated their tables, played music, and just enjoyed our time together. I am so thankful for all of those moments and I will truly never forget them.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
I was most surprised about the variety of aspects that I was able to be involved in. Wake Forest has so many opportunities for students to grow and take advantage of the Wake experience. In my case, I was involved in so many groups such as the Catholic Community, Italian club, fencing club, AIA, and President’s aides. All of these groups allowed me to meet so many people and learn so many new things.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
Professor Greg Pool of the entrepreneurship program. Professor Pool was both a professor of mine for ENT 201 and a close mentor. Whenever I needed help or had a question, personal or academic, he was always there with kind words and amazing advice. In class, Professor Pool made class engaging and had a passion for entrepreneurship that was so contagious. In fact, he inspired me to follow my own dreams and start my own startup venture.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
The most rewarding experience that I had as a Wake Forest student was presenting at Entrepalooza. This was the marquee event for the Entrepreneurship program, and it is where I presented my startup venture to over 500 people. This was a long and rewarding process of months and months of preparation, but it was all worth it. Seeing my fellow classmates, professors, family, and friends made it so rewarding. Being able to show them my dreams and share this experience is something I will truly never forget and hold near to my heart.
Imagine you return to campus for your 10-year reunion. What do you hope will remain the same? What do you hope will be different?
In 10 years, I hope the class sizes at Wake Forest remain the same size. What really attracted me to Wake Forest as a high school student was the small family environment. I loved how professors knew you by your name and not by a number or grade. Each one of my professors knew my personality, my goals, and my dreams. This environment allowed me to develop deeper relationships with my professors and grow as a person. I have truly made lifelong relationships with these professors that I will never forget. In 10 years, I hope the campus changes with the times. One quote that I love is “The world is constantly moving, if you stand still, you are moving backward.” Following this philosophy, I hope Wake continues to grow and innovate.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
The most important piece of advice that I wish to give myself as an incoming student four years ago is to never close yourself off to new opportunities. I would encourage him to constantly try new things and be comfortable being uncomfortable. I truly believe that by putting myself out there, I was able to grow, meet people who will be in my life forever, and do things I have never done before. Over my past four years, I am extremely grateful for everything and I am still in disbelief about all of the things that I was able to accomplish.
Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
My career plans have drastically changed. Coming into Wake, I wanted to work in sports journalism. However, I decided to take some risks and apply for the business school. It was here where I found my passion for finance. More importantly, through my internship with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, I found my passion for helping people. Post graduation, I am returning to Merrill Lynch, where I can help so many people achieve their goals and dreams. I get to be involved in every aspect of their lives and be there every step of the way. This is extremely rewarding that I can help so many people.