Anisa Arrington
Anisa Arrington
Major: Psychology
Minor: Bioethics and the Humanities of Medicine, Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
“The friendships I built here shaped my sense of belonging and made Wake feel like home.”
Most meaningful non-academic experience
Campus Kitchen was the most meaningful part of my Wake Forest experience. It gave me a way to serve the Winston-Salem community while also building relationships with people on campus who cared deeply about giving back. Getting to serve as a Campus Kitchen director my senior year was especially meaningful. Working alongside Rania and Couriyah was so fun, and sharing the leadership experience with them made all the hard work feel worth it. Campus Kitchen showed me how much impact students can have when they show up consistently for others, and it shaped how I think about service and leadership.
Favorite course outside your major
My favorite class outside my major was ENV 201. I loved how much time we spent outside and how the class encouraged us to engage with the environment in creative ways. It felt different from my other courses because it was hands-on and reflective, not just academic. Being outdoors for class made me slow down and notice the natural spaces around campus in a new way, and it gave me room to think and create more freely. It was a refreshing reminder that learning can happen beyond a classroom and that place and creativity are deeply connected.
Favorite Wake Forest tradition
Project Pumpkin has always been my favorite Wake Forest tradition. I love getting to see all the kids on campus in their costumes and how excited they are just to be there. There’s something really special about watching them run around the Quad and experience so much pure happiness. It’s one of those days where campus feels especially open and joyful, and it’s always been something I look forward to.
Most influential person(s) in your journey
My friends impacted my Wake Forest experience more than anyone else. I met my best friend on the very first day of Deacon Camp, and I still feel incredibly lucky that we found each other so early. The friendships I built here shaped my sense of belonging and made Wake feel like home. Having people who supported me, laughed with me, and grew alongside me is what I’ll remember most.
Most rewarding student experience
Being part of the Leadership and Character program was the most rewarding experience I had at Wake Forest. It challenged me to think deeply about who I am, what I value, and the kind of leader I want to be. It gave me mentors, reflection space, and a community of peers who care about growth and purpose. It helped me become the person I am today.
Your idea of Wake Forest in 10 years
I hope the feeling of the Quad on the first warm days of spring remains exactly the same. When the weather finally gets nice and the whole campus comes outside – people having picnics, playing frisbee, taking photos, studying in the grass –it feels like the strongest sense of community at Wake Forest. That feeling of togetherness and joy is something really special.