The Roanoke College incoming freshman class represents an accomplished, diverse group of individuals who hail from 33 states and 20 countries around the world. Bradley Bommarito is one of those individuals. A West Virginia native, Bommarito plans on majoring in business administration and perhaps attend law school after completing his undergraduate studies. He is this week’s Q&A participant.
Talk about your high school experience. Where did you go to school and what kind of student were you?
I graduated as valedictorian of my class from Hampshire High School in Romney, West Virginia. I would describe myself as a self-motivated learner with clear goals and the initiative to reach them.
Did you visit Roanoke College prior to getting accepted?
I did not visit Roanoke College prior to being accepted, but I visited the campus twice before committing. I attended the Roanoke Scholars Competition in February and I visited campus again in April to learn more about the college and meet current students and faculty. I was very impressed with the hospitality and professionalism of the admissions department, and I am very appreciative of the help and guidance I received from my admissions counselor, Kevin Zimmerman.
Do you have any goals that you want to accomplish this year?
I would like to attain a 4.0 GPA, make strong social and professional connections and create a chapter of Collegiate DECA at the college.
Who exactly is Bradley Bommarito? Also, who are some musicians that you enjoying listening to?
Bradley Bommarito is a coffee enthusiast, an aspiring business professional, a global traveler, a collector of refrigerator magnets, a film buff and an emerging leader. I enjoy a lot of alternative music and indie rock. I like Foster the People, The Strumbellas, Band of Horses, Twenty-One Pilots, Kodaline and Mumford and Sons.
What is something people would perhaps be surprised to know about you?
I was editor-in-chief of my high school’s student newspaper and was a columnist for my local paper, The Hampshire Review.
Do you know what you want to major in?
I plan on majoring in business administration, and I am considering law school or an advanced business degree after I complete my undergraduate studies.
Do you remember the feeling you had when you got accepted into Roanoke College?
I was beyond elated when I found out the results of the Roanoke Scholars Competition. Being named as the recipient of a prestigious full-ride scholarship from a private university was never even a possibility that crossed my mind. I am a first-generation college student from a middle class family and I graduated from a high school where less than half of its graduates pursue higher education; I just didn’t think I was the kind of student who was likely to win a full-ride scholarship from a highly regarded private college. I am incredibly thankful that the faculty of Roanoke College decided that I am worthy of becoming a member of the Maroon community.
Who are some individuals that have helped you get to this point in your life?
My parents, Steve and Julie Bommarito, were always supportive of my endeavors and provided me with the means to get to this point in my life. Many of my high school teachers and administrators also provided me with an incredible amount of support and encouragement, especially my DECA advisor Missie Detrick, my AP Literature teacher Ann Warner, my German teacher Rita Landtrachtinger-Hott, my principal DiAnna Liller and all three of my school’s awesome guidance counselors. I would not be here today without their emotional and academic support and guidance.
Were there other schools that you applied and got accepted into? Why did you decide on Roanoke College?
I actually applied and got accepted to 22 schools. Among my top choices were Cornell University, American University, Kalamazoo College, West Virginia University, Washington and Jefferson College and Juniata College. My top choices ended up being Cornell, American, WVU and Roanoke once all the acceptance letters came in. There are many reasons I decided on Roanoke, including the stellar academics, the dedicated faculty, the gorgeous campus and the individual attention that I received each time I visited campus. The factor that made my choice clear was the generous financial aid offer that Roanoke College extended to me. I received the William Beard Scholarship in March, a scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition, fees, room and board.
How do you see yourself in the next ten years?
I hope to be rising through the ranks of a respected corporation by the time I’m 28, or possibly even practicing law. Financial stability is something that I value dearly, and I hope that my career provides me with the ability to provide a comfortable living for my family in addition to personal satisfaction, professional growth, and intellectual stimulation.
-Compiled by Shawn Nowlin