Add a language
When Rachel Alliker ’24 came to Skidmore, she had been taking Spanish classes since third grade and didn’t want to stop, so she decided to add a Spanish minor to her psychology major.
Similarly, Madison Sadler ’24 wanted to keep up the practice of speaking French (she started in eighth grade) and realized taking one French class a semester would just about satisfy the requirements of the major; she also majored in English because she loves creative writing and literary studies.
Not only have Rachel and Madison enjoyed studying multiple academic interests, they’ve also lived the full liberal arts experience, delving into department work and student clubs, and hanging out with friends on the quad and at downtown restaurants.
Says Rachel, “Nothing beats a blanket, a speaker, and a book on Case Green while everyone plays frisbee and hangs out. That’s the epitome of a perfect Skidmore afternoon.”
Adds Madison, “You have to get tacos and donuts at Taquero. My order: Two chicken tacos and chocolate-peanut butter donuts. Such an unconventional combination, but so good.”
After Skidmore, Rachel plans to use her psychology degree to pursue a career working with children in some capacity in the New York City area. Being fluent in Spanish will certainly help.
Madison is interested in editorial work and translation and hopes to land a job in her adopted hometown of Saratoga Springs.
Both Rachel and Madison are admissions ambassadors. Read on to find out more about their Skidmore experiences and consider joining them for a campus tour!
Rachel Alliker ’24 (She/her)
Psychology major, Spanish and Honors Forum minors
Outside the classroom: Honors Forum president, admissions shadowing program manager, writing center tutor, Positive Psychology Lab co-manager, Psi Chi co-vice president, Best Buddies club
Hometown: Greenwich, Connecticut
Why Skidmore? “When you visit a school, you get a vibe from the people and the place. The moment I came to Skidmore I knew it was for me. The people I met were so kind, the professors could not have been more friendly, and Saratoga Springs is unbeatable.”
Favorite Admissions tour question? “'If you saw your president walking around on campus, would you recognize him?’ Answer: ‘Of course!’ President Conner is very present on campus — you’ll see him in line at Burgess Café or can find him teaching classes. He has even invited students over to his home, Scribner House, for gatherings on numerous occasions. Not only do we recognize him, we recognize his dog, Mollie.”
What do you do in your free time? “Nothing beats a blanket, a speaker, and a book on Case Green while everyone plays frisbee and hangs out. That’s the epitome of a perfect Skidmore afternoon.”
Do you have any secret talents? “I am really good at accents.”
Madison Sadler ’24 (She/her)
English and French majors
Outside the classroom: Accents music director, French Department and writing center peer tutor, Residential Life community assistant, Her Life magazine section editor, flying trapeze artist
Hometown: Sykesville, Maryland
Favorite Admissions tour questions? “When people ask specific academic department questions because everyone’s experience is different. Skidmore is about helping people find their own path. The joy of being at a liberal arts institution is that you are encouraged to explore.”
Favorite Skidmore fact? “The 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. At my high school, you didn’t talk to your teachers after class. At Skidmore you have Ph.D.-wielding individuals that you have so much access to; it’s pretty cool.”
What’s a Saratoga must do? “Tacos and donuts at Taquero. My order: Two chicken tacos and chocolate-peanut butter donuts. Such an unconventional combination, but so good. So, when you ask yourself: ‘Should I get donuts?’ Yes, you always get donuts.”
Do you have any secret talents? “Aside from being a flying trapeze artist, I can walk on my hands and whistle through my teeth.”
Want to learn more about studying languages in college with Rachel and Madison? Join our discord community.