Maggie Metzler

Hi Bobkittens! Maggie Metzler, is a rising sophomore from Camden, Maine. She’s super excited to lead Acadia Adventure 3 with Kourtnee! AESOP is such a fun part of the Bates experience and we can’t wait to bring that to the first years! Maggie’s planning on majoring in Politics with a minor in History. She love spending time outside during beautiful Maine summers, tanning and sailing! When she’s NOT being lazy, she can be found teaching kids how to sail in Camden Harbor or scooping ice cream at River Ducks :) Maggie and Kourtnee can often be found rotting in Ladd Library until way too late at night, being far too loud and not doing nearly enough work. Can’t wait to meet you all!
– Maggie

Kourtnee Smith

“Kourtnee is also a rising sophomore, and she is from Kingston, Jamaica! She’s an Econ major who REALLY loved taking Intro to Logic (🤥). She is super excited to lead Acadia Adventure 3 with Maggie! She is currently a member of Bates Track and Field as a thrower! In her spare time she enjoys listening to 70’s reggae and ska! She currently has a radio show on WRBC where she plays early morning reggae music. Kourtnee is in recovery from an addiction to 67 jokes, but she is still married to doomscrolling and also Chandler Folkerts (see CitySOP 1). She also enjoys playing the guitar , hiking and learning how to DJ. Maggie is my goat and I cant wait to meet you all!

• Kourtnee (with a lot of help from Maggie)”

Nyla Sharif

Bonjour AESOPers! Nyla is so excited to be one of your two awesome leaders! She is from Newton, MA, and is a neuroscience major with a religious studies minor! Her hobbies include painting (beautifully), making Commons Creations (she makes fantastic bowls), and dancing (ask her to show you her legendary moves). She is a Leo (and embodies one very strongly), and one of the most authentic people I’ve ever met. Fun fact: she can’t swim, nor can she ride a bike anymore (she claims she was once able to). However, everything she cannot do, she attempts with enthusiasm and passion! On a normal day, you can find her in the library, commons rotting, listening to MGK, or in her bed watching the Sturniolo Triplets on YouTube. We are so excited to embark on this journey with you all! -Jane, your other (and equally amazing) leader

Jane Harrison

Hey queenies, kingies, and royalty!! This is Jane! She’s from smack dab in the middle of New Jersey. She’s an absolutely beautiful singer and Jane and I duet on the daily ranging from singing happy birthday to songs you cry to in the shower. She’s a music major with a GSS minor who loves to trot from class to class with her cute little denim tote. She’s in an on campus band btw, she’s low key kinda cool (The band’s name is After Hours #Plug). Jane makes me giggle on the daily and you can catch us getting overstimulated together!! In her free time she likes to fiddle with a rubix cube while simultaneously doing the worm (forwards or backwards, just don’t ask her to show this to you in person). Jane does not like cheese or yogurt very much, nor eggs and milk. Don’t get it twisted though, she loves a good almond milk latte!! (ask her about her trip to nitro bar!). She’s a very smart cookie with the cutest face and most coordinated outfits in the world (Catch us twinning). Psst, never let her dye her hair blonde again the brunette is just too good!! We can’t wait to meet you all and have sing alongs together!! Au Revoir babas!!! – Nyla ✌️✌️

Sara Mooney

Hi AESOPers! My name is Sara (she/her) and I am from the Philadelphia suburbs (Havertown). I a rising junior, double majoring in Economics and English. I love to read, bake, and hangout with friends. Im always looking new book or movie recs, and am an avid Letterboxed and Goodreads user! I grew up dancing and love to still go the gym and stay active! I love exploring new places, and it has been so much fun to see more of Maine since coming to Bates. Sasha and I had a great AESOP experience and we cant wait to experience AESOP again! We are so excited to lead this AESOP, and welcome you guys to Bates!

Sasha Walker

Hi AESOPers! My name is Sasha Walker (she/her) and I am from Manhattan! I am a double major for econ and math. I love being outdoors especially skiing and hiking. I grew up playing soccer as well! I love exploring new parts of Maine and finding some great new coffee shops near campus. I’m so excited to lead this AESOP with Sara (we met on our AESOP!!). I also can’t wait to drive the van. My mom is really artistic so hopefully I inherited some of that. Can’t wait to meet everyone and create some great AESOP memories!

Alisandra Lindos

HEY BOBKITTENS!! WE BOTH CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU!! I am so excited to be one of the class of 2030’s AESOP leaders this year. We are going to have so much fun on this riveting few days exploring Maine’s beaches! I am from Westbrook, Maine which is just short of an hour away from Lewiston. I haven’t yet declared my major but I am on track to becoming an Economics Major, but I am yet to decide my minor. Outside of academics, I am on the Track and Field team, you can catch me on the track in the afternoon and straight to commons right after practice to commons rot. I love to sun bathe and hang out at the beach with friends, so this trip is right up my alley. I am so excited to meet all of you and embody the AESOP experience. It will be a great ice breaker to ease all of you into the school year and get more comfortable with your class! I am so excited to show you all the place I call home! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding the trip or just any general questions you may have about the school.

Josiah Lee Johnson

hey yall… wait I mean HEY FUTURE BEACHSOPPERS’!!!!
You have been BLESSED with the BEST AESOP Leaders in all of AESOP history. Yall are about to have the literal best time of your life. Get ready to swim, play water frisbee, and ofc partake in the Little Mermaid simulator. But before all this fun stuff, I obviously have to introduce me, myself, and I. *queue Beyonce* My name is Josiah and I’m from New York City, more specifically Uptown, aka Harlem aka El Barrio, aka Spanish Harlem — where all the food is good and the culture is as vibrant and ecstatic as me! I’m a Harlem baby! I’m Class of ’29 and a History and Politics major with aspirations to be an attorney. I’m very energetic and extremely extroverted, so get ready to BE HYPEE!!!! I love pop music, pop culture, and everything social media related. Some of my hobbies include playing video games, singing, being loud, trolling my friends, and putting on a good fit. If you get this AESOP you’re actually insanely lucky because I didn’t last year (still salty abt it and ironically I hate sand). You guys are about to have so much fun, gain so much friends, explore the backyards of Maine, and get to know more about Bates. I’m so excited to meet yall!

Rhyan Wachal (left)

Hi Cats!! This is Maddy (right), but I will introduce my lovely co-leader and best friend Rhyan (left). Rhyan is pursuing physics and mathematics, and she is always ready to have a good time. If I had to pick someone who loved Bates the most in the entire world, it would absolutely be her. Rhyan brings a positive light to all situations, and will make sure that our group has the MOST fun. We met on our AESOP trip, so our bond goes back to day one. If you ever walk into commons without someone to sit with, don’t fret, Rhyan is ALWAYS there and willing to talk your ear off. We cannot wait to explore the beautiful beaches of Maine together, and answer any questions you have about Bates and Beyond!!

Madelaine Miller (right)

(This bio is written by Maddy’s fire co-leader Rhyan) CATS!!! Let me introduce you to Madelaine May Miller (the triple threat)!!! Maddy is a junior from Norway (the town in Maine not the country). She is a biochem major and the best second baseman Bates Softball has ever known (at least in my opinion). Maddy loves being outside and living the Maine life. Maddy is also very studious, and if you ever see her full name written on a chalkboard around campus just know she was studying super hard and took a break to practice her signature. If you ever need Maine advice, Maddy is your girl. She also somehow knows everybody in the state. She is the kindest person I have ever met, and if you AESOP with her, you will immediately know one of the best people at Bates. She is SUUUUUPER excited to beach chill with all of you guys and we can’t wait to meet you!

Stanley Viny (left)

Hola Earthings! My name is Stanley (he/him), and I’m hyped to be leading an AESOP trip this year! I am from the middle of nowhere in Rutland, Ohio so I can find something fun to do pretty much anywhere. At Bates, I play for the Men’s golf team, and in my spare time I also enjoy playing various intramural sports with my friends, spending out outside, meeting new people, and trying new things. Academically, I’m a Politics major with a History minor, so maybe someday you’ll see me on the ballot!! I can’t wait to make your AESOP a trip to remember and meet future Bobcats!

Mikaila Whitaker Bennett (right)

Greetings Bates Class of 2030, my name is Mikaila Whitaker Bennett and I cannot wait to lead the Bigelow Backpacking 1 Aesop trip!! I am from Rowley, Massachusetts and am Psychology and French double major. I’m also an active member of the women’s club soccer team as well the women’s clubs lacrosse team as well being a singer in the Bates Merimanders acapella group. I love spending time with my friends, exploring Maine for its natural beauty (hiking, camping, snowboarding etc.), and laughing the whole time. I can’t wait to meet all of you and welcome you to the Bobcat family!

Maddie Hajduk (right)

HELLOOO BOBKITTENS, let me introduce you to the Marvelous Misses Maddie (she/her). Addicted to matcha, stacking gold jewelry and hot yoga, Maddie is a prime example of your classic outdoorsy granola girl !! Driving all the way up from no man’s land (aka New Hampshire), Maddie’s New Englanderness shows through her kindness, sunshine energy, and incorrect pronunciation of words.
Although her favorite movies are disney cartoons, you will never meet someone more motherly. Whether you need gum, a snack, life-saving cpr (shout out EMT), or a dance floor partner Maddie has it all. Maddie’s impeccable planning talents ensure the BEST trip itineraries and only ever-so-slight peevishness when things don’t go her way. Some of her other passions include signing up for every obscure event on campus, having bowel issues, and shopping on Depop.
Her narcissism may lead her to only like guys that look like her but you will never meet someone so considerate of others. She will comfort you after any messy night, make sure you are always heard, and lend you a shoulder to cry on or a really cute top to cheer yourself up! Being a Neuro major means Maddie can pick at anyone’s brain; she’s ever so attentive about someone’s mood and mannerisms, ensuring you feel comfortable in all situations <3 (Unless of course you find her after commons digested the wrong way).

Temperance England

Hey AESOPers!!! I’m Temperance England aka T-Money, a rising sophomore from Havertown, PA (right outside of Philly). I’m an Econ major (maybe double major in Politics idk yet) and I’m a member of the track and field as a thrower! Some facts about me include: My favorite color is purple, I know you were all wondering. I love hanging out with my friends anywhere and everywhere, and I love a good rot sesh in Ladd Library. Even though me and my co-leader have a striking resemblance, contrary to popular belief ,we are NOT RELATED. I’m beyond hyped to show you all around the gorgeous cities of Maine for CitySOP 1. GO BOBCATS AND SKOOOO BIRDS!!!

Chandler Folkerts

“Hello bobkitten angels – sincerely hoping and praying that you’re all doing well. My name is Chandler Folkerts and I’m a sophomore from the booming metropolis of Woodstock, Connecticut. I’m a physics and pre-engineering major with a cutesy little math minor. In my free time I throw heavy balls (track and field, hammer throw and weight throw) and I love to sing a teeny tune from time to time. You can always find darling Temperance, as well as my wife, Kourtnee Smith (see Acadia Adventure 3) and I wasting away our youth in Ladd library. Anyways… I struggle to form a thought that brings me more joy than picturing us exploring the illustrious cities of southern Maine. Can’t wait to meet you!

XOXO,
Chandler “your beloved favorite AESOP leader who you like more than Temperance” Folkerts”

Aiden Habas (left)

Yerrrr aseop!!! I’m Aiden, I am a junior and biochem major, from Philly (Go birds) and I am your ASEOP leader!!!! At bates I am the current captain of rugby, Co-president of the Chemical Society, Co-President of the Astronomy club and Secretary of the Italian club! I am very excited to lead Day hiking and zach and I are very experienced in it! I also dj on the side and have done a couple bates events! I am also very involved in many other things at bates so let me know if you have any questions! Super excited to meet you guys!

Zach Zanger (right)

What’s good AESOPers??? I’m Zach, a junior and biology major from New York (LFGM), and I’m your AESOP leader! At Bates I’m treasurer for both the Italian club and Chemical Society, and I’m also a professional SCUBA diver and wealth management analyst. Aiden and I spend a ton of our free time mountaineering, so we’re super hyped to lead Day Hiking! Reach out if you’ve got any questions or if you just wanna chat about diving, baseball, guitar, or anything really! Can’t wait to meet you guys!!!

Eric Shen (left)

What’s up guys! I’m Eric, so happy to be your AESOP leader for rock climbing trip!!! I’m from Chicago, and was born and raised in China. In my free time, I love running, lifting, hanging out with my friends, and watching NBA. I also love the chicken tenders from Commons! Otto and I can’t wait to see you guys on campus!☀️

Otto Gross (right)

Hey guys I’m Otto. I’ll be leading EVO climbing with Eric Shen and we’re both super excited about it. I did the EVO climbing trip when I was a freshman and it was a blast so hopefully you guys will feel the same. A little about me: I’m on the track team, I’m a biochemistry major, and I eat burgers with no cheese.

Soph Clausman (Left)

Howdy bobkittens! This is your AESOP leader, the beautiful, amazing, incredible Soph (Boph) Clausman (Left), a rising senior from Minneapolis (Edina), Minnesota! She is a STEM baddie, double majoring in Mathematic and Econ, and a devoted and passionate member of the Bates Swim & Dive Team! In addition to her passion and devotion to the swim team, she is also a dedicated and passionate friend, and everyone would be lucky to have someone like her in their lives. She loves anime, her dog Pickles, and some of her hobbies include loving fish, playing the cello and math (Math club is the BEST). If Soph was a sedimentary rock, her sediments would be made out of the cutest and coolest y2k outfits you’ll ever see, Jujitsu Kaisen, Addison Rae, and probably a little too much caffeine. If she was an animal, she would be a fish (of course). We are SO excited to hang out with you guys and some farm animals! See you in August!!!!!!! WOOHOOOO

– This bio was written by Abby Sellnow

Abby Sellnow (Right)

Hi Bob-Kitties!! This is your wonderful, glowing, AESOP leader Abigail (Abby, Babs) Sellnow (Right). Abby is a rising senior from Schenectady (upstate) New York. Abby is an English major with a DCS minor and an avid contributor to the Bates varsity Swim and Dive team. Abby has many talents/hobbies including binge watching Bridgerton, running, having amazing lashes, and being blonde. If Abby was a soup she would be made of: lots of craft materials, pages from cheesy romance novels, cute sweaters, and a dash of gluten free cheeze-its. Her favorite TV show is Heated Rivalry (she has posters of Hudson and Conner alllll over her dorm) and if she was any animal she would be a golden retriever puppy. We are so excited to meet you guys and have the most fun time ever petting goats!

-This Bio was written by Soph Clausman

Skye Pearlman (left)

Hi AESOPers! My name is Skye Pearlman, and I’m a sophomore from Westchester, New York. I’m a potential Psych and Theater double major, but i’m currently still undecided. My hobbies include skiing, listening to music, junk journaling, rewatching movies I’ve already seen, and taking my dog on walks (when i’m home). In commons you’ll often find me at the vegan bar as a devout vegetarian. Around campus you’ll probably see me in Ladd (if you need an assignment tracker I am more than proud of my Google spreadsheet). You’ll rarely find me without my large stacks of bracelets and sunglasses on my face. For my freshman AESOP I was on FilmSop, so I am super excited to carry on the legacy. I’m a member of the Rob players, the sunshine society, tea, jewelry making, and cheese clubs. For my freshman AESOP I was on FilmSop with my wonderful co-leader Lucia, so we are super excited to carry on the legacy. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!

Lucia Frick (right)

Hi!! My name is Lucia Frick, I’m class of 2029, and I’m from Limerick Maine (AKA the middle of nowhere), so if you have any Maine-related questions surrounding your future at Bates, I’m a great person to ask. I’m a film major and Spanish minor, and I also love drawing, animating, thrifting/fashion, and screenwriting (I’m the biggest movie nerd I know)! I have a massive DVD/Blu-Ray collection of over 150 movies. At Bates, I’m a member of Jewelry Making Club, Tea Club, Film Production Club, Filmboard, and Sunshine Society, to name a few. You should also totally ask me for my 14-hour sad performative male acoustic singer-songwriter playlist. My fellow AESOP leader Skye is one of my favorite people, but I wish I could lead an AESOP with my wonderful cat, Hermy. I’m beyond excited to meet all of you directors and actors!

Katherine Reed

Hey AESOPers😎! I’m Will and with me there’s always a way, but enough about me, I’m here to talk about Katherine—the ginger phenomenon. She’s kind, funny, and everything you would want out of an AESOP leader. She’s from Wenham, Mass (JOB). She is a sociology major (boringgg), and a Spanish minor. In her free time, she likes to scrapbook, play sports, work out, make oil pastel drawings, and read. The best thing about Katherine? Her unrelenting positivity. We are both members of the swim team (go bobcats!) and can’t wait to meet you! Katherine’s favorite quote: “Shut up Will”

– Will wrote this bio

Will Trotman

What’s up AESOPers?!! I am so excited to introduce your amazing AESOP leader Will! I’m not going to lie he’s a little weird, he enjoys brain games and doing math…boringgg. But he’s actually the sweetest! Will is from Ridgefield, Connecticut and loves the outdoors! He’s a double major in math and physics and a very proud Boy Scout (but he’s shy about that so don’t ask him :). He loves to hike, swim, and work out! The best thing about Will? He commits to the bit, so be prepared to have some laughs on this trip (even if you’re laughing at him). Will and I are both members of the Bates Swim team and something we both love is a team dynamic so we can’t wait to meet you! Favorite Will quote: “I’m big now!”

– Katherine wrote this bio

Max Murthi

Greetings AESOPers! I’m Maxwell Murthi, but I go by Max. I’m a rising sophomore planning on double majoring in Sociology and Biology. I’m beyond excited for our time together! Building a home is one of my lifelong dreams, and I never thought I would get the chance to accomplish it so soon! Outside of my pursuit to be the best AESOP leader ever, I like to get Bdubs specifically Carribean jerk bone-in wings.

Adi Srinivasan

Hey guys! I’m Adi, and I’m a rising sophomore. I’m from right outside Philly, and super hype to be one of your leaders! Outside of being an AESOP leader, I do also love getting caribbean jerk but I think boneless is far superior. I plan on majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in dance. I am super excited to build homes, give back, and build humanity!

​Natalie Gersen (left)

My name is Natalie (she/her) and I am SO excited to lead AESOP! I am a junior from Cambridge, Massachusetts, but fun fact, my family is from Lewiston! I have absolutely loved my time at Bates, and I can’t wait to share this special community with our future AESOPers! I am on the women’s club soccer team here at Bates, and in my free time, I love to read, play tennis, listen to music, hang out with friends, and of course, go to lakes!!! If you’re considering this AESOP, please note Ellen and I have incredible music taste and are dedicated to making this trip full of good tunes. I had an awesome AESOP experience and Ellen and I cannot wait to make this trip special for you Bobkittens!

​Ellen Cabin (right)

Hi guys!! My name is Ellen (she/her) and I am sooo excited to lead AESOP!! I was born and raised in North Carolina but now my family lives in Western Mass. I absolutely LOVE all things Maine and Bates. I love running, reading, being outside, and hanging out with my friends! Fun fact about me: I am extremely obsessed with my cat. I actually met Nat on AESOP our freshman year!! So we have a tonnn of fun ideas to make AESOP amazing for you guys. We are going to be playing games, talking, hanging out, and making sure you guys have an incredible start to your Bates journey!! I am absolutely hilarious so get ready to laugh and have the best time. Cannot wait to meet everyone!

Ava Varrell (left)

This is Ava Varrell my best friend since the first week of freshman year when she told me to stop walking barefoot in the hallway of Page and also the funniest person you may ever meet. Ava is known around Bates as a sort of modern Shakespeare, forging new paths for Bates students on a daily basis, such as being the only Biochem major planning to go to Law School. She also has the memory of an elder elephant, so if you ever want to reminisce on our amazing AESOP trip to come, Ava is your girl. Some other fun facts about Ava are that she has the most multifaceted “discover friday” playlist on spotify you may ever hear and led what some have referred to as the most magical CitySop AESOP to date during her sophomore year. It’s also important to note that when Ava and I are together, we are basically telepathic; we have the longest charades winning among our friends because what other pair could flawlessly guess “Bicycle with a brain!” We couldn’t be more excited to CHOP IT UPP with you all on Mt. Blue!!

Clio Turner (right)

This is your amazing AESOP leader, Clio Turner (right) (some may call her Voldemort); we have been best friends since the first week of freshman year when I caught her walking around Page barefoot in a pajama set. Clio is known for her wizard-like tendencies, ability to recognize any song that is being played within the first two seconds, ability to lead 200-mile backpacking trips, and overall ability to integrate anybody into a conversation and figure out within three minutes if they are a fairy or a mermaid. We have a shared love for the name Persephone and expect a riddle to be brought to every conversation. Clio is one of the most creative and clever people I know (she also thinks that jam can go on anything, including risotto) and we cannot wait to sparkle all over Mt. Blue together!!

Peter Morris

Hi AESOP-ers!!!! My name is Peter, and I am a sophomore majoring in physics. I am from Wayland, Mass (#JOB!!). I am on the swim team here, and I am so excited to lead this trip with my awesome teammate, Emily Kalvaitis. Aside from swim, I love hiking, cliff jumping, lifting, skiing, Kendama, baking and playing with my dog. Also, I love cars. My favorite thing at Bates is the people and food! I will make sure to give you all my best tips for anything and everything at Bates and especially at Commons! My favorite commons creation is my wraps with the chicken, lettuce, pesto, hot sauce and potato chips!! I had the best time on AESOP freshman year, we are going to have so much fun on our trip!! I hope you all have an amazing summer, can’t wait to meet you all soon!! :)

Emily Kalvaitis

What’s up, guys!!!! I’m Emily Kalvaitis, but some friends (only Peter) call me the E! I’m a junior here at Bates and studying econ. I am from Darien, CT. I absolutely adore Bates and am so happy I get to share it with all of you! I am on the swim team here, and am leading this trip with my awesome teammate, Peter Morris!! Some of my hobbies include running, working out, pilates, swimming ofc, hiking, surfing, skiing, baking, and traveling! I also recently spent the semester abroad, which was an amazing experience. I hope you all get to do it too! I love spending time with my dog, and at Bates, my favorite thing to do on the weekends is hanging out with friends on the quad. I have a big sweet tooth, and my favorite common creation is chocolate lava cake with ice cream and peanut butter! AESOP was such an amazing experience for me, and I am thrilled to be your leader!!!!

Patrick Robinson

Hello Bob Kittens! My name is Patrick and im from Waterville, Maine. I am a rising second year majoring in American Studies and Dance. Im currently an Administrative Assistant for the Bates Dance Festival and Im a Company Manager for the Marcy Plavin Spring Dance Concert. (So if you want to talk about dance at Bates don’t hesitate to reach out.) Im a huge horror movie enthusiast, folk music listener, and outdoor explorer. Im currently trying to learn how to play the guitar. I use to have a pet Catfish. And I am an avid, though pretty bad, Jennifer Coolidge impersonator. But the most important thing to know about me is that I LOVE MAINE, (such a shocker). Maine has truly extraordinary views and places for outdoor exploration. Also you should probably know I have never gone canoeing before, (but im taking an online course) Kat will be our field expert, Im just here to discuss the cultural context of Maine’s nature. Kat has been very adamant lately about starting a Clearance Clearwater Revival cover band, so if you play an instrument or like there music you should reach out to her. But anyways, here’s a joke for you. What do you call a fish wearing a tuxedo? So-fish-ticated. (P.S. Ask Kat about her trout fit.)

Katherine Mitchell

What’s up Cool Cats of Richardson Lake!! My name’s Kat (she/her) and I’m a sophomore studying Bio and Earth & Climate Sciences, and I’m stoked to meet y’all! I’m an avid canoer, guitarist, climber, and explorer of all things outdoors, so please pick my brain about anything relating to the glorious 207 (shoutout to my hometown Waterville, Maine). Get hyped for a trip filled with campfire convos (perhaps some karaoke, too), Coleman stove creations (ever heard of a Jet Boil?), and putting your paddles to the beautiful waters that Rangeley, Maine has to offer (Patrick’s still taking his canoe course online, but he’ll definitely cook up a good playlist for the bus ride). When Patrick and I are not plugging away at our course work, you’ll probably catch my buddy in the dance studio or chatting it up about the state of the arts in the U.S. (American Studies nerd alert), and find me either posted up in a tree atop Mt David with a book or scheming another camping trip for the following weeks (ask me about the pants I tragically lost to a set of rapids up North). We can’t wait to introduce you to Bate’s welcoming community, and give you a sneak peak at the beautiful landscapes the Pine Tree State has to offer!