SCENE SPOTLIGHT

Senior Charla Davis is the quintessential combination of high school stereotypes. She looks like the prom queen, speaks like the valedictorian, and is just as involved as the class president. Her enthusiasm, involvement and bubbly blondness are enough to make anyone gag, but somehow, Davis has the ability to make even the greatest cynic fold. She's just that endearing.

Originally hailing from Fairbanks, Alaska, Davis admits that although Santa Clara's education was a factor in her choice to make her way to the Bay Area, the sunshine was the biggest draw. However, since her freshman year, her widespread activities haven't exactly allowed her to see much of that sun. Although she took a bit of time easing her way into campus life, she certainly hasn't lost any time since.

"Coming from such a small town, freshman year was a bit of a culture shock. It definitely took me some time to get my bearings and find my niche, but once I settled in a bit and figured out what I was interested in, I couldn't really help but get involved," Davis said.

She wasn't joking. Since she "settled in," Davis has her plate full enough to make the average student's head spin, all while maintaining her place on the Dean's List and a shockingly high 3.8 GPA. Pretty impressive for a shy small town girl.

Davis' involvement in campus related activities began her sophomore year when she became a Resident Hall Desk Receptionist, a position she still holds today. "It was a good way to make money, but in a way that I felt like I was being worthwhile at the same time," said Davis. "Plus, it was a great way for me to meet people."

That job was just the beginning of an impressive resume of positions school wide that Davis has come to hold. Over the past three years, she has taken a deep interest in the institutions associated with her major and her minor, being elected to positions on the board for each department. Last year, Davis was the Chair of the Retail Management Institute's Fundraising Committee, and this year, is the Chair of its Corporate Liaison Committee. She is also the Events Coordinator for the Communication Honor Society, and helps to organize its newsletter.

Davis laughs when asked if she's stressed. "I think I'd get bored if I wasn't doing all this," she said. "Sometimes it's a lot, but I think it's worth it. It's good for me, and it's fun." If only all of us had such energy.

-Written by Michelle Murphy