Nathan Kornfiend smiles.

Majors: Government and law, German 

Co-curriculars: The Lafayette, German Club, EXCEL Scholar, Languages & Literary Studies Department conversation partner, Kirby Government and Law Society

Post-graduation plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in political science at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany thanks to a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service.

What’s the most important thing you learned at Lafayette?

While it’s important to set goals to work toward, changes in your life can come suddenly and in unexpected ways. It’s important to be flexible to overcome the obstacles created by those changes and to remain true to yourself and what you’re passionate about. 

What one lesson or memory from Lafayette will remain with you for the rest of your life?

I will remember the late nights (and early mornings) spent in the newsroom working for The Lafayette. It was a pleasure working with such a group of talented journalists. The sense of community that came with producing a newspaper each week of the school year with such a dedicated group of fellow students will be unforgettable.

What advice would you give to high school students who are considering Lafayette?

Develop a healthy balance between academics and self-care. You don’t need to spend every hour of the day in the library to do well in school. Having outlets outside of your schoolwork will allow you to become a better student. To that end, advisers, family, and others will always have input about what to study. Ultimately, it is your education. Pursue topics because you find them fulfilling, and don’t be afraid to explore. When you’re passionate about a topic and put the time into becoming well-versed in it, opportunities will follow.

Student Spotlight

Meet the 2023 valedictorians

Congratulations to these 15 academic stars, who are poised to take on the world and make a difference across a gamut of professional fields.

Read more
Categorized in: Academic News, Class of 2023, Commencement 2023, German, Government and Law, News and Features, Student Profiles, Students