Jamie Fravel

Who is this Jamie?
I am from Chapin, South Carolina and attended Ben Lippen School from kindergarten all the way through high school. I hated math in elementary school but algebra, then calculus, changed all that. I have been at Furman for just one year now but my family has a history with the school. Both of my parents attended, in fact my mother graduated in the same class as Dr. Harris who is one of the teachers leading this trip, and my brother will be joining me next year. I am a mathematics major and I plan on declaring in physics as well. After Furman, I plan to attend a graduate school for engineering.

Why Math and the Mouse?
I have always been interesting in mechanics, physics, robotics, construction, and the like; however, in my college search I discovered another interest: Industrial Design. The logistics, analysis, and optimization of this field fascinates me. Though these ideas have their roots in factories, production, and distribution it is evident in a variety of other areas. There are few places in which this is more visible than in a well designed theme park, the paragon of which is Disney World. Further, the fact that all of these things can be modeled and analysed with math is fantastic. The best part of math, in my opinion, is applying it to improve the way we do things. I don't know who would pass up the chance to spend a month in Disney studying its inner workings, but I pity them.

Disney Restaurants:
Interestingly, though I have been several times, I have never had a turkey leg in Disney World. Though I doubt they are anything to write home about, I can't help but feel like I'm missing out. On the other hand, I have eaten in several of the Epcot restaurants and they are all spectacular. The one in Mexico, the San Angel Inn, is a personal favorite. The atmosphere, both inside and outside of the building itself is phenomenal. Of the many other dining options within Disney World, none sticks out in my memory like the Rainforest Cafe. Once again, the atmosphere is one of the most memorable of any restaurant that I have been to.

Disney Attractions:
For obvious reasons, I have always been fond of the Buzz Lightyear ride but I hear that there is similar but more modern ride in Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Midway Mania. I am also looking forward to riding and studying the roller coasters: Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, and Rockin' Roller Coaster are some of my favorites.