About Us

News & features about The Commons at Vanderbilt from the students who live here.

For more information, or to become a member of the MCL team, email mycommonslife@gmail.com.

My Commons Life Staff

Stephan Bellamy is from Claxton, Georgia. He plans on double majoring in English and science communication; it’s no surprise that his favorite genre of writing is science fiction! Being an author and now podcast host, he enjoys finding ways to hone his creativity. Besides writing novels, Stephan loves traveling to new places and making connections along the way.

Elizabeth Ebhogiaye is from Atlanta, GA, and hopes to major in Economics with minors in Human Organizational Development and African American and Diaspora Studies. When not doing schoolwork, she likes to dance, scour the internet to learn about random new things, and make new friends in new places over new food.

Omar Jamil is from Hernando, MS. He intends to double major in Political Science and HOD, with a potential third major in LHS/MHS. Omar loves to play soccer, ultimate frisbee, read, and study public policy.

Tait Kohler — Tait Kohler is from Wisconsin and is planning on majoring in Communications on a Pre-Law track. She enjoys playing her guitar and singing in her free time as well as riding horses. Tait’s favorite food is strawberries and she loves lemon Ice tea!

Devin Laye — Devin Laye is from Spartanburg, South Carolina. She plans to major in Biomedical Engineering and minor in History of Art, and she loves playing with dogs, reading books, and spending time with friends! One of Devin’s favorite things is traveling to explore new places, experience different cultures, and meet interesting people from all over the globe.

Matthew Lu — Matthew Lu is from San Jose, California. He plans on majoring in physics and math. He enjoys a good cup of tea, reading when it’s not assigned work, and convincing himself that he is productive by writing down all the work he has to do, but actually doing none of it.

Maria Manabat — Maria Manabat is a first-year student from southeast Georgia, and she is planning to pursue a major in Human and Organizational Development. She enjoys drinking bubble tea, watching the Food Network, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Cheryl Quartey (she/hers) is a Freshman from Nashville, Tennessee, hoping to major in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She loves hoop earrings, volunteering, international foods, and vibing with music or people. She plans to learn how to swim once she finds a break and a teacher!

Danny Sak — Daniel Sak is from Michigan in a suburb north of Detroit called Shelby Township. He intends to major in political science. Outside of the classroom, Daniel loves reading dystopian novels and is an expert on all things Parks and Recreation.

Richard Song — Richard Song is a freshman from Herndon, Virginia, studying Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. His hobbies/interests include music, exercising, making videos, producing content, reading, playing board games, and learning languages. He aspires to pursue a career in the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship, and media.