Rebecca Buffington
Hometown: Norcross, GA (now Peachtree Corners)
Education: M.Ed., Instructional Technology, University of South Florida; B.A., Music Education, University of Georgia
Favorite music genre? Alternative rock, I guess. Or classical.
Favorite person/celebrity to follow on social media? George Takei or Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Favorite RVA restaurant? Greek on Cary.
Who would play you in a movie? Jodie Foster.
If you could go back to college and major in a different subject, what would you pick? Why?
I would still pick music. The training and education as a music major teaches collaboration, individual accountability, the importance of practice to hone a skill or craft, and flexibility in addition to learning music theory, history, and performance.
What is one piece of advice you'd give students for the college search/application process?
When composing your essay, choose a topic that you can write authentically. Try not to write to impress the admission reader but be true to yourself and your story. Oh, and don't wait until the last minute to start your application or write your essays. Most importantly ask the teachers you'd like to write recommendation letters at the beginning of the school year to give them time to provide thoughtful and insightful reflections of you.
Is there a particularly memorable recruitment story you'd like to share?
I was talking with a few students in their high school's career resource room when I noticed a small spider was lowering itself from the ceiling over a student's shoulder. Nonchalantly, I asked the group if they knew what the Richmond mascot is and pulled the spider free so the group could see it. They became a bit freaked out and simultaneously I shared a live version of Richmond's mascot with them.
Let's talk about RVA. What do you like about living here? What are your favorite things to do in the city/region? What should visitors be sure to check out?
I love the vibrant arts scene, as I keep quite busy with performing in musical groups when not working. I love the variety of cuisine in the city and the county as it's as robust in quality (but maybe not in quantity) as northern Virginia and D.C. Carytown is my favorite neighborhood in Richmond with its quaint shops and restaurants.