Hi everyone!! My name is Julie Atkeson and I am beyond elated to be a part of the First-Year Five 2026-2027 team! A little about my background: I grew up in Beijing, China until I was 8 years old, lived in the Bay Area, California, and went to boarding school in Boston, Massachusetts. Now I’m at Tulane studying Economics and Computer Science with a business minor!
My first year at Tulane has been such a blast and I’m grateful to have found places and clubs where I belong, and friends whom I go on crazy, fun adventures with. One of my favorite things to do is playing tennis and as a player on the Club Tennis team here, I not only get to hone my skills but make friends with people across all grade-levels. Additionally, I’m a writer for The Hullabaloo, Tulane’s awesome and creative on-campus newspaper organization. Through writing articles with The Hullabaloo, I enjoy being able to spread awareness and provide insights on important campus and local issues to my peers. I’ve also been able to find spaces who share the same interests as me such as Women in Business club and Asian American Student Union.
Here at Tulane, there are so many opportunities to get involved and I know you’ll find spaces where you’ll thrive! Throughout the year, there are a ton of events and fairs where you can learn about what Tulane has to offer, and I encourage you to go to all of them! And if something interests you in the slightest bit, don’t be afraid to try it out.
While I know it sounds easier than done, my biggest advice is to always be yourself. I understand how nerve-wracking and overwhelming entering a new environment can be, and I was definitely scared to express my true self when I first got here. But remember that everyone is in the same boat as you, and with that amazing personality of yours, don’t be afraid to approach someone first! I made some of my best friends by just going up and saying hi, and being fully myself.
I can’t wait to welcome you all on campus! Don’t hesitate to say hi or reach out! ROLLLL WAVEE!
