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Get to know MLP Big Brother, Joe Murphy!

Year: 3rd
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

What do you miss most about your hometown when you're at UVA?
I definitely miss getting to see my grandmother. She moved to a nursing home near our house a few years ago, and it's been a real blessing to be able to spend time with her. She's hilarious and brightens my day every time I go see her. She's actually become somewhat of an icon to my friends. I always post Facebook statuses about my interactions with her and some of the funny and ridiculous things she says. When you're 94, you can get away with saying/doing pretty much whatever you want.

Why are you passionate about your program at the Women's Center?
I have met many amazing men through MLP. It's a pleasure to work with such an interesting, diverse, and friendly group of guys. I feel that I have become a better man through my weekly interactions with them and the littles. In addition, it's awesome to see the impact that we have on the littles. Last Wednesday, I asked my little what his high and low were for the week. He said his high was playing handball with MLP... can't describe how great it felt to hear him say that.

What made you choose UVA over other schools you applied to?
In addition to wanting to travel south for college (I hate the cold), I chose UVA because it has the perfect number of students--enough people to meet someone new frequently, but small enough to feel like you belong. I love seeing friendly faces on my walk to class every day.

What has surprised you about UVA?
I am continually surprised by the sheer number of clubs we have at UVA. If you can think of something you enjoy doing, there is probably already a club for that hobby or interest that you can join--that's not true of many other schools.

What's a fun fact you'd like people to know about you?
I know every word to the first 5 chapters of R. Kelly's rap opera, "Trapped In the Closet."

If you could have coffee with anyone from history, who would it be and why?
Nikola Tesla. As a chemistry major, I have to go with a scientist. Tesla invented so many things (e.g. AC current, the electric motor) and many people believe that he never released a lot of his ideas before his death. He was possibly the most intelligent and creative human in history, I'd hope to learn something useful from him.