One student interned for a congressman and worked on George W. Bush's presidential campaign. Another writes music in his spare time. A third enjoys rock climbing.

McDaniel's 448 incoming freshmen and 70 transfer students arrived from 23 states and Washington D.C. Several have spent time living in other countries including Beijing , Ecuador, Germany, Korea, Poland, Russia and Vietnam.

But one thing the class of 2009 shares is a connection to their roots and a compassion for family.

View the Photo Essay.