Zack Bencal

What would be your advice to prospective students about the college search?

Do your homework! The students that end up at their best fits, receive the best financial aid, etc. tend to be those that spend time researching opportunities and asking questions. 

Why should students attend Southwestern?

The SU experience is truly an educational experience like no other. Southwestern is more than just an education. It’s a community of peers and faculty that are there to help you be successful. It’s the ability to think critically and answer questions for the rest of your life. I truly believe that no other institution offers the same experience that Southwestern does. 

What are your favorite restaurants in Georgetown and why?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I always love taking friends and family to Dos Salsas just down the street from the university. They have some of the best fajita and taco meat that I’ve tasted and the atmosphere is truly unbeatable. 

What is your favorite thing to do in Georgetown and why?

I love spending time at San Jacinto park with my dog. There is a beautiful river, some great walking trails, and friendly folks always out enjoying the day as well.

What are your favorite restaurants in Austin and why?

Austin is truly a diverse city, and nowhere is this better reflected than all the culinary options available from all over the world. Some of my favorites include poke bowls, breakfast tacos, and Thai food.

What is your favorite thing to do in Austin and why?

Honestly I love just exploring. Austin is such a quickly growing city and there are always new places popping up that are worth checking out.

What is your favorite SU fun fact?

We received our Mascot name Pirates from a panty raid the male students went on.

What is your favorite SU tradition?

Can’t beat late night breakfast during finals week each semester. There’s great food, karaoke, and best of all, you get served by your favorite staff and faculty. 

What is your favorite place on campus?

A place I recently discovered is the Story Tree. It’s this really old, giant tree which is really easy to climb and look at over campus.

What are your hobbies?

I’m a big music fan. From the Beatles to Ed Sheeran, I love it! I also am an avid reader. My favorite series are of course Harry Potter and Game of Thrones.

Where were you born, and, if different, what do you consider your hometown?

Houston TX, but I grew up in the Cypress area northwest.

What would your pirate name be?

Zack Sparrow

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a first generation college student. I enjoy admissions work because I see myself in a lot of the students and I love being able to guide them through this stressful process of college searching. 

If you could have coffee in the Cove with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Any of the Beatles. Why? Because they are amazing of course (and who wouldn’t want to hear those accents???)

When not at work, you can find me…

Spending time with my Chocolate Lab and/or cats.

If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation so I could see my friends and family whenever I want.

What advice would you give your college self?

Remember that the college experience is a lot more than just academics. It’s your first time living on your own so don’t forget to take care of yourself.

What is your anthem?

Let it Be by the Beatles

What is your go-to emoji?

The wink of course ߘ鼯span>

What app do you use the most? 

I can’t miss completing my solitaire daily challenge each morning.

What is your favorite get-to-know-you question, and what would your answer be?

Whenever someone asks me for a fun fact about myself, I always share that I am an avid juggler and on a good day I can juggle four balls.