Of the 57 members of the recently graduated Class of 2009, one of the most colorful and individualistic was Laura Voitik. Whether it was her multiple changes of hair color — eight in all — or her unique fashion sense or her fiercely independent way of looking at things, Voitik was hard to miss during the past five years. She will attend the University of Illinois, where she intends to major in animal sciences as a stepping stone to becoming a veterinarian. Classmate Rachel Skoza conducted this Q&A with the future vet as the 2008-09 school year came to an end.

"Voitik" is a pretty cool last name. But what would you rather be than "Laura"?

I don't know; when someone comes up with something better I'll let you know. My mom calls me Ghoulie and Fred on occasion, but I don't think I want the masses coining those nicknames.

Laura Voitik happily leaves the Tryon Festival Theatre stage after receiving her diploma. Gargoyle photo by David Porreca (click to enlarge)

How would you sum up your Uni career?

Lengthy. Don't get me wrong — I learned tons and I'm really glad I didn't go anywhere else, but seriously, five years is a long, long time.

Yeah, tell me about it … So, I find not many people know you as well as they should. What's one thing you'd like those people to know about you?

Hmmm … that they should try and get to know me better because I am not always what I seem. I come off a bit harsh, but if you get on my good side I'm a big softie. Seriously, it's almost pathetic.

What five words are your favorites in describing yourself?

Independent, restless, smart, logical, and awesome.

What would you say you are obsessed with?

Animals of all kinds, especially the predatory types like wolves and big cats, and of course becoming a vet.

Do you agree that you are the "most changed" senior this year?

Um … yes, did you see me when I was blonde? Can't get much more different than that.

What goes through your head when you think about yourself as a subbie?

"Never again" and "What was wrong with me?"

Where will you go to college, and what for?

U of I, animal sciences, and hopefully vet school down the road.

Do you mind telling the story behind your horses?

I've ridden horses since I was 5 and got my first horse when I was 7. It all started because I asked Santa if he would bring me a horse for Christmas. Santa said he didn't deliver live animals and that I should look into taking riding lessons. The rest, as they say, is history.

How many animals have been in your life?

Oh God, a lot. Seven dogs, 10 cats, a miniature horse, a pony, three horses (that I've owned; I rode lesson horses for a while), and assorted rescued wildlife — birds, raccoons, mice, frogs, etc.

What inspires your bold sense of fashion?

I like to do my own thing in life, and that extends to my style. I buy whatever clothes appeal to me — no matter the style — and blend them to my own taste.

How many times have you changed your hair color?

Again with the counting. Hmm … it was blonde, then brown, then black, then black with a blonde streak, then red, then blue-black, then natural with teal and blue streaks, then red. So eight times.

What's the main purpose of music in your life?

To entertain me.

Which would you choose to represent you: a porcupine, a giant wasp, or a poisonous dart frog?

Porcupine. Prickly on the surface, but totally cute and cuddly once you get through that.

Do you have your own philosophy?

Live your life, don't stress too much about things, be who you want to be, you only get one chance to live.

What’s the most fascinating piece of knowledge in your possession?

Mr. Sutton [history teacher Bill Sutton] bears a striking resemblance to Tommy Chong (of Cheech & Chong fame].