Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because I liked the size of the campus and the classes. The campus size made it extremely easy to get from one side to the other in no time. The class sizes were honestly perfect. I did not want to feel like a number and having smaller classes made me feel like it would be easier to get to know my peers and professors. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I had the ability to really get to know my professors and peers, making my time here just that much more special. I do not think that I would have been able to build the relationships that I have been able to do here anywhere else. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

I have always been interested in politics and how it shapes every aspect of our lives. Learning about politics and laws throughout my time in high school made me become very interested in choosing Political Science as my major. I got really lucky to know what my passions were right off the bat, making it easy for me to keep the same major throughout my time here. 

What have been some of your favorite aspects of the major? 

I really enjoyed the Political Science major requirements and how flexible they were. This allowed me to study abroad and take major courses without really worrying about whether or not they would transfer back to UNI. Outside of studying abroad, the major is truly so flexible and it was able to allow me to concentrate on courses that would teach me things I am passionate about.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

Yes! As I have already mentioned, I was able to study abroad in Fall 2022 in Athens, Greece, and it was an amazing experience that taught me so much about myself and the world. When it comes to student organizations, just to name a few, I have been involved in Student Government in the past, was a part of the newly introduced Pickleball Club, as well as, spent some time in Sorority life here at UNI. Each student organization that I have been involved with taught me something that could be applied to my studies, work, or my personal life. Throughout my time at UNI, I have also been involved in two internships related to education. I had the opportunity to intern at Southwestern Community College after my freshman year and I currently intern at the Iowa Department of Education at the Iowa College Aid. These experiences have taught me so much about my passions and allowed me to gain exposure to what job opportunities could be available to me in the future. In my last semester at UNI, I had the opportunity to do research on the topic of “Homelessness in Iowa”. I was able to present my work, along with two other classmates, at a conference midway through the semester, and it was very rewarding. That experience allowed me to apply my research skills outside of the classroom and I was able to gain exposure in giving presentations in front of an audience. 

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI?

I have had many influential professors while here at UNI. The first professor that I owe so much to would be Dr. Peters. Taking his Law, Politics, and Society class in my sophomore year really helped me learn more about my passions and was a pivotal point in my undergraduate career. Both Dr. Jayme and Dr. Evan Renfro have been big parts of my time here as well - I even think that I took all of Dr. Evan Renfro’s courses that he teaches! Although I did not take nearly as many classes with these professors, Dr. Kogl and Dr. Warby taught me so much and have been so very influential to me. I owe it to all these professors, as not only were they my professors, they have helped me so much outside of the classroom as well! Whether it would be from ranting about things in my personal life, advising me on literally anything and everything, or helping me with graduate school - I really cannot thank them enough. I will miss everyone. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am currently applying to Masters of Public Administration programs! I am very passionate about Education Policy and hope to be able to concentrate on that in my program. I won’t know which school I will be attending until a couple of months after graduation, but I plan to attend a school on either coast of the United States. 

There are so many different ways that both UNI and my major have helped prepare me for these plans. UNI in general offered many opportunities to hold positions that taught me useful skills that can be applied to graduate school. My major and my minor, Legal Studies, prepared me so much with building the knowledge of policies, laws and all things politics that will be of so much use after I graduate. 

What advice would you give to students who are considering this major?

Advice that I would give students who are considering Political Science would be to just give the major a chance! Political Science is one of the smallest majors when it comes to requirements here at UNI. I knew of so many people who double majored and it was not overwhelming and easily attainable in a 4-year plan. If you are considering Political Science, learn what it is about politics that you are interested in and I am sure there are plenty of courses available that align with your interests and passions. 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Go Cats!