Hometown: Herkimer,
N.Y.
Majors: Political
Science and Chinese
Why Union:
I
wanted a small community. Union is place where you never feel like an outsider.
Add in the personal relationships with professors and the beautifully historic
campus, and you have my home away from home.
Best class:
All
of them!
Also excited about:
Studying
abroad. I’ll be venturing off to Shanghai with nine other Union students and
Professor Zhang in the fall, spending several weeks studying at Fudan
University as well as traveling to historic and popular destinations around
China. I’m excited to immerse myself in a culture unlike my own and become a
contributing global citizen.
Favorite study spot:
A
conference room in Lamont House with a white board, chalkboard, “mood” lights,
a huge window and a full length table – perfect for my habit of scattering
papers, books and notebooks whenever I do my work.
Inspiring moment:
The Better Together club sponsored Hijabi for a Day to
bring awareness and spark dialogue regarding religious and cultural customs,
specifically the hijab. I was so inspired by the number of participants who
volunteered to not only wear the hijab throughout the day, but who were curious
and eager to understand a tradition and expand their horizons.
Things I’m passionate
about at Union:
Taking classes in
Digital Art, I discovered a newfound academic passion. I also joined the
Bhangra dance team this year, something I never imagined being a part of before
coming to Union, and have discovered that an understanding of a different
cultural expression is awesome. I indulge my passion to explore by getting
involved with a club or organization each year that’s devoted to something
completely different than what I already know.
Other passions:
The fine arts and musical theater. I spent
hours directing Union’s first completely student-run musical, The Drowsy Chaperone.
The most surprising
thing about Union:
How much this institution genuinely cares for its
students. Regardless of which office
door you knock on, you’ll always be welcome.
How I’m making Union
better:
I was an Ally Trainer for Union’s Student Allies for Equality group
– students dedicated to ensuring the LGBTQ community at Union feels
comfortable, welcome and accepted. Being
able to enhance the dialogue and discussions surrounding the LGBTQ community,
in particular, has increased my peers’ awareness.
Looking into the future:
The great thing about Union’s liberal arts education
is that you leave here well-rounded. While I will attend graduate school of
some sort (either a law degree or Ph.D.), I would love to spend a year or two involved
in a fellowship or gap-year opportunity.
