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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The diversity of the classes that fit under the American Studies concentration mean there’s never a dull moment!

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Don’t be afraid to reach out even if you wouldn’t initially think this subject would apply to you. The wide reach of the department means that you can explore one or two courses that can contribute to another area of interest before committing to the department, so it’s easy to get involved with little commitment!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing I have learned at K is the power of time management and the amount I am capable of when I decide to say yes to all of the things that might scare me!

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class I have ever taken at K is still my first-year seminar, Salem Possessed with Dr. Charlene Boyer Lewis!

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
My sophomore seminar Social Justice Through Art allowed me to take a break from my dense social sciences classes and gave me reason to keep pursuing some of my creative hobbies that I enjoy in my free time. I got to explore some art history as it relates to my interest in social justice, create art on the subject, and share a class with a professor and host of peers who I never would have shared a course with otherwise!

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
During my time on campus, I have been an assistant editor and staff writer for the Index student paper, a volunteer and Civic Engagement Scholar for K Votes, and a participant in Students for Reproductive Freedom.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is a political science study of The Hunger Games series, which uses the books as texts of political theory to comment on the state of socioeconomic stratification in the U.S. and the power of community and empathy to combat that and raise political consciousness.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I will likely take a gap year after K to work in local journalism of some sort and raise some money to fund my move to Washington, D.C. where I would like to land to work in political journalism. At some point in the future, I will likely get a master’s degree in journalism, but first I would like to build my journalistic resume!

What is a random fun fact about you?
My go-to random fun fact is that my mom owns a pizza place! I work there as a waitress, pizza topper, and hostess, as well as recently promoted assistant manager!