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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The American Studies concentration allows for interdisciplinary learning meaning students interact with other departments in unique and unexpected ways!

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Our department is kind of hidden, both because it is only a concentration and seemingly under the wing of the Political Science department, and so it can be confusing as to what American Studies entails and how it is separate from Political Science. Reach out for any questions, clarification, or just to chat! We love hearing your interests and how they relate to American Studies!

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
Many majors offer relatively open options for classes, letting students pick electives to fill the requirements. I wish I could tell my first-year self not to take whatever class is being offered to finish the major/minor/concentration faster, but to wait and take what is interesting to you. Because of K’s open curriculum, schedules have a lot of space, so take the classes you want to take rather than whatever is offered in a particular term to simply check off a requirement!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Because of K’s focus on a well-rounded education, I have learned to embrace not only academic learning opportunities, but those that are social and cultural as well. K has taught me the importance of balance between work and leisure and how both contribute to one’s overall growth.

What has been your favorite class at K? 
My favorite class I have taken at K is a two-way tie between POLS Voting, Campaigns, and Elections with Dr. Justin Berry and FREN Bilingualism with Dr. Larissa Dugas!

How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth?
My major in French & Francophone Studies is simply for pleasure rather than any career aspirations or future education. I am studying French because I enjoy the language, and it provides a break from the rest of my studies! If I attended a school without an open curriculum, this would likely not be possible as I wouldn’t have space in my schedule for a separate major.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
During my time on campus, I have been a part of the student government and currently serve as President, a President Student Ambassador, a member of the law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta, and the law club, ALSO, for which I am currently serving as President. I have also been on the Educational Policy Committee as the student representative, and I sing in College Singers, the campus choir.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is in the Political Science department and revolves around elections and campaign strategies. I will be using the 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial Election to study the influence of factors outside of party identification, such as economics and identity, on voting and election results, and how their influence compares to National Presidential elections.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am hoping to continue my studies by going to law school and graduate school in political science, specifically American politics, to acquire a J.D. and PhD before pursuing a career in estate or contract law, and/or working on political campaigns.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I am terrible at keeping plants and fish alive; I’ve had many succulents perish quite quickly and once had thirty fish in the span of three months all die!