In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The way you get to learn what you’re interested in and the connections with professors!

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Go to office hours and get to know the professors, they are wonderful!!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
I have learned what I value and how to prioritize those values in everything I do.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class was probably You Are What You Eat, a sophomore seminar with Dr. Baptiste. We studied food and culture and it was so cool! I got to write a final paper on a topic that was really personal to me and it was a really fun group of people.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have taken all kinds of cool classes like Intro to Complex Systems, Urban Planning as a Liberal Art, Developmental Psychology, and more.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
My freshman year I was a volunteer in a 1st grade classroom at Woodward Elementary and a part of the Just Food Collective in the Hoop House. My sophomore year I was a civic engagement scholar for Club Grub a program that teaches cooking and gardening skills and community building for 2nd and 3rd grade students at Woodward Elementary School. My junior year post study abroad I started substitute teaching in KPS which was so much fun. I have also been an Interfaith Student Leader every year.

What is your SIP?
It’s a library SIP in the ANSO department studying the language we use around food systems and how it applies to the food system and food access here in Kalamazoo supervised by Dr. Joshi.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
Spend some time teaching experiential education and then eventually get a MSW or M.Ed or something like that. I want to work with people and make a positive difference in the world!

What is a random fun fact about you?
Ask me about my time volunteering for a month at a butterfly center in the rainforest in Colombia this year!

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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The best part is the diverse faculty backgrounds and wide-ranging classes that explore a vast array of ANSO topics.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Take advantage of office hours!! Don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty members for advice, mentorship, or to discuss your academic interests. They’re eager to support students and can provide valuable guidance on courses, research opportunities, and career pathways! Take advantage of these hours and conversations to get to know your professors on a personal level! Building these relationships early on can open doors to opportunities for research, internships, and recommendations in the future!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned at K is the importance of critical thinking and the ability to approach complex issues with empathy, curiosity, and an open mind. Through my experiences in the ANSO department, studying abroad, and beyond, I’ve developed the skills to analyze, question, and engage with the world around me, preparing me to navigate challenges, contribute meaningfully to society, and pursue lifelong learning and growth.

What has been your favorite class at K?
The 200-level ANSO course “Communities and Schools” has been my favorite class at K because it provided a platform to explore the intersection of social structures and education, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding community development and educational equity. This course empowered me to critically examine the role of schools in society, the challenges facing diverse communities, and the potential for positive change through education. This course allowed me to not only examine other educational institutions but also reflect on my education and upbringing. I continue to use the ideas and theories from this class in my everyday life.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I’ve taken advantage of the open curriculum by exploring a wide range of subjects outside of my main area of focus. Although my interest lies heavily within ANSO and Spanish, I have also dabbled in Psychology, Economics, Political Science, and even French! This interdisciplinary approach has not only deepened my appreciation of different fields of study, but also prepared me by broadening my perspective and acquiring new skills.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
Going into my fourth year at K, I have been a player on the volleyball team, the Co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a volunteer at El Sol Elementary, and an after-school support volunteer at a middle school during my long-term abroad program in Madrid, Spain!

What is your SIP?
I am doing an interdisciplinary SIP in the Winter, mixing what I’ve learned in my ANSO and Spanish majors. I plan to research multicultural education and cultural pluralism in multilingual landscapes. I will be using my experiences as a volunteer at a bilingual elementary school, my time studying abroad, and my job working with teens in Costa Rica over the summer to analyze my observations about teaching Spanish in different cultural landscapes.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am currently applying for a Fulbright award that would pay for my MA in Social Sciences in Madrid! In the future, I am hoping to have my own classroom that works with students from all over the world!

What is a random fun fact about you?
I swam with sharks (on accident) when I went to Costa Rica!