Classics

Classics DSA Eliana Orozco

Eliana Orozco

(she/her)

k20eo01@kzoo.edu
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Majors: ANSO and French
Minor: Classical Civilization
Study Abroad: Lyon, France
Best Adjective to Describe You: Genuine


In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The comradery within the department is unmatched, and the classes are by far the most entertaining and engaging at K.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Don’t be afraid to branch out and take a Classics class even if you don’t seem initially interested. You might be surprised. The Classics department has some of the most high demand courses because they are awesome. Even if you couldn’t get into one (this has happened to me many times), reach out! The professors love welcoming new students and offer other paths into getting into the department. Talk to the Classics students as well, we can offer a lot of tips and firsthand information about the department and certain courses. Classics is often a passion of ours, so we always welcome talking to new students about it!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Balance is necessary so you don’t go crazy at school. You can be a good student and still take time for yourself.

What has been your favorite class at K?
I can’t pick one, so I have two. Professor Max Cherem’s Global Refugees freshmen seminar was groundbreaking for me. It will stick with me for the rest of my life. The second is Latin 102. I looked forward to attending every time. I learned Latin at an accelerated rate. I made lasting connections with my peers by bonding through insanely fun activities and our collective investment into our intense textbook storyline. There was never a dull moment.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
If it were not for our open curriculum, I do not think I would be in the Classics department at all. Freshmen year allowed me to explore other departments without the immediate restriction to one discipline like other colleges often do. If not for my initial exploration, I think my majors would look very different right now. I also took advantage of our fast-paced curriculum that other institutions do not have, which I believe has allowed me to make double majoring and minoring possible. I did not have to omit any of my academic interests. Instead I am able to explore them all.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
During the school year, academics are my number one priority. Though I enjoyed attending the Just Food Collective meetings to learn something not within a textbook. Two summers ago, I volunteered at a women’s pregnancy center. Then the following summer, I participated in an archeological dig through the University of Michigan. Following that dig, I then studied abroad in the fall in Lyon, France. Through my family’s church, I also participate in soup kitchens that aid the homeless population of Detroit.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is still in the works, but it will be a Classics SIP. It will most likely focus on an archeological dig I participated in Italy last summer.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After K, I hope to enter into a Masters program for archeology and/or anthropology. I dream of being an archeologist. I am looking forward to working towards becoming one.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I am one of 6 kids.