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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The post lecture/class discussions amongst classmates pertaining to the material introduced can be really fun.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
First, all of our 100 level courses as well as some of our 200 level courses are First-Year Friendly so feel free to test the waters with these courses. Second, if a class does not work out for you but you are still interested in Political Science, it may be a case where the field of study you were learning about may not have been for you. Thanks to the wide variety of areas covered in our department such as International Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and U.S. Politics you can hopefully find an area that suits you! Lastly, if you still want to take some classes but not fully commit to a Political Science Major you can still pursue a Minor or check out other departments connected to the Political Science Department such as Women, Gender, and Sexuality (WGS), International & Area Studies (IAST) and American Studies (AMST).

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
There is always more to be done. I look back now with all the things I do on and off campus and I regret not having that same energy when I first arrived but this seems to be the natural progression of many K students.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Finding the perfect balance of classes, work, and student orgs/extracurriculars is probably one of the hardest things to attain. When things do become imbalanced, remember to take care of yourself first then work through things one at a time.

What has been your favorite class at K?
At Kalamazoo College: U.S. Foreign Policy – this was my first Political Science course and solidified not only my appreciation for Political Science but also strengthened my focus specifically to International Politics.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
In addition to my Political Science Major, I am also a History Major and through that department I have taken courses on Africa, East Asia, and Latin America. I have also utilized the open curriculum to take one course each term (including study abroad) not associated with either of my Majors. These include several Music courses, Indigenous Studies courses, a Philosophy course, and a Critical Ethnic Studies course. All have done well to increase my overall knowledge as well as create a stronger appreciation for each area of study.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I have been an RA (and will be SRA) of Trowbridge Hall, a former president and now consultant for K-Rock, as well as the senior organizer for Quadstock for the last three years.

What is your SIP?
I will be looking for examples of colonial legacy found within contemporary Filipino Foreign Policy by looking back at Spanish Colonial Foreign Policy in regard to security and the South China Sea.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am looking at hopefully acquiring a Fulbright Scholarship to return to Australia to acquire a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and then from there possibly pursuing a career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or civic government in the states of Victoria and New South Wales.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I am still an avid collector of Lego Star Wars sets and thus one of my favorite “brain break” activities is to build sets or create new vehicles, models, etc.