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FAVORITE
COURSE: One of my favorite courses was WOST 120 (Intro to Women’s Studies), which I took in my first year. This class challenged the basic ways I thought about the world and my life, and I began to look at my surroundings with a new lens. I also enjoyed POL1 311 (Supreme Court in American Politics), a challenging but rewarding course that imitates a Constitutional Law class in law school. I was able to prepare and present case facts and legal issues, and I always had to be ready to be called on!
YOUR PERSPECTIVES ON ACADEMICS: Each department has such a unique set of people and courses, and I feel lucky that I’ve been able to explore many of them. In the Political Science department, Prof. Candreva’s POL4 201 (Issues in Political Theory) class helped me discover a love for political theory, and I’ve been challenged to think about new topics because of Prof. Paarlberg’s POL3 321 (U.S. in World Politics). I’m struck by how insanely qualified my professors are, and how passionate the students are about their specific interests. I’ve also been able to take advantage of off-campus Poli Sci resources, interning with the Air Force JAG Corps last summer under the Wellesley in Washington program.
Studying French at Wellesley has been a fun ride, and I think that the fact that I had no plans to major in French before coming is a tribute to the strength of the program. I had a challenging but charming professor in my first semester (now my advisor and a friend), and I took three semesters with another professor, who I adore for her quirky and utterly French ways. The program is so much more interactive and pleasant than my boring, rules- and grammar-based language study in high school, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every class. Now, I’m writing a thesis entirely in French, which I never thought I would be able to do before I came to Wellesley. I also had the opportunity to spend last August in Paris performing research for my thesis, with funding from the French department.
I’ve shamelessly relied on my wonderful professors for life and career guidance, and they’ve consistently come through for me with letters of recommendation and offers to meet. The Center
for Work and Service is also very open and patient, and I’ve appreciated the advice I’ve received there on my resume and cover letters.
I definitely value Wellesley’s facilities as well; I feel that there is always a good space for the area I’m pursuing. I’ve done night observing at the Whitin Observatory in my astronomy class, taken a theatre class in Alumnae Hall, taken far too many photographs on walks around the lake, examined minerals in a lab in the Science Center, and hidden in a corner of the quiet library during finals period.
BEST THING ABOUT A WOMEN’S
COLLEGE: In retrospect, I can’t believe that I considered attending any co-ed college. After attending a girls’ high school, the transition to Wellesley was very natural, and I’ve never regretted my choice. I feel that the environment at a women’s college is open and nurturing; students are free to express themselves and explore different interests. At a place like Wellesley, this kind of self-discovery is coupled with demanding expectations and high motivation, which makes for a killer combination of talented and balanced women.
Attending a women’s college has also reshaped the world for me in many ways. I often forget that women are devalued in wider society, and I feel that Wellesley prepares us to fend off this ignorance instead of passively absorbing it.
DREAM
JOB: It is difficult to choose one dream job because I’m still changing as a person, and I don’t feel that a 25-year track is the way to experience life. I do know that I want to take a year off after graduation, to return to DC and work with an organization related to veterans advocacy or military law, then attend law school. After that, I might temporarily serve with the JAG Corps or practice public interest law. I don’t want to shut off the creative side of myself, however; I’ve always loved writing and film and I want to figure out a way to pursue those interests too.
FUN FACT: As a child, I
was obsessed with “The
Sound of Music,” and I still think
it’s
one of the most uplifting and gorgeous films ever made.
I rely on it as a confidence-booster, reminding me
that sometimes
good can triumph and, well, sometimes people can break
out into song
in the streets of Salzburg. Imagine the amount of stuttering
and blushing I did when I got to meet Julie Andrews
at the Wellesley Booksmith in my first year!
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