When I first set foot in Macalester College, I had big dreams—and by the time I walked across the stage in my vibrant cap and gown to accept my dual degree in Political Science and Chinese, those dreams had grown into much larger aspirations. The thrill of crossing cultural bridges, diving deep into human rights issues, and exploring the intricate dynamics of politics sealed my decision to continue on this journey. As I embarked on a new chapter at the University of Iowa, I learned that those dreams were not only achievable but even more fulfilling than I’d imagined.
Nurturing the Seed at Macalester
At Macalester, the seed of my passion for political science and culture was first planted. The diverse and vibrant community of scholars and students inspired me to take a broad approach to my studies. Learning about Chinese culture, language and politics allowed me to gain a more holistic perspective, not only on an academic level but on a personal level as well. By engaging with faculty who had first-hand experience in field research and policy making, my admiration for political science was fuelled.
Taking advantage of every opportunity presented, from internships to community projects, I absorbed invaluable and myriad insights, which imbued me with a unique perspective on reproductive rights. Macalester’s emphasis on global citizenship equipped me with the perfect launchpad for turning passion into action.
Taking the Leap to Iowa
The transition to Iowa for my PhD program was undoubtedly an immense leap—one filled with anticipated excitement and palpable uncertainty. Nevertheless, the environment at Iowa was nothing short of welcoming and stimulating, fostering growth at every corner.
My focus on reproductive rights came into sharper focus as I dove into legal frameworks, policy analysis and public opinion studies. Each discussion, argument, and debate opened my eyes to how reproductive rights spanned across layers of politics—local, national and international. It was here that my academic pursuits intertwined with a desire to influence policy-making with informed and socially conscious perspectives.
The Power of Interdisciplinary Synergy
In a world that’s so interconnected and reliant on cross-cultural understanding, my background, intelligence, and academic inquiries were not merely about politics or Chinese studies alone. It was the unprecedented blend of the two, topped with a healthy sprinkle of cultural exposure and a dash of personal interests like baking, sailing, and crafting, that formed my unique recipe for success.
This interdisciplinary synergy led me to think more creatively and problem-solve differently. Being adept in Chinese helped me understand the cultural nuances that often play a pivotal role in policy-making. On the other hand, embracing my creative hobbies as sources of joy and relaxation benefited my academic journey.
Molding a Dynamic Future
From curious freshman at Macalester to dedicated scholar at Iowa, this journey in political science has been a specially chartered voyage that’s taught me infinitely. Every late-night study session, every spirited classroom debate, every personal interaction has contributed to shaping me into the dynamic individual that stands today, ready to make an impact.
As I look forward to the exciting future that awaits, there’s an inherent realization that this journey has just begun. With a background like mine, there’s no single way to predict what the future holds, but one thing is certain: the ingredients for success are all in place, and I’m all set to bake my dreams into reality.
Indeed, all the way from Macalester to Iowa, there’s been a metamorphosis—a political science graduate’s journey that’s taken on a life of its own. It’s a testament to how a blend of passion, dedication, interdisciplinary synergy, and personal enrichment can catapult us towards our dreams like nothing else.