Lindsay K.

Year: Junior
Major: Global and International Studies and
               Communication & Social Interaction
Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Troy, NY
 
Have you participated in any internships or overseas study programs?     
Yes. Both. This past summer, I served as an Intern to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. In this role, I assisted staff in a wide range of areas including press releases, scheduling, correspondence, and legislative policy. I communicated with constituents on a daily basis and assisted in casework. Lastly, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Senator and her team at events such as press conferences, campaign commercials, and barbeques. I also have participated in SUNY Oswego's Quarter Program, which allows you to study abroad for a week.  In May 2011, I studied in Istanbul, Turkey and in March 2012, I studied in Havana, Cuba. I look forward to spending a full semester abroad in the spring.
 
How has your internship or study abroad experience enhanced your education?
In regards to my internship, this experience allowed me to better understand how Congressional leadership manages agencies, and make decisions. More importantly, my internship made me realize that the education I'm receiving at SUNY Oswego has more than prepared me for what is in the real world. Studying abroad has deepened my knowledge of two very different cultures, economies and political structures and helped me gain greater knowledge regarding the issues facing each country. These trips broadened my views on the world and have allowed me to share my experiences and knowledge with my peers.
 
What activities are you involved with at Oswego?
I am the Peer Mentor to all Political Science and Global and International Studies Freshman. As a Peer Mentor, I assist first year students with college transition, help with academic registration, and act as a liaison between students and their advisor.  I am also a member of the Women's Club Soccer Team, and the Future Alumni Networking Club. I participate in Intramural broomball and volleyball. Lastly, I serve as the Open House Intern in the Admissions Office.
 
Why did you choose Oswego?
I find a new reason each day of why I'm so happy that I chose Oswego. The primary reason I chose Oswego was the immense opportunity it presents its students with. Credits transfer great, many of the classes that I took in high school satisfied many of my General Education requirements. Also, the study abroad program was a cut above the rest. Not only do they offer semester, summer, and yearlong programs, but they also offer one and two week programs which are available for underclassman. Being able to jump into study abroad early as a freshman was appealing to me and it was something not many schools offer. Lastly, there's a warm community feel here. Oswego does a great job of making you get to know others through orientation, and through the programs they put on. The teachers want to get to know you personally. You're a name not a number. This is all made apparent the second you step on campus and it makes students feel very comfortable.
 
Who is your favorite professor and why?
Lisa Glidden of the Political Science department. Throughout my first year, she served as my first year advisor and a professor. She has a great teaching style and is always incorporating what is going on in the world, to what we're currently learning. She's knowledgeable in so many areas; Women's studies, Global studies, and Environmental studies. She's always encouraging her students to do what interests them, letting us know that we'll eventually find our way. She has certainly served as a true inspiration.
 
Describe your departments atmosphere and how it has enhanced your ability to learn.
It's amazing how welcomed I was into the Global and International Studies/Political Science and Communication department after only one year. I'm familiar with many of the professors in the department, and I know just about every student with my same major. It's a very tight-knit community. This has made my experience very personal. I feel more than comfortable approaching either a professor or an older student for help. The professors in the department will push you to think critically and will help you write well. The programs have certainly challenged me and have helped me to grow both academically and personally. Coming from such a small high school, and moving into small but growing departments, was a very easy transition.
 
What is the best thing about SUNY Oswego?
The people and the atmosphere. The list of opportunities that Oswego offers is lengthy. Oswego provides a wide range of academic studies and a variety of extracurricular activities. All of this on top of the positive atmosphere of campus makes Oswego a really fun place to be.  Now that I'm here, I can't imagine myself anywhere else.