Find Your And by KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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MAJORSMARKETPLACE.KU.EDU

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR?

ON THE BOUL E VA R D move to Washington, D.C., after graduation to (hopefully) work as a research assistant at a public policy think-tank.”

Chelsea Whiteside, senior majoring in applied behavioral science and minoring in sociology “I chose to major in applied behavioral science because I absolutely love children and working with them was, of course, exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I actually started out pre-nursing and one of the requirements for that is to take a child development course within the ABS department and fell in love with the courses and then just switched over.”

Caithe Alexander, sophomore majoring in human sexuality and minoring in sociology and visual art “I chose human sexuality because I love the LGBT+ community and I want to work with the community in one way or another for a career. The plan right now is to go into higher education and work on college campuses to make them a safe and supportive environment for students to be themselves and find out who they are.” Paige Hansen, sophomore double majoring in biology and English “When I came to KU, I had a hard time deciding between a science degree and a more creative 2

LETTER FROM THE DEAN

degree. I started as strictly a biology major, but added English when I found that I really missed having a creative component to school. After graduation I plan to go into science writing/journalism. Think National Geographic or The New Yorker.”

Moriah Gerber, freshman double majoring in Spanish and business administration “I chose my double major because I have a love for both Spanish and business administration. I want to plan destination weddings in countries like Spain and Brazil, so this double major pair is perfect for me. Ever since I was in eighth grade I wanted to be a wedding planner.”

Cody Christensen, junior double majoring in economics and political science and minoring in math “I knew I wanted to study political science after I became enthralled by the 2008 Obama/McCain election. Economics nicely couples with political science by combining qualitative reasoning skills with quantitative analytics. I plan to

Victoria Kilkenny, sophomore double majoring in theatre performance and journalism and minoring in Spanish “The theatre degree is to help me pursue my dreams on stage but the journalism, strategic communications degree opens doors off stage, but still in the theatrical world.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KU MEMORY?

Hunter Harding, junior majoring in film and media studies and minoring in journalism “The day the feature film I worked on for 13 months with many other KU film students premiered at Liberty Hall in Lawrence has got to take the cake.” Lauren Davidson, sophomore double majoring in Spanish and journalism and minoring in business “This summer during my internship when I was interviewing Broncos’ Chris Harris and Aqib Talib and they

both told me how much they loved coming to KU and wanted to make sure I was having a great experience here too because ‘WE’ are Jayhawks.”

Kassandra Knoff, senior majoring in English and minoring in Korean language “My favorite KU memory is going to the talk given by Margaret Atwood at the Union last year. I was one of the first people in line, maybe seventh or eighth, and we were allowed to ask her to sign whatever we wanted on something. I had her sign my copy of ‘The Blind Assassin,’ with ‘Kassandra- Kick all kinds of ass!’ And she did it!”

Will Parmelee, senior majoring in psychology and minoring in journalism “I’ve had so much fun here at KU I don’t know that I could ever pick just one as my favorite. The most notable would probably be seeing President Obama speak on campus. It was a wonderful opportunity, and to hear him speak about how important education and childcare are reinforced my decision to work with children.”

How in the world do you pick a major, especially with so many choices? You want to study what you love – and have a secure financial future. I get it, I was there. When I started to college, I was totally lost. I was a firstgeneration college student. My parents were incredibly supportive of my education, but the college experience was just as new for them as it was for me. I knew all along that two things I loved were psychology and philosophy. Those interests prompted a lot of questions from my parents about the value of a liberal arts education. I wasn’t sure at that time how to explain that skills I was learning – like critical thinking, problem solving and communication – would be valuable in my everyday life as well as in a number of future careers. What I wish I knew then is that liberal arts and sciences majors are quite successful in the workplace. You might be surprised to know that the college salary report from PayScale shows that mid-career philosophy majors earn just as much if not more than mid-career accounting majors. And dozens of reports show that skills employers value most are the core skills of a liberal arts and sciences education. And the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has the most degree offerings on campus, so clicking around on our website, majorsmarketplace.ku.edu, is a great first step. As a student you’ll be pushed outside your comfort zone, discover new passions and learn from others. Now is the time to set yourself on a path that you’ll look back on with fond memories of life-changing experiences at KU.

Carl Lejuez, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences MAJORSMARKETPLACE.KU.EDU

DEGREE COMBO SETS COURSE FOR GLOBAL CAREER Wanderlust is real. Travel-related personal goals or “bucket list” items are common; some people want to visit all the U.S. states, or all the continents or all the oceans. Libby Friesen wants to do it all. On her bucket list is the desire to visit every continent, country, state, ocean, sea and bay in the world. “I calculated it and if I visit four to five new places every year I will accomplish this... it’s within grasp, I just know it!” Friesen said. Friesen, a senior majoring in global & international studies and minoring in Chinese language, was previously a flight attendant. She remembers frustrating times when no one on board was able to communicate with travelers. “I just want to be a well-informed world citizen so I can bridge gaps and continue to appreciate other cultures throughout the world,” she said. “Hopefully my experiences and studies will pay off and I can obtain a career working and traveling abroad.” Friesen chose her major and minor to achieve that goal. Chinese in particular appealed to her because of its relevance in U.S. political and business interests. But she’s also taken a semester of Arabic and a year of Russian. Friesen decided to study languages that are traditionally harder for English speakers to learn such as those with different alphabets. Originally, Friesen wanted to work as an interpreter after graduation, but has realized her passion lies in working in a global market. MAJORSMARKETPLACE.KU.EDU

“I want to be able to move all over the world as opposed to one region, which is why my regional specialty of my major is Latin America,” she said. Extending her love for global affairs beyond the classroom, Friesen also participates in KU’s Model United Nations. She has attended the national conference and won awards for her work representing Russia one year and Morocco the next. With all these academic and personal demands on her time, Friesen has learned to navigate her busy schedule. “It can be really hard finding a balance in my life. I work two jobs, am taking 15 hours, and have to find time for my husband and for myself. I have learned over the years that the best way to balance everything is to have confidence in yourself, and to take one thing at a time. It sounds cliché, but it makes all the difference in the world,” Friesen said. When life gets stressful, Friesen takes advice from a popular saying in China. “There’s this Chinese phrase I live by. It’s ‘加油!’ which is pronounced jee-ya yo and it means ‘Add more oil!’ It’s a phrase that is constantly used in China. If you are pulling an all-nighter, your friend will tell you this, or if you go to a soccer match, you’ll hear the crowd yelling this instead of defense or offense. It just means, ‘keep at it – you can do it.’”

WHAT’RE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THAT? A liberal arts and sciences degree doesn’t define your job title. While engineering majors usually become engineers and education majors typically become educators, our graduates are prepared to explore careers in a variety of industries. • Business, Economy & Data • Children, Family & Human Services • Creative & Performing Arts • Global Cultures & Languages • Government, Law & Politics • Health & Wellness • Media & Communications • Science, Energy & Technology • Social Justice & Community Outreach • Sustainability, Nature & Conservation CLAS Majors & Minors The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has more than 100 major and minor offerings that are perfect for mixing and matching.

• History* • History of art* • Human biology • Humanities* • Human sexuality* • Indigenous Studies+ • Italian+ • Jewish studies* • Latin American studies* • Latino/a studies+ • Leadership studies+ • Liberal arts & sciences • Linguistics* • Literature, language & writing (EC) • Mathematics* • Microbiology • Middle East studies+ • Molecular biosciences (EC) • Peace & conflict studies+ • Philosophy* • Physics* • Political science • Psychology* (Lawrence & EC)

• African & African-American studies* • American studies* • Anthropology* • Applied behavioral science* • Astrobiology+ • Astronomy* • Atmospheric science* • Behavioral neuroscience • Biochemistry • Biology • Biotechnology (EC) • Brazilian studies+ • Chemistry* • Classical antiquity • Classical languages • Classics+ • Communication studies* • Dance* • East Asian languages & cultures* • Economics* • English* • Environmental studies* • European studies co-major* STEP 1 • Film & Media studies* Tweet your major(s) • French* and minor in emojis. • Geography* Get creative! • Geology* • German studies* • Global & international studies*

• Public administration* (EC) • Public policy in the United States+ • Religious studies* • Russian, East European & Eurasian studies* • Slavic languages & literatures* • Social & behavioral sciences methodology+ • Sociology* • Spanish* • Speech-language-hearing* • Theatre* • Theatre design • Visual art* • Visual art education • Women’s studies* KEY: Majors: Regular type * Major and Minor + Minor only (EC): Taught at Edwards Campus. A co-major must accompany a major.

#EmojiMajor TWITTER CONTEST

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ASK AN ADVISOR College students get lots of cliché advice, such as “go to class,” “take advantage of office hours” and “meet with your advisor.” These sentiments are shared so often because they work. Advisors are there to provide professional, unbiased advice and help students be successful, plus they’re pretty cool people. Amy Schmidt (English, History, and Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies)

“I became an advisor because…” Honestly, I really just LOVE working with college students. My best advice for college students: This is going to sound cliché coming from an advisor, but meet with your advisor (or any type of mentor) more than just once a semester for enrollment! I am still in touch with my undergrad advisor today. She wrote one of the reference letters that got me this job.

Josh Deboer (History of Art, Philosophy, Religious Studies and UKAN Teach)

My best advice for college students: First, capitalize on as many opportunities as you are able to; exploring new fields of study, studying abroad, getting involved in a club, doing research or going to an SUA event – they are all great. Second, a Crunchy Chicken Cheddar Wrap with chipotle ranch is a game changer. My super power would be: I am always really torn by this question, as I struggle between super strength and flight. Could I just have them both, and have the Iron Man armor? It would be really helpful when I have to move heavy objects, and it would offer great savings on airline tickets. Anna van Haandel (Applied

Behavioral Sciences, Sociology, and Speech-Language-Hearing)

Lisa Hamblen (Environmental Studies,

5 TIPS TO BALANCING A DOUBLE MAJOR OR MINOR It might be easier than you think to add another major or minor. You can still graduate on time and, bonus, your diverse studies can help you stand out in the job market. Here are some tips from current students on how to balance multiple majors and minors: Don’t be afraid to explore. “I spent a lot of time exploring different courses and majors, and I’m still going to graduate in a reasonable amount of time. It’s probably not advisable to change as often as I did, but there is a lot of wiggle room for those who are a little more indecisive than most.” – Kassandra Knoff, senior majoring in English and minoring in Korean language

Have a plan. “Tell your advisors what you are interested in and figure out a plan to achieve different goals. It is really easy to balance multiple majors if you start early and have a solid plan.” – Liam Murphy, junior double majoring in communication studies and political science

Meet with your advisors early. “I meet with my advisors at least a month before I enroll so that I have enough time to meet with both advisors for my majors and adjust my schedule.” – Lauren Davidson, sophomore double majoring in Spanish and journalism and minoring in business

ANTHROPOLOGY MAJOR LEADS TO GLOBAL CAREER

Geology, Geography and Atmospheric Science, UKAN Teach)

“My favorite KU memory is…” The first time I met Baby Jay!

“I became an advisor because…” As a former student, I know universities can be big confusing places. I wanted to be someone students could come to, to help find their way through their college journey.

My best advice for college students: Meet with your faculty! They want to help and meet you.

What’s at the top of your bucket list? I would love to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

My soapbox: I enjoy Olympic weightlifting and practicing yoga –they complement each other well. I need coffee in the morning, and love spending time with family and friends.

Not sure who your advisor is? Find your academic advisor by logging in through your myKU portal.

If you’ve struggled with deciding on a major, you’re not alone – you’re actually in the majority. About 80 percent of college-bound students don’t settle on a major before coming to campus, according to MyMajors.com. With so many options, many of which cover subjects that aren’t taught in high schools, it’s no surprise that most students take some time before committing to a major. “It was easy to choose my French minor because I’d been studying French since I was a freshman in high school, but choosing my major was difficult,” said Justin Evans,

junior majoring in anthropology and minoring in French. During his first few semesters at KU, Evans said, he enrolled in a number of courses that deal with the study of humans, such as sociology and linguistics. These courses prompted his passion for exploring questions about the “why” behind human history. He took an introductory class in anthropology and knew he’d found his major. “I had my mind blown away almost every class,” Evans said. “I chose to study anthropology to understand all the different social, economic,

Ask questions. “Whenever I have a question I talk to one of my advisors. They have great insight and their doors are always open. They helped a lot and I feel very confident that I can obtain both degrees, not be super stressed by my course load and graduate on time.” – Emma Easom, freshman double majoring in philosophy and Spanish

Take advantage of the KU Core. “KU makes it easy for students to double major within CLAS. With the (relatively) new KU Core, there are less general education requirements and some classes count for multiple requirements between the two majors. With the KU Core and the AP credits I brought in from high school, I’ve never found myself too overwhelmed by classes.” – Cody Christensen, junior double majoring in economics and political science and minoring in math

and political systems humans live by and how those systems construct culture.” Some of the best advice Evans said he’s ever received came from his professor in that introduction to anthropology class. His professor helped develop students’ critical thinking skills by advising them to challenge everything they’re taught. These types of nontechnical “life” skills are one of the reasons Evans said he considered a liberal arts education. “A liberal arts and sciences degree shows that you have an understanding of the world, and the people living in it. It also teaches you to have a holistic approach to situations and carry an individualistic mindset,” Evans said. After graduation, Evans said, he plans to join the Peace Corps to gain international experience and make a difference in social problems like healthcare and education systems. Long-term, Evans hopes to conduct his own ethnographic research and publish his findings. MAJORSMARKETPLACE.KU.EDU

Margoth Mackey in Monte Carlo, Monaco, during her summer studying abroad. Contributed photo.

FILM, FINANCE MAJORS MAKE PERFECT CO-STARS

“I hope to work as a film financial analyst for production companies and even produce. I would like to still have the ability to make films that I feel passionate about but I also want to continue working with business,” Mackey said. “I hope that my combined skills will help me find that perfect job one day.” Meeting with her advisors and planning ahead are a few ways Mackey is able to stay on top of her coursework and meet the requirements for both degrees.

While she admits it hasn’t always been easy to balance her schedule, Mackey said she knows the effort will pay off in the long run. The opportunity to study a wide variety of subjects and develop a broad knowledge base are just a few benefits Mackey said come from her liberal arts and sciences background.

opportunity to see different sides of KU and its students as well, which is awesome! I have met way more people than I would have if I had only chosen one degree,” Mackey said. “I strongly encourage any student who wants a wider education and who wants to diversify their skills to really consider double majoring.”

“The harmony that I receive while studying both majors is something I really love about double majoring. I have the

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences MAJOR ROADMAP Degrees offered: B.A., B.G.S., B.S., Minor

Four years fly by – be sure to make theofmost ofArts them! The Major Roadmap a handy help you plan ahead College Liberal & Sciences | A major roadmap isiscoming soonguide for eachtodepartment! | clasdean@ku.edu | clas.ku.edu so you can squeeze in all the experiences you want while graduating on time. We’ve all had “a-ha” moments. For Margoth Mackey, a junior double majoring in film & media studies and finance, that moment of clarity came amid dwarves clashing swords with orcs and a struggle for power. “I discovered the magic of filmmaking one day when I watched a documentary on how the ‘Lord of the Rings’ was made and I was hooked. I decided from then on I wanted to be a director,” Mackey said. “I loved the idea of telling a story in a way that people could experience, almost like putting my imagination on screen.”

take advantage of the broad variety of degree options at KU. “I decided that I should also try my hand at business since it is an area that some artists struggle with and I thought it would help diversify my skills. I originally looked at the business minor but it did not cover all the areas that I wanted so I decided to go ahead with a finance double major,” Mackey said. “My parents really support my decision and I actually think it’s really smart since it shows my two areas of interest.”

“THE HARMONY THAT I RECEIVE WHILE STUDYING BOTH MAJORS IS SOMETHING I REALLY LOVE ABOUT DOUBLE MAJORING. I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE DIFFERENT SIDES OF KU AND ITS STUDENTS AS WELL, WHICH IS AWESOME!” Initially, Mackey considered chasing her silver screen dreams at a technical film school in Chicago. As the daughter of two Jayhawk grads, however, Mackey decided at the end of her high school career that she wanted to experience all that comes with a KU education and its film & media studies degree. Once on campus, she decided to MAJORSMARKETPLACE.KU.EDU

After graduation, Mackey plans to put her dual degrees to good use. In the beginning of her academic career, Mackey said, she wanted to focus mainly on the production process of making films but discovered through her courses she was also passionate about business.

KU Core Goals 1 and 2 help you strengthen your skills in written and oral communication, quantitative literacy, and critical thinking.

Take a small class your first semester: UNIV 101 or a First-Year Seminar are good options. First-Year Seminars help you meet KU Core Goal 1.

Meet with your academic advisor every semester.

Declare your major by the end of sophomore year!

Work closely with your advisor to develop a coherent course of study that reflects your own intellectual interests.

Your department may have a capstone course for seniors that meets KU Core Goal 6.

You can earn certificates in Global Awareness, Service Learning, Research Experience, and other areas. certifications.ku.edu

Goal 3 of the KU Core allows you to develop a background of knowledge across fundamental areas of study.

Complement your studies with an internship. Visit the University Career Center to learn more. career.ku.edu

This is a good year to meet KU Core Goals 4 and 5—check out study abroad and service learning opportunities.

Consider applying to graduate school or pursuing a Fulbright Scholarship for a year abroad after graduation.

Many students double major or pursue a minor.

Did you know the University Career Center has a closet full of interview clothes? career.ku.edu

Go to a Study Abroad Fair and make plans to explore another part of the world! studyabroad.ku.edu

Get your paper off the ground with help from the KU Writing Center! writing.ku.edu

We live in a global society; study a language!

It’s always a good idea to go to faculty office hours.

Get involved in research through the Center for Undergraduate Research. ugresearch.ku.edu

Departmental honors may be available in your department; you can complete an honors thesis or project.

Majors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences prepare you for a range of great careers.

Potential career paths and job titles.

5 Generated on 2015-02-27 15:41:06

PATRICK MATHAY: ALUMNUS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SOUTH AMERICAN NON-PROFIT Just after collecting his diploma, Patrick Mathay embarked on a bike trip that would steer him toward his future career. It started in Oregon and ended 78 days and 4,000 miles later in Guatemala. “It was an incredible adventure full of tropical storms, benevolent strangers, many flat tires, and one epic battle with rattlesnakes,” Mathay said. Mathay embarked on the journey to raise money for the Range of Motion Project (ROMP), an organization he became involved with as a KU undergraduate. His first summer as an intern was in 2009. He spent weeks bumping down the back roads of rural Guatemala and helping the organization deliver high-quality prostheses to patients regardless of income. The experience would stick with him, igniting his passion for a career he never expected. While attending KU, Mathay said, he initially had trouble deciding on a major because he was curious about everything. He started with at least five different major tracks and eventually settled on three majors: Spanish, history and European studies with a business minor. Mathay reached out to the Range of Motion Project because he was looking to gain international experience and put his studies in Spanish to good use. As a volunteer, Mathay visited patients in their homes to evaluate previously

delivered prostheses, making sure they worked and helped improve quality of life. “Looking back, this experience completely altered my worldview, and continues to define my work today,” Mathay said. As an undergraduate, the work Mathay did with ROMP was a big part of his life, but he had never considered the possibility of turning that passion into his career. Initially, he had plans to be a lawyer. He interned with the State Senate in Topeka, worked on a congressional campaign and got accepted to law school in Boston. At the last moment, Mathay decided not to attend law school and started working for the charitable arm of TripAdvisor.com, structuring grants and developing partnerships with non-profits. Even while working full-time, ROMP was always on his mind. He used his nights, weekends and vacation time to volunteer with the organization. He helped write grants for the project and would travel to Guatemala to implement programs and run medical trips. After a few years in Boston working for TripAdvisor, Mathay first began to consider a full-time position with ROMP. In 2013, the Boston Marathon bombing marked a turning point for Mathay’s involvement with the group. He ran the Boston Marathon and witnessed the aftermath of the

bombing at the finish line, where many people suffered traumatic injuries to their limbs and would require amputation. “That was when I finally decided to pull the trigger. Six weeks later I quit my job, sold my stuff, and moved to Quito. And here we are,” Mathay said.

Now serving as the organization’s executive director, Mathay has been involved with most aspects of the project including operations, device fabrication, development, clinic management and executive strategy. According to Mathay, 80 percent of amputees live in low-income countries and less than three percent of that population has access to prosthetic technology. Inspired by revolutionary technologies and an ever-expanding network of information, Mathay aims to further the reach of these advancements, especially when it comes to the area of prostheses. “Transformative, impactful technology already exists; we just need to apply it better,” Mathay said.

Patrick Mathay during a 4,000-mile bicycle fundraiser for the Range of Motion Project. BELOW: Mathay fist bumps Giovanni, a prosthesis patient in the ROMP clinic in Zacapa, Guatemala. Credit – Contributed photos

THE TRUE MEANING OF A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION If you’ve brushed up on ancient origins of education, the meaning behind liberal arts and sciences as a discipline may be obvious to you. For most, however, the definition has become a bit unclear in the 1,600 years since the concept of liberal arts and sciences education was first introduced. Today, we typically associate the word “arts” with fine arts such as theater, dance, film and visual art. However, “arts” comes from the Latin root “ars” meaning “skill.” And “liberal” is not the opposite of “conservative,” but rather derived from the Latin word “liberalis” meaning freedom. Liberal arts and sciences students carry on an ancient tradition that’s still relevant in modern times, designed to educate citizens in the skills and broad knowledge necessary to become contributing members of society. So what does that mean for the students who study liberal arts? “A liberal arts degree from KU recognizes that you are creative, studious and ready to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.” – Cody Christensen, junior double majoring in political science and economics and minoring in math

“A liberal arts and sciences degree provides the opportunity to learn skills that can contribute to all aspects of a successful adult life.” – Grace Martin, senior double majoring in dance and history

“There are so many liberal arts and sciences degree options! You can go into just about any career field with success. There truly is something for everyone.”

“The critical thinking and rhetoric skills you learn in a liberal arts major or minor can help with any other degree; professional or otherwise.” – Omar Rana, senior majoring in history and minoring in public policy and business

“Students with liberal arts and sciences degrees are able to come to really interesting conclusions and ideas from their various foundational classes and then apply them to everyday life. Everything I have learned has been so applicable to all of my other classes as well as connections outside of the classroom.” – Emma Easom, freshman double majoring in philosophy and Spanish

“Liberal arts and sciences can help students become more creative in their field of study.” – Ricky Smith, junior majoring in film & media studies and minoring in creative writing

“Meteorology is my first passion, but I also have an interest in journalism and want to learn more about it, so I picked up the minor. Having a minor may also help you when you’re looking for a job after you graduate. You’re more wellrounded and have knowledge in more than one area.” – Alden German, junior majoring in atmospheric science and minoring in journalism

– Paige Hansen, sophomore double majoring in biology and English

MAJORSMARKETPLACE.KU.EDU

FROM THE KAZAKHSTAN PRESS DESK: A SUMMER INTERNSHIP ABROAD

‘TWIN’ MAJORS FUEL ENGINEERING CAREER After applying to a number of universities across the United States, Nazirah Mohd decided to attend KU for the great research programs, friendly atmosphere and the iconic Jayhawk mascot. Mohd, currently a sophomore, spent her freshman year at an international college in her home country of Malaysia before coming to KU as a petroleum engineering major and geology minor. “The reason I chose petroleum engineering as my major and geology as my minor is because they’re like a twin,” Mohd said. “Having a minor in geology will really help me to distinguish myself from other candidates.” The range of subjects and balance between engineering and liberal arts courses has contributed to her success, Mohd said. When she was growing up, Mohd had a passion for geology and a love of art. In high school, she created sketches for an interior design portfolio and produced canvas paintings of landscapes and natural scenery. While she doesn’t have much time for artwork during the semester, Mohd said, the variety of her course schedule helps her look at problems in new ways. “Having a major in engineering and a minor in liberal arts really help me to balance my brain and the way I think,” she said. “I cannot do mathematics questions every day. My brain needs variations of subjects.” MAJORSMARKETPLACE.KU.EDU

Although Mohd has been studying elements of geology in other classes, she began taking specific geology courses this year. “I’ve been exposing myself to the geology world since two years ago, so I think it is really fun to be able to officially learn about the science of Earth in class,” she said. Coming to KU has also helped Mohd develop her confidence and leadership skills. Attending college in the United States was a different experience from her previous college. “KU has taught me a lot about leadership skills and has boosted my confidence to a higher level,” Mohd said. “My favorite KU memory is being one of the proud Jayhawks that tells other people about how KU had changed my life and helping the new international students as an International Leadership Team member.” Attending a university thousands of miles from home and majoring in a field where women are traditionally the minority was initially daunting, Mohd said. However, she is now grateful for her experience and the skills she’s learned from living independently. Plus, Mohd said the biggest perk of attending college abroad is that feeling of winning her playful sibling rivalry. Because her parents miss her, when she goes home she tends to get more attention than her other siblings.

Garrett Farlow spent his summer halfway around the world in Kazakhstan working to help journalists break away from government censorship and playing sports with the National Special Olympics team. Casual. We asked Garrett to tell us all about this incredible experience and how he overcame the intimidation factor of interning overseas. Hometown: Tecumseh, KS Majors: Slavic languages & literatures, political science and journalism Internship title and company: Communications Intern at The Kazakhstan Press Club & PG Communications What were your responsibilities? I developed and created a multilingual website for the Soros Foundation to recruit journalists to become freelancers and break away from government censorship. I also collaborated with the Kcell account, Kazakhstan’s largest

Garrett Farlow spent his summer hiking, traveling and working as an intern in Kazakhstan. BELOW: Farlow works at the press desk during his internship abroad with the Kazakhstan Press Club. Credit – Contributed photos

cellular provider and photographed press conferences for various clients, including the United Nations Human Rights Council. What was your favorite part of the internship? I had the chance to visit a private British Academy that was hosting a camp for the National Special Olympics team. I had a great time documenting the event and playing sports with the kids. What advice would you give students who are considering an internship? Having an internship is the best thing you can do to complement your education. You gain a lot from putting the skills you learn in the classroom directly into projects in the industry. An even better way to stand out is to intern overseas! What did you gain from the experience that will be valuable to you in the future? I learned to take every opportunity that was presented to me, even if I didn’t want to. Living in a new culture and a language that isn’t your own is very intimidating but my fondest memories are where I pushed

myself to try something new and different. You have to be adaptable in today’s world and an international internship gave me the opportunities to get out in the real world. How did your major and your time at KU prepare you for this internship? My studies prepared me to take on projects the first day and work independently throughout my time incountry. I was able to effectively communicate in Russian and English with our clients. What do you want to do after graduation? I hope to commission as an active duty officer in the U.S. Army. After my service in the military, I wish to expand press freedoms in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with the U.S. Department of State. How did you find out about this internship? I learned of the internship through Becky Stakun, program coordinator, during a class visit to my Russian class.

From the cover

Students featured on the front and back cover: Omar Rana, senior majoring in history and double minoring in public policy and business; Chelsea Whiteside, senior majoring in applied behavioral science and minoring in sociology; Emma Easom, freshman double majoring in philosophy and Spanish; Hunter Harding, junior majoring in film & media studies and minoring in journalism; Maddi Schaefer, freshman majoring in marketing and minoring in psychology; Alden German, junior majoring in atmospheric science and minoring in journalism; Kassandra Knoff, senior majoring in English and minoring in Korean language; Will Parmelee, senior majoring in psychology and minoring in journalism; Paige Hansen, sophomore double majoring in biology and English. Special thanks to KU Marketing Communications for these photos and a number of others used throughout this publication. 7

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