Sunday, April 8, 2012

An Inside Look Into NKU’s Political Science Department


 
I was excited to hear that the Political Science Department was conducting student blogs.  I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to brag about my major, professors, and my overall experience at NKU.  It was an easy decision for me to choose to attend NKU, but I never would have guessed how wonderful, rewarding, and worthwhile the experience would have been so far.

I am a junior and can’t believe that I am already getting ready for my senior year! I am very thankful for my experience up to now.  I have learned so much in an area that I am passionate about.  The classroom experience is unlike any other.  At NKU you are not just another number.  The professors know you by name, which adds beneficial aspects to the educational experience.

Not only am I receiving a higher education, but being a part of the Political Science Department has also led to an immense amount of opportunities that have come my way. Here I must give a shout out to my advisor, Dr. Reilly, for she has been a large factor in opening the window to many of these opportunities for me.  That is one beautiful aspect to the Political Science Department; the faculty and staff have a vested interest and really want to see the students in this department succeed.

Being a part of this Political Science Department has led to me becoming introduced to a number of different organizations.  I just filled out my paperwork to become a member of Xi Omega, the Political Science National Honor Society. I also am a member of the College Republicans, and have worked my way up to the position of Vice President.  This organization has been very rewarding for me, and I’ve had so much fun being a part of it. Through this organization, I have gotten to meet and work with some unique individuals. I was able to see what it is like to work with and volunteer with different campaigns.  Every fall, NKU holds the Alumni Lecture Series, and I had the privilege to escort one of this year’s guests, Dana Perino around campus.  She was the White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush, and it was such an honor to get to spend time with someone who worked in the White House and worked for a former President.  And, I must add, she was one of the nicest people ever!  Another great aspect of being a member of the College Republicans was traveling to Washington DC to attend the CPAC conference held in February.  This was a meaningful experience and I hope to attend again next year. I was able to hear some great speeches from prominent political figures, and also got to a lot of sightseeing of our nation’s capital. 

For a political science major and a political junkie, this is an exciting time with the presidential primaries and election coming up.  Being from the swing state of Ohio, I feel that this is a popular stomping ground for the majority of the candidates.  I try to go see whoever comes, and would tell anyone else to do the same.  College students are treated like gold at any political event, and I’ve been able to meet and get my picture with Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum. 

There’s about a month left of school and I am trying to finish this semester strong.  I am putting my all into my studies, and hope the hard work will pay off!  NKU and the Political Science Department have been wonderful to me, and I could not have asked for a better experience thus far!!!

By: Beth Hamad

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