It's
senior year: I have to remind myself of this everyday, and everyday it
feels more unreal. I refuse to believe that I am entering my last year
of my undergraduate degree. I refuse to believe that it has been three
years already since I first set foot on
this campus. I refuse to believe that in just seven months, I will be
walking across the stage at the Bank of Kentucky Center, receiving my
Bachelor's of Arts degree in Political Science and International
Studies.
I know what you're thinking: I am in denial. I wouldn't necessarily say
you're wrong about this. I very well may be in denial. But there are
some aspects that I cannot deny.
I can't deny that NKU, and more specifically the Political Science
Department, is my second home. I have built a strong rapport not only
with my fellow students, by with the faculty and staff of the
Department. I've essentially lived on the 4th floor of Founder's
Hall for the past three years. It is on the fourth floor that the magic
happens, the treasure trove which hosts the faculty offices. It is on
the fourth floor that I get to enjoy 8am coffee meetings with one of my
favorite professors. It is on the fourth floor
that I ask questions when I am confused, not only about material is
class, but about life in general. The faculty members are always warm
and inviting, and truly want you to succeed.
This leads to my second declaration: I cannot deny that the Political
Science department has provided me with unique opportunities. Just this
past weekend, I traveled to Ada, Ohio with a couple of other students
and a faculty member to the Ohio Association
of Economists and Political Scientists 72nd Annual Conference, where I
participated in the Undergraduate paper competition. If my professor
hadn't brought this conference to my attention, I would not have known
about it. Amazingly, and somewhat surprising to
me, I won 2nd place, which I am very excited about! This year, I am
working on a research project in the department about homelessness and
civic engagement, which I will then present at a conference in the
Spring. It's been such an interesting process...
My final declaration: I cannot deny that I will miss being an active
part of this community. It is here that I have discovered my passions
for civic engagement, politics, and culture, passions that I hope to
transform into a viable career. It's difficult to
say where I may end up, but I am sure that no matter what path I choose
to take, whether that be law school or international service, the
faculty of the Political Science Department will be cheering me on and
steering my success.
