Welcome Back

Summer is over and official the beginning of another school year. I am always excited to come back on to campus and dive into new courses. As a Political Science and Organizational Leadership double major, I spend the majority of time on the fourth floor of Founders, a place I see as home away from home.  NKU has truly become home for me so walking back on campus, seeing all the familiar faces is warmly welcomed. The opportunities I have gotten within my last two years at NKU have been unexpected and this year has already brought so many more.

I am entering my senior year but never fear I still have two more wonderful years left at NKU. I have learned so much up until now and this year I am getting the chance to take the experience outside of the classroom. This semester, I will be heading to my first political science conference and am doing an independent research credit. These opportunities have come to me thanks to the amazing faculty within the Political Science Department. Professors know you beyond your name; they know what you want to do, what your career goals are, and what opportunities could benefit you.

The most beneficial part of the Political Science Department for me has to be my amazing advisor. Not only has she been a professor for six of my courses (I am tied for the record), but she has taken a distinct interest in my success. This summer, she took over an hour of her time to completely fix my life, well at least my class schedule for the semester. On any given day, she will ask me if I am interested in a new opportunity. This relationship has lead to me presenting during Celebration of Student Research, figuring out what my minors should really be, and so much more. With faculty that is invested in your life it is so much easier to be successful.

With this year being a major political year due to the Presidential Election, it is an exciting time to be a Political Science major. The courses keep you up to date and allow you the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding for the election process. As the semester has just begun, take time to prepare and start the year right. Keeping your eyes open to possibilities could lead to something greater than you ever imagined. 

- Katyln Farris

End of an Era…

NKU has been a true home for me. The people I met, accomplishments I’ve achieved, and memories I’ve made will not be forgotten anytime soon.  It really has been a fantastic ride.

Anyone in college should make the most of their resources. It really is about becoming ready for life, not solely education. The Political Science Department, in particular, does everything possible to help ensure just that. I have had a number of personal experiences with many folks in the department.  Professor Braden helped me countless times with internships and work experience. Dr. McKenzie helped me with an NCAA student athlete postgraduate scholarship. I had the pleasure of attending a Kids Voting NKY event with Dr. Reilly.  I cannot speak for other places or departments, but I can say with conviction that I have built personal relationships with multiple people in the NKU Political Science Department. This is a huge educational advantage.

As the semester comes to a close this time, graduation comes with it. I am nervous for the change, but prepared. It was the leadership and guidance of those who I have spent most time with who I attribute that to. While the classes were important, I will always remember the life lessons I learned. That is what gave me the extra edge as I end this chapter in my life. ~ Kevin Donnelly

Kevin Donnelly, Dr. Shamima Ahmed and Jeffery Weckbach as they are acknowledged for receiving University Awards.

Experiences and Opportunities

            “What can I expect to get from college?” For a lot of people, this is a legitimate question. Four years at an educational institution is a commitment and most people like to know what they are getting themselves into before they take the leap. Is there just one experience or pathway to take in your collegiate career? Absolutely not. That is what you should expect to gain from college – a unique experience that can be tailored to your passions and allows you to seize all kinds of opportunities.  And really, isn’t that what life is all about? Aren’t we living to figure out what ignites our fire and do everything we can to incorporate it into our lives through every occasion? At least, I think it is.

            With that said, one of the greatest experiences and opportunities that have come dashing through my e-mail while here at NKU was fulfilled just last week. I spent nearly four full days in the wonderful city of Chicago immersing myself in everything polisci. Now, I know it might sound like a huge nerd fest (and some people even refer to it as that) but it really was such an eye-opening experience. I use the phrase “eye-opening” because I’m pretty sure I spent most of the trip wide-eyed staring at all the glamorous academic celebrities … like United States Supreme Court Justice Breyer. Yes, I got to sit in a room full of the brightest and most prestigious college professors in political science and listen to a Supreme Court Justice crack jokes at all of them. It was definitely a highlight of the trip.

            Let’s back-track a bit to fill you in on how this amazing opportunity seemed to fall into my lap (or inbox) per se. Over a year ago, I wrote a research paper in my favorite class EVER with Dr. Reilly. It was the only time in my collegiate career that I ever really questioned my abilities as a student at NKU. The course pushed me to my limit in every way but I like to think that I got my money’s worth … and then some. When the course ended, the paper seemed to hang over me like a dark cloud all the way until last fall. I was not happy with the outcome of all my time and effort and it just felt like a missed opportunity.

           

            Thus, Dr. Reilly suggested that I start revising the paper; really looking into the literature regarding my topic and see if I could make anything from the nonsense I had produced the prior semester. There was an incentive – she offered to let me enter the paper into the Ohio Association of Economists and Political Scientists annual conference in Bowling Green, Ohio where I would get the chance to present my research on the connection between gender and environmental attitudes to a panel of political scientists. While not as glamorous as my recent stint in Chicago, the conference in Ohio allowed me to have a “trial-run” with my paper in front of political scientists who gave me valuable feedback and a 2^nd place award!

           

            I seized the feedback and poured it back into my paper, holding it next to me wherever I went (figuratively, of course). Then, as the fall semester began to close, there was an e-mail from Dr. Reilly with a polite suggestion to take the same paper and submit it to present at the Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference. While I was immediately excited about the opportunity (especially since the conference would be in Chicago!), I really wanted to weigh my options and finances before I committed for the long haul. I took my time considering the great opportunity that lie before me and found that there was available funding through the university and the department that could help make the trip a bit easier on my pocketbook. So, with 30 minutes to go before the deadline, I submitted my abstract (or summary) of my paper and research and hoped for the best!

            To my surprise, I was accepted the last day of classes during fall semester to present at the conference with a large poster explaining my paper and research.  I really am thankful to have ever been offered the opportunity from NKU and the professors within the Political Science Department. But, as I began to think about it, I realized how pivotal and wide-spread these opportunities are. There have been numerous, countless, similar opportunities thrust before me in the past four years, but not until I grabbed one did it really hit me how fortunate and great these opportunities can be for your collegiate career and for living and breathing.

           

            My four days in Chicago were filled with some of the best conversations of my life, both academic and personal. I presented my poster on Saturday morning and received even better feedback from professors, graduate students and fellow under-grads than I could have hoped for. I got to sit in on panels with Dr. Reilly where other academics discussed and presented their research and passions within the field. I met tons and tons of people thereby making my handshake that more effective. Overall, it was the greatest experience during my time at NKU – and the only way to top off a great four years.

           

            It sort of hit me on the plane ride home as my mind muddled over the past few days. I will miss NKU, my fellow students and the professors so much. It has become a place where I feel safe and free to express my ideas and dreams and that is really the best thing I could have gotten from college. When I take the stage in two weeks to receive my diploma, I will be thankful for every experience and every opportunity that was ever made available to me by the faculty at this university. College doesn’t have to be “just four years” of your life as long as you remember that it can provide some of life’s greatest moments and occasions … and you remember to seize them when you can!

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

Making Connections and Developing Interests

Having been a part of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice for three years now, I’ve come to realize the wide variety of opportunities for students with various backgrounds and an assortment of interests. My life as a political science major began first with an interest in a political science minor. My first academic interest and true love belonged to mathematics. So, why political science? Well, law school had crossed my mind a few times because I was interested in pursuing a graduate degree of some type and I enjoy a healthy knowledgeable debate; political science seemed like a good fit.

So, I started taking a few political science courses and this public policy internship flyer comes across my desk. This Future Leaders Internship Program allowed students the opportunity to work for a Kentucky state legislator for one session of the General Assembly. Long story short, I was accepted to participate and the internship defined my interest and new found love for public policy. Words can hardly describe this life changing experience.

After a few months of service as a legislative intern, I was left wanting more. I sought out advice from the program creator and coordinator (NKU Vice President Joe Wind and Katie Herschede). I was directed to other opportunities like the Congressional Leadership Program (though Kentucky Congressman Geoff Davis’s office) and the Kentucky Center for Mathematics (a statewide center funded by the General Assembly that provides professional development to mathematics teachers across the state).

As these experiences (and others) continued I worked to make connections between my interest in mathematics and public policy.  My dreams of law school faded, I declared political science as my second major, and my interest in educational research and policy developed. My courses in mathematics and statistics, the lessons and major projects from my political science courses, and my experiences with elected officials and a state wide center that works with educators finally started coming together. I made connections between my interests, academics, and experiences in ways I didn’t think imaginable. 

My biggest piece of advice for students considering or studying political science is to make connections between your courses and around your experiences. Ask questions and consider the relationships between academics and work. Make the most of your coursework and don’t limit your opportunities because you think it won’t “fit” with your intended goals or interests. The department has opportunities for students who have interests in everything from international studies, law, political theory, American politics, to organizational leadership, and so on. The connections you make between the courses, students, professors, and experiences you have will broaden your horizons, maybe even in ways you didn’t think possible.

by Jennifer Taylor

Double majoring, life lessons and studying abroad

Question posed: What do you hope to learn from your experiences in college? Had I been asked this question years ago, my answer probably would have been something to the effect of, “I hope to learn as much information about my desired field so that I can have a prosperous career.” Fast-forward to present day, and I can say that I have acquired this knowledge. Double-majoring in Political Science and International Studies with an area of concentration in Pre-Law has afforded me ability to take a diverse body of classes taught by highly motivated and passionate professors. I have taken a variety of courses, ranging from a course concerning the lives of women across various cultures, to a course about Constitutional law in the United States. I greatly enjoy this flexibility!

            My acquisition of knowledge, however, does not stop here. In addition to learning from textbooks, my studies in the political science department have taught me a lot about myself- important life lessons that are applicable in multiple facets, extending far beyond the classroom. These life lessons, in addition to the lessons taught by professors in the classroom, have prepped me for success in any of my future endeavors

Lesson 1: Life Happens. Perfection is not always possible-life happens to everyone. Rather than just letting life happen in silence, I learned that it is monumentally more beneficial to be up front with professors. My experiences with the faculty have been nothing but positive! Faculty members are not as distant as one may initially assume.

Lesson 2: There are always people that have a vested interest in seeing you succeed.  This is especially true about the political science department, in my experience. Through the faculty, I have been exposed to a variety of opportunities, ranging from conferences and study abroad opportunities, to internships. Currently, I am legislative intern in Frankfort, thanks to my advisor suggesting me.   

Lesson 3: Mistakes are a part of the learning process. As an intern in Frankfort, I have been given a plethora of duties that I have never had to perform, using a new system. Have I done everything correctly? No. But I have learned along the way how to better my skill. This has also been made possible thanks to the help of Mr. Joe Wind, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at NKU.

Lesson 4: Move outside of your comfort zone. During the Fall 2011 semester, I made the decision to study abroad in Romania, taking courses in the Faculty of Political Science and the Faculty of European Studies. Back home, the study abroad office in conjunction with the political science department, worked diligently so that I would receive credit for courses taken over there (special thanks to Dr. Weir for writing my letter of recommendation!).  It comes as no surprise how much you learn from living in a country that you know little about and cannot speak the language.  Despite these initial setbacks, I have gained an immense body of knowledge about the Romanian system of government. While there, I took their “Constitutional Law” course, as well as a course of “Philosophy and Foundations of European Thought”. This has given me a truly comparative outlook!

This is Jena waiting for a train in 

Romania

To sum things up, studying in this department has allowed me to gain an amazing connection with the faculty, which has extended far beyond the classroom. I wouldn’t trade these experiences for the world!

Research, Conferences and Graduate School

Alicia at the Celebration of Student Research 2011

             I entered Northern Kentucky University as a declared Spanish major. I was satisfied with my decision, yet I found myself searching for something else to complement this degree.  I had taken a Political Science course in high school, but my interest in this area of study was reawakened after taking an International Politics course with Dr. Weir my freshman year.  Eventually, I decided to declare a second major in Political Science to gain the experience and abilities I thought would be most beneficial to my future career goals.
        The most rewarding part about being a Political Science major has been the ability to study the topics I am most interested in, while being introduced to new, fascinating ideas and issues.  The diverse course selection has been fantastic in allowing me to study a variety of subjects.  I have been able to focus my studies on Latin American politics, while obtaining knowledge in a variety of fields.
        In my experience, I have found that it is easy to find something that you truly enjoy in most of the courses offered by the department. When taking International Law, for example, I became very interested in the global implications of the Internet.  In researching this topic for a final paper, I found myself geeking out about international cybercrime syndicates and the intricate relations between countries due to social and economic uses of the Internet.  Having classes that are enjoyable, as well as educational, has been a great advantage in helping me accomplish my goals as an undergrad.
        One of the most beneficial aspects of the program has been the opportunity to develop my research skills. By taking two independent study courses with Dr. Reilly to conduct research, I have gained applicable skills and knowledge in research techniques.  The courses were directly related to my personal interests, which made the experience all the more rewarding.  Independent study courses in the Political Science department have allowed me to create a unique undergraduate education that is already proving to be beneficial.
        Last October, I was able to present my research paper from my independent study course at the Ohio Association of Economists and Political Scientists’ annual conference.  This experience outside of the classroom showed me how my major has truly helped improve my academic skills.  The opportunity to travel and present my own work to professors from different universities was exciting!  I also happened to win first prize for undergraduate Political Science work, which made the experience much more gratifying.
        As I am preparing to graduate in May, I am already seeing the benefits of the education I have received as a Political Science major at NKU.  I have been greatly aided in my accomplishments by the outstanding instruction and encouragement by my professors.  I am ecstatic to say that, as a result, I have recently been accepted by the Political Science Master’s Program at my top-choice university