Mariah

Major:

Political Science

Hometown:

Vancouver, Washington

Class standing/years in college:

Senior; 2 years at Clark College, 2 years at UAF

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love being outdoors so hiking with my dog Isabella tops the list, but I also really enjoy cross-country skiing, rock climbing, swimming, and playing tennis.  And after four years of college getting to read a book of my own choosing or watch a little TV is pretty sweet too!  The cold Alaskan winters have also made me love cooking.

Why did you choose to attend UAF?

I wanted to go somewhere "different" for my undergraduate work and the allure of Alaskan adventure was just too much to say no to.  Also, UAF has great faculty with super small class sizes that you can't get anywhere else without paying over five times UAF's tuition.  Finally, I was really impressed with the opportunities in the political science department for me to focus on environmental policy.

What do you like best about UAF?

Opportunities abound! From hundreds of student organizations to undergrad research to dog mushing, UAF is full of awesome opportunities.

What extracurricular activities are you a part of?

Leadership Program, UAF's Model United Nations Alliance, Pi Sigma Alpha, Golden Key Honour Society, Orientation Program, Outdoor Adventures, and Women's Center

What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective student interested in political science at UAF?

Get to know the faculty and get involved with some of the student organizations based out of the department like Model UN.  A lot of political science is about learning to be a leader--faculty and student organizations can help direct you towards leadership opportunities and chances to put your classroom knowledge to work in real life. 

What "field work" have you done at UAF that will help you find work in your major?

Most of my "field work" hasn't been at UAF, but it has all been thanks to UAF.  I have been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to travel to the 2007 LeaderShape Conference in Allerton, Illionois, and to the 2008 Henry Clay Center for Statemanship Student Congress in Lexington, Kentucky.  Also, I have traveled throughout the west coast for Model United Nations.  And finally, I was able to get an internship in environmental health over the summer.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I hope to go to Bard College for a Master's degree in International Environmental Policy, which would include a two-year Peace Corp tour as part of my degree requirements.  Someday, I want to work for the UN or an NGO that focuses on sustainable development through agroecology and gender equality in the developing world.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself?

Back home, my family has been breeding some of the best dairy goats in the nation for three generations, and I am a four time National Dairy Goat Showmanship Champion.

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