By: University Communications Intern Sicilia Reed

Q: Describe who you are and how you came to be a part of your major at Georgia College.

A: My name is Emily Wright and I am a rising sophomore at GCSU. I run for the cross country team and am heavily involved in Student Government Association, Young Democrats and the Honors College. 

I am majoring in political science and philosophy. I always wanted to pursue political science as a major; however, philosophy was much more recent. 

I heard wonderful things about the philosophy program at GCSU in accordance with law school success and that is what ultimately sold me. I would like to attend law school and subsequently practice law, so anything that can help with my journey is something I am interested in.

Q: What stands out to you within your major?

A: Something that stands out to me in philosophy is the wonderful community environment. Since it is a smaller major, everyone kind of knows everyone. It’s also super interesting because most people pair philosophy with another major, so I get to meet all kinds of people from other departments whom I otherwise wouldn’t encounter. 

All of the students are so kind and enjoy critically thinking about all kinds of philosophical issues—modern or hundreds of years old. The professors are the same, which makes classes very entertaining. Most philosophy classes I’ve taken have required students to sit in a big circle and discuss, rather than listen to a lecture. It’s truly a wonderful community of diverse students with diverse backgrounds who are willing to think very critically about issues around them.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Leadership Certificate program?

A: I decided to join the Leadership Certificate Program because I felt it was a great opportunity to make connections and learn about my role in the world around me. The class itself was wonderful, and we talked about various leaders and their impact on today’s world. 

What I liked most about it was that I had not heard of many of the leaders we talked about, yet I was either directly involved with or had heard about the things they did. This showed me that leadership is not just being the boss or leading the experiment, but being a social innovator led by ambition alone. I joined this class in hopes of understanding how I can assume leadership roles in my career path, and so far I am more than satisfied with what I’ve learned.

Q: Why did studying abroad call to you, focusing on Strasbourg as your final decision where you wanted to go?

A: I always knew I wanted to study abroad at some point in my college career; however, I did not expect to do it so early. Multiple trips had been advertised to me in the past two semesters, but I was still quite on the fence as my college adjustment from high school proved a little bit difficult. I believe my involvement in the leadership certificate program is what really sealed the deal. 

I saw the study abroad as a way to use what I had learned and gain more knowledge. In addition, Strasbourg stood out to me due to its role as an EU capitol as well as its proximity to Germany. I’ve always wanted to go into politics and am heavily involved in local government in my hometown, so I saw this as a great opportunity to learn about other governmental organizations. Furthermore, I have always wanted to visit Germany, as its history interests me. It just seemed like the perfect place to go.

Q: How did this study aborad influence you or your future career, or align with what you desire to do professionally?

A: The study abroad put my career goals and desires in a much broader context. I had always thought about practicing law and running for office in the United States more locally or nationally. I had never even considered my role on the global stage. However, this trip makes international law or—generally—living abroad much more appealing. It helped me see my career as an international asset which can be applied anywhere.

Q: What lessons will you take back to Georgia College as you continue your pursuit of your degree?

A: Being that our class was about intercultural communication and focused on group settings with members of different cultures, I will take back a better understanding of cooperation. I have always been a more individual learner and honestly dread group projects. However, I believe this experience has made me more mindful and understanding of those with different ideas and values, which I plan to utilize in inevitable group settings in classes.

Learn more about the Distinguish Pillar in our Imagine 2030 Strategic Plan