CLA's Student Ambassadors

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major(s): Political Science & Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

How has being in the Twin Cities enhanced your college experience, both academically and socially?
Academically, coming from an incredibly small school with a graduating class of 27 people, I was unsure if I was going to be able to adjust to such a large campus like the UofM Twin Cities. But, the University has plenty of academic resources and I found it easy to find resources and programs that fit my learning style and other needs the best, which has attributed to my academic success. Namely, MCAE -- Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence -- which has free printing, snacks, and serves as a small intimate study space with my peers since sometimes the libraries can feel crowded especially during exam season.

Hometown: Hamburg, Germany
Major(s): Psychology BS, Pre-Med Path
Minor(s): Art and Fashion Studies

As a CLA student, what are you most proud of CLA for? 
I’m proud to be in CLA and to be able to receive a holistic educational experience during my time here. I think CLA has always been very open to letting students explore their career interests and encourages us to find what we are interested in. At first I was a little uncertain about having two minors that don’t specifically relate to my career interests, but the support of my advisors helped me to recognize the advantages that this has as well!

Hometown: Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Major(s): Sociology of Law, Criminology and Justice & Global Studies

What unique opportunities have you discovered at CLA that you didn’t expect before enrolling?
One unique opportunity I got to participate in was the Dean's First Year Research and Creative Scholars which is unique to CLA. It is an incredible opportunity that allows you to get first-hand research as a first year CLA student!

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Major(s): Psychology
Minor(s): Leadership

What is your favorite CLA Core Competency and why? 
Analytical and Critical Thinking: I enjoy the idea of exploring issues, ideas, knowledge, evidence, and values to recognize that there is always more than one perspective and evaluate an issue or problem that is built on multiple perspectives for personal biases.

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
Major(s): Biomedical Engineering
Minor(s): Spanish, Neuroscience

How has CLA helped you develop your career goals, and what kinds of real-world experiences have you had here (e.g., internships, research, networking)?
CLA has helped me shape my career goals by providing a wealth of resources, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences. Through networking events and career fairs, I have connected with professionals in my field and gained insights into different career paths. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in research, leadership roles, and internships that have strengthened my skills and clarified my professional interests, preparing me for future opportunities.

Hometown: Farmington, Minnesota
Major(s): Biology, Society, and Environment
Minor(s): Public Health and Leadership

What is your favorite CLA Core Competency and why? (at least 2 or 3 sentences)
I would stay that my three favorite CLA Core Competencies are; Ethical Reasoning/ Decision Making, Oral and Written Communication, and Active Citizenship and Community Engagement. The three core competencies that I have chosen are also some of my personal core values as well as skills that I want to strengthen.

Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota
Major(s): Communication Studies
Minor(s): Creative Writing

How have you been supported in achieving your career goals or gaining internships while at CLA?
The combined help of the student services and professors I've had have guided me towards discovering pathways for involving myself in ways that improve my collaboration skills, creative-limits, and general focus on myself. I'd also like to thank my professors and friends again for seeing strength and resilience in me that I never saw in myself. Without them, I wouldn't be here.

Hometown: Lucknow, India
Major(s): Developmental Psychology, Linguistics

What unique opportunities have you discovered at CLA that you didn’t expect before enrolling?
One unique opportunity I didn’t expect before enrolling was the chance to get involved in leadership roles that connect academics with community engagement, like being a CLA Ambassador. I also discovered how accessible research and mentorship opportunities are, even for undergraduates, which has helped me build valuable skills outside the classroom.

Hometown: Albertville, Minnesota
Major(s): Strategic Communicatoons

What is your favorite CLA Core Competency and why?
My favorite CLA Core Competencies are Engaging Diversity and Ethical Reasoning and Decision-Making. These values reflect my own core values that I continue to work on and foster growth.

Hometown: New Brighton, Minnesota
Major(s): Political Science
Minor(s): Business Law

What types of academic programs or resources have you found most valuable here at CLA?
The Political Science career fair has been super helpful for me to see what career options I have in my field of interest.

Hometown: Blaine, Minnesota
Major(s): Biology, Society and Environment
Minor(s): Leadership

Hometown: Chanhassen, Minnesota
Major(s): Political Science, Media and Information
Minor(s): Applied Economics

How have you been supported in achieving your career goals or gaining internships while at CLA? 
Not only has my experience in CLA provided ample opportunities and guidance on how to develop necessary skills and improve my professionalism, but CLA Career Services specifically has been an invaluable resource for me. They helped me polish my resume, cover letter, and interview skills and are always hosting helpful events.

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Major(s): Biology, Society, and Environment
Minor(s): Public Health

How has being in the Twin Cities enhanced your college experience, both academically and socially?
Being in the Twin Cities has given me access to so many academic and professional opportunities, from research in pediatric health to working as a peer advisor. The city’s diversity also helps me feel more connected to my community while meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds. I love that there’s always something going on, from interesting lectures to cultural events to checking out new coffee shops with my friends!

Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota
Major(s): Human Physiology
Minor(s): Neuroscience, Leadership and Public Health
 

Hometown: New Hope, Minnesota
Major(s): Mathematics/Undecided
 

Hometown: Moundsview, Minnesota
Major(s): Psychology