Graduating Senior Spotlight: Kayla Ly

What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you end up choosing your major?

I chose to attend UMN because it's near home, and I would miss my family too much. I also chose to attend UMN because I loved the diversity and the variety of studies available. 

Which CLA class or professor has had the biggest impact on you? Why?

I took Korean language classes, and I think they had the most impact. These classes were fun and engaging. The classes were small, and I liked that because I got to engage closely with my professor and classmates. In a time of COVID-19, it was a great class getting me through the pandemic and making virtual schooling fun. 

What course do you recommend for other students in your major? And for students outside of your major, what course would be a good introduction?

I would recommend ANTH4047 - Anthropology of American Culture for students within the anthropology major. I would recommend ANTH 1003W - Understanding Cultures for students outside of the anthropology major as an introduction to what I study.

Tell us about a class you still think a lot about.

A class that I still think about a lot is BIOL 3012 - Animal Diversity and Evolution. I had so much fun in this class, and although it could be a lot of work (labs and lectures each having their own readings and exams), it was so engaging and a unique experience. If I could take this course again, I would. I have a positive experience with the professor, the lectures, the labs, and the teaching assistants (TAs). I even signed up to be a TA for this course. It was very well paced and organized.

What has been your favorite part of your experience with your department(s) and within your major(s) and minor(s)?

My favorite part of being an anthropology major is that the discipline is so vast, and I got to dip my toes in a variety of things. I got great opportunities to explore the study, and the department staff are great. I enjoy a lot of the hands-on courses within the major, including courses like ANTH 3008 - Introduction to Flintknapping and ANTH 5244 - Interpreting Ancient Bone.

What is one aspect of your major or minor that has surprised you? What do you wish more people understood about what you study?

One thing that surprised me is how much anthropology has changed throughout time. I'm also surprised by how much anthropology collaborates with other disciplines to accomplish studies.

What are some ways you have found community within your major/minor department(s)? 

A lot of the courses can be small, and I often see familiar faces or attend courses of familiar professors.

Which of the core career competencies do you think will help you the most in your future career?

Critical thinking.

What's next for you? What are your post-graduation plans?

Go back to school! I am looking to get my associate's degree in dental hygiene.

If you had the world's attention for 30 seconds, what would you say?

Follow AlyakLy01 on Twitch.

Is there an app you hate but use anyways?

Snapchat.

If you could be any member on a TV show, who would you be?

I would be Eloise Bridgerton from Bridgerton.