Class of 2026: Thinkers and Leaders
The liberal arts encourage students to think critically, stay curious, and lead with intention. And along the way, many discover their own capacity to create change. Meet a few members of the Class of 2026 who found confidence in their voices and in the purpose of their future work through CLA.
Eva Nguyen
BA '26, biology, society, the environment
My time in CLA has helped me see myself as a more confident and curious individual. The emphasis on critical thinking has strengthened my values around lifelong learning, service, and advocating for community health.
Through my coursework, I've clarified my goal of attending PA school and pursuing a career in healthcare. CLA has also empowered me to take initiative. Most notably by inspiring me to start a club, "mnheartclub" that's affiliated with the American Heart Association that is focused on preventative cardiovascular health. Reflecting on my commitment to education, leadership, and improving long term health outcomes in my community.
What helped you stay motivated during your time in CLA? What helped me stay motivated through challenges at CLA was having a clear sense of purpose and a strong support system. Knowing I was working toward my goal of attending PA school gave meaning to difficult classes and busy semesters. Getting involved in leadership roles, like starting UMN heart club and serving as an anatomy TA kept me grounded and motivated by reminding me why I chose this path and who I hope to serve in the future.
Chi Vue
BA '26, developmental psychology
A way I found mentorship during my time at CLA was becoming a research assistant at the Institute of Child Development. Like many others, I thought that working as a research assistant was going to be very difficult, challenging, and just meant getting work done for the lab, but it was a lot more than that. In the lab, I was offered support from other RA’s, lab managers, and even PhD students from other studies. Most importantly, I was assigned to a wonderful PhD student for his study and he provided me with guidance and knowledge in how research works, which I am truly grateful for, as it has made me more confident and interested in research.
What class had the biggest impact on you? The class that had the biggest impact on me was CPSY 1301: Nature-Based Learning in Early Childhood, because I learned that there are many benefits to young children and their development by just simply letting them be out in nature. Not only that, it could also increase their love and empathy towards the environment. This way of supporting young children through their development was really different from many of my courses, and one that fit my interests and love for nature as well.
Amy Nguyen
BA '26, psychology; minor in family therapy
CLA has shaped how I see myself primarily through grace. I realized that it was okay to ask for help, and that my struggles were never mine alone. There has always been a sense of camaraderie in CLA because everyone is just trying to find their place here. I would say, too, that my work ethic has improved immensely from my time in CLA. Working with so many people, with different personalities, and priorities outside of school, really makes you appreciate the surrounding community. Their hard work and desire to strive high motivates you to do the same.
How did you stay encouraged during your time in CLA? Coming from a background where I am the first person to go to college, it has been very tough navigating my financial aid, coursework, and overall burnout. Someone who truly helped during these darker times in my undergraduate career was my CLA Advisor, Jessica. She is someone whom I looked upon for advice when it came to anything related to the University. While I didn't start using her as a resource until after my second year, she has been a wonderful person to work with. Just knowing that someone will be there for you, and that there will be no "stupid" questions when you arrive, is a blessing in itself.
Katherine Lick
BA '26, sociology of law, criminology, and justice; minor in sustainability studies
My time in CLA has helped me grow more confident in myself and more willing to try new experiences. It gave me the space to explore my interests without fear and helped me feel more certain in the choices I've made leading up to my graduation. I've also come to value connection, balance, and preparedness much more than I did when I first arrived on campus. While my future plans aren't fully set, CLA has given me the confidence to explore different paths and trust myself as I move forward.
What's next? After graduating this May, I plan to take a short break from school to gain hands-on experience in fields I’m interested in before returning for graduate school. I’m hoping to spend one to two years exploring different opportunities in the real world so I can feel confident and intentional about my next academic and career steps. I’ll be staying in Minneapolis and moving in with a close friend I’ve known since middle school, which feels like an exciting and grounding next chapter. While I’m still figuring out exactly what comes next, I’m excited to take what I’ve learned throughout my undergraduate experience and start building my life beyond college.
Amara Marx
BA '26, computer science
My time in CLA has really shaped how I see myself as someone who does not have to choose between being technical and being creative. Before college, I saw those as two separate paths, but through my coursework and experiences here, I have come to value interdisciplinary thinking and problem solving. I have learned that I am someone who enjoys building things that are both functional and meaningful, especially when they serve real people.
CLA has also strengthened my value of community and collaboration, since so much of my growth has come from working with others in clubs, projects, and leadership roles. Because of this, my goals have shifted toward creating technology and experiences that are human centered, accessible, and impactful, rather than just technically impressive.
What's next? After graduation, I plan to continue building on my technical and creative foundation by either pursuing graduate school or beginning full time work as a software engineer. I am interested in deepening my knowledge while also gaining hands on industry experience, especially in roles that allow me to create thoughtful, user centered products. Whether through advanced study or professional work, my goal is to keep growing as a developer and designer, and to contribute to projects that have meaningful, real world impact.
Meet the Class of 2026
CLA prepares students to become thoughtful citizens, innovative problem-solvers, and leaders in every sector of society. From healthcare and education to business, public service, media, science, and the arts, CLA graduates strengthen Minnesota’s workforce and communities.
These stories from the Class of 2026 reflect the many ways liberal arts students are preparing to make a difference — in their professions and in the lives of the people around them.
