Pronouns: He/Him/His
Majors: Political Science and Global Studies
Minor: German

Greg studied abroad in Berlin, Germany during Summer 2018 and spent the semester in Munich, Germany in Spring 2019. He has interned in the past for two Minnesota State House Campaigns in Minneapolis, the General Consulate of Albania in Munich, and is the Co-Director of Communications for the Undergraduate Political Science Association (UPSA).

When do you hope to graduate? 
I am a Senior, graduating in Spring 2020.

What study abroad plans do you have or have you completed?
During the Summer of 2018, I was one of ten students selected to take part in the course GLOS 3900: Global Migrations in Berlin, which studied the history and politics of the recent influx of migrants and refugees to Germany. For this course, we traveled to Berlin for two weeks to meet with a lot of different organizations that help refugees and migrants with finding jobs, overcoming language/cultural barriers, and getting settled into a new country. It was an eye-opening experience on the ways policy and different agencies can affect the lives of migrants, and has inspired me to work towards helping migrant rights in the future.

During Spring Semester 2019, I spent the semester in Munich, Germany. During my time in Munich, I took courses both through my program and at the university in for my Political Science and Global Studies majors, as well as interned at the Albanian consulate part-time during the week. I got the chance to greatly improve my German skills, take courses on political science and history taught from a different perspective, travel around Europe, and make friends from around the world! Study abroad was my favorite part of undergrad, and I highly recommend it to everyone who is able to do so.

What student groups are you involved in?
In addition to being the Co-Director of Communications for UPSA, I am also a member of UMN Model UN, which connects heavily to the sub-fields of comparative government and international relations in political science. I am also a member of Admissions Ambassadors, and of the UMN Swim Club!

What is your favorite resource to use on campus?
I am a huge fan and advocate of CLA career services. Their job search tool on GoldPASS is very helpful and a lot more user-friendly now. Their office staff and career advisors are extremely helpful in improving resumes and cover letters, as well as doing practice interviews.

What advantage do you see in connecting with other students?
As a peer advisor, being able to offer the perspective as both an advisor but also a current student going through the same experiences as the students I meet with is especially valuable to me. I see it as a way for one student to help out and guide another, and not so much a way for me to boss other students and feel like a superior, but rather a way for me to help my peers get engaged and connected, and learn about some of the really valuable opportunities available to students in our department. There's so much valuable information that I want my fellow students to be aware of, and being able to connect with them and share these opportunities is one of the most valuable parts of having the peer advisor perspective.

What conversations do you most like to have with students as a peer advisor?
In general, I really love getting to hear what inspired students to major in political science, whether it was an election that inspired them to become more educated, a specific political cause that motivates them and pushes them to get involved, or some form of injustice or unrighteousness they hope to bring change to as politically educated students. One of my biggest inspirations as a political science student is hearing the passions and goals of fellow future political scientists, and therefore I truly enjoy having conversations with students about their goals and driving forces in politics.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Majors: Political Science and Strategic Communications

Rose is an out-of-state student who recently began a Fellowship for the Government and Legislative Affairs (GLA) Team in the Minnesota Students Association. She has worked as a Finance Assistant on a congressional campaign, interned for New Jersey State Senator Troy Singleton, and served as a Student Representative to her high school’s Board of Education.

When do you hope to graduate? 
I am a Freshman, graduating in Spring 2023.

What study abroad plans do you have or have you completed?
Having had experience on both the campaign and the official side of politics, I’ve been able to explore different facets of the political process. In addition, my experience as a GLA Fellow has taught me about government lobbying, especially on the state level.

What student groups are you involved in?
I am a member of College Democrats, Coalition for Progressive Change, Spoon University, and the Minnesota Students Association.

What is your favorite resource to use on campus?
Both the Student Academic Success Services office and the Center for Writing are awesome! They are great resources for helping students manage their work and can provide a confidence boost before turning in assignments.

What advantage do you see in connecting with other students?
I am passionate about government and politics and I love talking to other students who share that same enthusiasm. As an out-of-state student, I know how important it is to find community. I encourage all students to explore ways to get involved on campus in groups and activities they are interested in. Additionally, I place a high value on listening to and learning from the experiences of students who come from diverse backgrounds. The advising team strives to help students feel comfortable on campus and as a peer advisor, I am an advocate for all.

What conversations do you most like to have with students as a peer advisor?
I love hearing from students about their favorite class or professor within the department. I also enjoy working with students to figure out how to get started. I believe there is a place for everyone within government and politics and am happy to help anybody find their perfect opportunity to get involved.