Smart Women Study- Academics at Agnes Scott

Happy Wednesday everyone,

It has been only two weeks since the Scotties started classes and we are already loaded with school work. I would like to introduce to you the academic experiences of some students at Agnes Scott. The variety of subjects in our college allows everyone to find something they are passionate about. Here are only some examples. Can you relate your interests to any of them? 

Bojana (Croatia, Atlanta) International Relation major- focus on European Studies, Spanish minor

What made you decide to study your subjects?

Coming from a region that has been widely plagued by political, religious, and cultural instability, I wanted to explore the reasons that contributed to the dissolvement of former Yugoslavia- a politically powerful country during communism and after the World Wars. Therefore, the International Relations program at Agnes Scott stood out to me because it offers a focus on European Studies.

What has been you favorite class so far?

I have enjoyed all of my class at Agnes Scott. All of them challenge students to think critically about the subject matter taught. My favorite class was POL 337 Politics of the European Union because I got a chance to learn and understand how the European Union functions and why it is a glorified institution which directly related to my major and region of interest.

What opportunities does studying at Agnes Scott give for your major?

With my major, there are a lot opportunities that come along. Agnes Scott offers a verity of opportunities for studies- including studying abroad and internship. I just recently completed an internship, recommended by my adviser at International Rescue Committee, an organization that helps refugees resettle into the United States.

What is your relationship with the professors?

Relationship with professors is important. I recommend having at least two professors with whom you can have a relationship. This is because the professors want you to succeed in attaining your goals. For this reason, it is important that the student initiates this thus students have to step outside of their comfort zone. Agnes Scott professors are experts in their field. They have resources and connections that are useful.

Do you have any plans for the future that are related to your studies here? 

As a result of my internship in the immigration department, I plan to work with refugees; assisting them in attaining a new life in the States. I am also considering going to the law school and studying immigration law.

Jasmine Howard- singer on the left (Brazil) English Creative and Music major

What made you decide to study your subjects?

You could say that both my majors are pretty artsy and open-ended, but they are my passions. Music has been a part of me ever since I was a little girl, and I could never imagine life without it. I love jazz, Bossa Nova, Latin music and have a special interest for songwriting and piano composition. Writing is another creative/spiritual outlet for me, and I heard wonderful things about Agnes Scott’s Writing Department. 

What has been you favorite class so far?

My favorite 1-credit class is without a doubt the jazz ensemble. We have so much fun and at the same time are challenged to step outside our comfort zone. I have learned so much from all the musicians in that class, and it is really rewarding to collaborate and feed off each other’s sound. I also had a wonderful time in my Creative Nonfiction Writing class, which really helped me structure my ideas and unleash my voice as a writer. Like music, writing is an art to me.

What opportunities does studying at Agnes Scott give for your major? 
Agnes Scott hosts many musical performances, and its musical instructors are very encouraging. There are many choir and orchestra performances coming up, as well as individual recitals and juries. The music department always keeps students in the loop about job opportunities and internships.

Agnes Scott also has its own Magazine, The Aurora, where student writers can submit their work to be read by the student body and faculty. Every year at The Writer’s Festival, distinguished authors from all over the country come to read their work aloud; this is a wonderful way for students to learn from experts and be inspired. There are also always opportunities for students to share their work.

What is your relationship with the professors?

The professors at Agnes Scott are very approachable. Since class sizes are generally small, they get to know each and every one of us. While they are mentors, they are also friends.

Do you have any plans for the future that are related to your studies here? 
I am not sure about where I will be three years from now, but no matter where I end up, Agnes Scott will have given me a stronger sense of purpose, life-lasting memories and a solid foundation for the careers I end up pursuing. I hope to study abroad next year and see the world. So far I’ve narrowed my choices down to South Africa, New Zealand, England and Italy… can’t wait to see where my path takes me.

Joelle Atere- Roberts (Liburn, Georgia) Biology major, Mathematics minor
photo credit: Joelle Atere-Roberts

What made you decide to study your subjects?

I’ve always been interested in the sciences since I’ve been a child. Once I came to Agnes Scott, I was able to explore the variety of choices they offer in the science field. After taking my first few biology courses, I really fell in love with the curriculum and the engaging labs Agnes offers.  

What has been you favorite class so far?

My favorite class within my major has definitely the vertebrate biology course. We were   able to dissect such a wide range of organisms and explore the intricacies of vertebrate animals.

 What opportunities does studying at Agnes Scott give for your major?

Agnes Scott has provided several research opportunities with professors, as well as in other research at other schools and internship opportunities.

What is your relationship with the professors?

I have a fantastic relationship with my professors. They are all really easy to talk to, and they always make effort to make themselves available to students.

Do you have any plans for the future that are related to your studies here?

I plan on doing a master’s program in Public Health, and doing research communicable diseases.

Sarah Adams Inkoom (Ghana) Economics major
photo credit: Nagima Kulbaeva

What made you decide to study your subjects?

I was fascinated by the state of the economy back home so I wanted to take a course that can help me extend a helping hand to my degrading economy so I chose to learn Economics so that I could pursue corporate law.

What has been you favorite class so far?

My favorite class was international trade. I explored the reasons why my country is indebted to so many other developed countries and I learned what the effect was.

What opportunities does studying at Agnes Scott give for your major?

The professors at Agnes Scott are great and experienced economists who play constant motivational roles in preparing me for my career.

What is your relationship with the professors?

Agnes Scott provides small room settings, therefore relations with the professors are hands on board, cordial yet professional. 
Do you have any plans for the future that are related to your studies here? 
I am planning to pursue a degree in corporate law, meaning my undergraduate major is a true preparatory tool for my advanced study in the law field.

 

Xiaofei Xue (China) Mathematics-Economics major

What made you decide to study your subjects?

When I was a kid, I read a book about how to make money and invest them. Since then, I am interested in all the things about money, like the stock market and the price. In addition, my father is a businessman. He always discusses some issues with my mom when we had meals together. So that makes me want to study math and economics.

What has been you favorite class so far?

My favorite class so far is First Year Seminar. I really like the structure of the class, which is discussion based. Also, I read a lot of interesting books about the immigration and their lives in another country, which as an international student I shared empathy with the characters in the books.

What opportunities does studying at Agnes Scott give for your major?

There are research opportunities and internship for students majored in Mathematics and Economics. In Economics department, the internship is required.

What is your relationship with the professors?

Since we have very small classes, for example, there are only three people in my math class; we tend to have very close relationships with the professors. Most professors are very approachable and have office hours for students.

Do you have any plans for the future that are related to your studies here? 
Yes, I am thinking to become a Chartered Financial Analyst and probably go to a graduate school in finance or business related.

I would like to thank our guest bloggers for contributing to this post and wish them all the best for this year. The photo credit for the first picture goes to the administrators of www.agnesscott.edu. If you are interested to hear about other areas of education at Agnes Scott please e-mail me at globaladmission@agnesscott.edu.

Karolina Klimczak '16

Office of Admission International Fellow Agnes Scott College

141 E. College Ave.

Decatur, GA  30030-3770

globaladmission@agnesscott.edu