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

Welcome back to agnesupclose!

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Agnes Scott campus! 

Welcome back to agnesupclose. My name is Karolina and I am your International Fellow this year. This is my second year as a student at Agnes Scott and in the United States. I come from Poland, a beautiful country of tradition and folklore, situated in the heart of Europe. My hope for this year is to share with you the experiences and information about this place so that, although you might be very far from here, you can feel more connected to us. Please, don’t hesitate to contact me about any questions or doubts. I would love to receive suggestions about topics that you would like to see me posting on the blog, too. Remember, I was in the same situation so I truly understand the anxiety of making a decision to start education in another country.

A little bit about me: I left Poland and my family at the age of 16 to start studying in an international school in Norway. Only there did I realized that stepping out of your comfort zone provided by home isn’t easy but at the same time, it is extremely enriching. In Norway I met people from around 80 countries. I lived in one room with people from four different continents. I started appreciating diversity and realized that everyone deserves to give themselves a chance to explore the world. The fact that you are reading this means that you have already began to give yourself that chance!

On the left: the President of Agnes Scott College Elizabeth Kiss

 I am majoring in economics, and I am very interested in Spanish language and culture. I am a member of the International Student Association (ISA) here on campus. It is an organization that promotes sharing and learning about cultures represented by our students and faculty. We organize various events like a fashion show, lecture series, world festivals and many more. You will hear a lot about us through this blog later on.  Another group that I am a part of is SPARK, where we spend a couple of hours weekly with the local kids, interacting with them and teaching them how to read. These are a few of the many activities that are offered on campus, just to give you an idea of how varied they are. 

The streets of Decatur

 One of my favorite things about Agnes Scott is its location. We are in the city of Decatur, just a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Decatur square and a street of international cafes and restaurants. You will definitely find something for yourself. There is even a great chance that it will be your own country’s food. In my free time, I take my friends for a walk or jog to explore the beautiful area surrounding Agnes Scott. Occasionally, I like to listen to different kinds of music in Eddie’s Attic, a music club that has hosted many famous musicians in the past.

CNN Station is only one of many places worth visiting in Atlanta

 As you can see from this short introduction, I feel very happy and lucky to be a Scottie. I am looking forward to hear from you at globaladmission@agnesscott.edu and sharing the upcoming posts with you. Good luck with a new school year!

Your International Fellow

Karolina Klimczak

Class of 2016

Hello Ladies,

I am sad to say that this will be my last post as the International Fellow for the 2012-2013 year. The school year is wrapping up and finals are coming to a close. It has been a wonderful and enriching experience to work prospective international students.  I have learned so much from you all, and I am forever grateful. I would like to thank all the students, faculty, and staff who contributed to the blog. Their insights and tips are some of the most valuable to students. I would especially like to thank Nagima for sharing here incredible photography skills with us and painting a picture of our beautiful campus. It was my pleasure to share my own experiences as well as my fellow classmate’s experiences with you all. The goal of the blog is to give international students an inside look at what it is like to be an Agnes Scott student. I hope we have achieved that goal!

With that being said, we will be taking a break from blog posts for the summer, and we will start back up in the fall. I would like to introduce you all to the new international fellow for 2013-2014, Karolina Klimczak! She is a rising sophomore from Poland who is ecstatic about working with you all next year. The global admission email will also be taking a break over the summer, so if you have any questions feel free to contact your admission counselor.  

Congratulations to all accepted and enrolled students!! I hope you see you all in the fall. Have a wonderful summer!!

All the best,

Joelle Atere-Roberts ‘14

Last Post

Dear Ladies,

It is the last week I am involved in sharing my exchange student experience in this blog. Especially for this occasion, I wanted to prepare something remarkable. Thus, I interviewed a couple of Agnes Scott international students. The extremely bright and successful women, Nga Than from Vietnam, Seema Shah from Pakistan and Fabienne Feldman from Switzerland. However, I am absolutely aware I did not answer all of your questions regarding Agnes Scott College. Therefore, if you have any concerns, you can contact the ASC Office of Admissions staff.

As I am leaving Agnes Scott, there is a whole mix of feelings I have. My Agnes Scott experience can be only compared to bungee jumping – you leave the safe ground and jump from the bridge right into the unknown; you were given three thousand and fifty instructions, but when you actually jump nothing remains in your head. You dive into new atmosphere of excitement, adrenalin and do not actually notice how fast the time passes. Then there is the time when the rope takes you back to the safe ground. And you were waiting to be back again but you suddenly understand how much you’ll miss your journey and your excitement, a part of your soul remains there, floating in the air. The journey changes you and gives the feeling that nothing unfamiliar can frighten you anymore; your spirit is free now.

At the moment, I miss my family a lot; I miss my country, snow-topped mountains and Kyrgyz national food. However, after a year at Agnes Scott College some part of me belongs here. Maybe it would have been different if I were not interested in photography to such an extension. I would have spent my days in the library and attending a  couple of events on campus. However, my camera pushed me to explore the whole campus, be at the events to take pictures and talk to people. This is the reason for my attachment to Agnes and it’s beauty now. I love Atlanta, which is one of the perfect places for the restless artist as well as for a settled-down family man. I love Decatur, light and cozy with its small shops and restaurants.

The experience at Agnes Scott College taught me to love people just as they are. Human beings are all different and nobody is perfect, but being the most developed creatures we have an opportunity to improve our skills. Now I am free of any stereotypes and I value the difference. I am ready for new adventures, and thank Agnes Scott College for being my first independent step into my adult life. Every person has a choice and Agnes Scott College showed me how many choices I have in my life. None of them are easy, but each of them is worth trying!

Have lots of fun at Agnes Scott!

Affectionately Yours,

Nagima Kulbaeva

Conversations with Agnes Scott College international students

Springtime!

It’s finally SPRING!! The trees are blossoming, birds are chirping, and the sun is shining. Our campus looks beautiful in the springtime; it is probably one of the best times of the year! You can see students lying out on the quad enjoying the sun and swinging in hammocks between the trees! Springtime is a great season for wonderful events all around campus. Springfest is one of the coolest events of the year! It’s a community wide block party with food, fun, and tons of games! We also have the Spring Fling dance where students dress in their nicest formal attire and dance the night away! As finals approach, seniors are preparing for graduation and other students plan for their summer! Hopefully, we will get share the spring sun with you all next spring!