Hi! I'm Eleanor, a senior majoring in International Relations and Russian with minors in History, Economics, Muslim Studies and Russian & Eurasian Studies. I have had all of the opportunities I imagined at MSU, from interning in D.C. to completing 4 study abroad programs! I have also had three research assistant positions, giving me insider knowledge from professors about the student experience. In my free time, I enjoy being involved in community service, through the Social Science Scholars Program and clubs like Model United Nations and the Refugee Outreach Collective. I also love taking MSU's free yoga and pilates classes. I'm a student in James Madison College, the College of Arts & Letters, the College of Social Science, and the Honors College, so I can answer all of your questions about these colleges in particular, or give general advice for academically-oriented students interested in MSU. I'm excited to show you all of the hidden spots on MSU's campus.

Hometown

bethesda, maryland

Major(s)

International Relations, Russian

Minor(s)

Economics, Muslim Studies, History, Russian & Eurasian Studies

Clubs, organizations & involvement

James Madison College Human Rights Lab, Model United Nations, Refugee Outreach Collective, Generations Connect, Rotaract, International Relations Organization, Social Science Scholars, Professorial Assistant Program, Research Assistant

Describe your college experience

I came to MSU on a full-ride scholarship looking to take advantage of the wide variety of experiences available at the university, while also finding small communities within the university to make the experience feel smaller. I was able to participate in research from my first semester on campus, which has greatly enriched my academic experience. I have had the chance to be involved in a wide variety of programs and create close relationships with a number of professors. MSU has offered a high degree of flexibility to create my own experience. I have taken advantage of this to complete 4 study abroad programs, and also serve as a paid assistant on an MSU research delegation to Uzbekistan. Here at MSU, I have enjoyed making friends with similar and diverse interests from all across the country and world. My favorite bonus to the MSU experience is the amazing meal plan!

Tip for future students

Try new things and explore all of your interests!

Favorite class

My favorite class was MC 411 - Special Topics in International Affairs: Nuclear Policy and Grand Strategy. This class was a collaboration between James Madison College of Public Affairs and the graduate Nuclear Physics program. I enjoyed hearing different perspectives from my STEM peers on issues related to nuclear policy. Also, this class was taught by a group of three professors, and I enjoyed hearing their different perspectives on the issues.

Career goals

Serving as a diplomat in the US Foreign Service or becoming an lawyer working on international law.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Going to an MSU basketball or hockey game followed by a movie night with roommates and friends!

High school or secondary school

Walt Whitman High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the MSU Union. It hosts Strange Matter Coffee, a local coffee shop, which is an amazing place to meet friends. Additionally, its quite study room is where I go when I need to reach my maximum level of productivity.