I Am Curious - Kristie
My Major: Public Policy (PUBP)
Other: President Scholar
What it means to me to be a liberal arts student at Tech…
Students who pursue a liberal arts degree at Georgia Tech get a technical background that enhances the critical thinking skills that traditionally are associated with liberal arts majors. This is something many other schools do not have, and I think it gives us a leg up on other liberal arts graduates.
What drew me to my major…
Public policy is such a unique science—unlike many traditional sciences, students can’t experiment in labs with fully specified variables. Studies in public policy must traverse many disciplines, such as economics, philosophy, statistics, and sociology. This complexity of study and challenge of integrating knowledge first attracted me to Public Policy, and the classes I have since taken have only added to my love of my major.
My favorite classes so far…
Recently I took HTS 2803 "Engaging English Avenue," which involved learning about a poor, run-down neighborhood that’s right next to Tech. In this class I helped design and implement a free educational program that gave teenagers skills they could use to help them in the job market, as well as a place to go on the weekends to stay off the streets. Not only did I learn about the history of Atlanta, neighborhood development, and the policies involved - I learned that I can make a difference.
Who inspires you in liberal arts at Tech…
My favorite professor is Dr. Richard Barke, from Tech's Public Policy department. He’s not only an engaging teacher, but he has been a mentor to me with his guidance, experience, knowledge, and sense of humor. Dr. Barke has helped me to expand my learning outside the classroom and pursue initiatives on my own.
What is my favorite part about Georgia Tech?
My favorite part about Tech is the sense of camaraderie that all the students share. We all know what it’s like to stay up late studying for an exam, to walk up Freshman Hill for an 8 a.m. class, and to work your hardest every single day. But we also know how awesome it is when you get a good grade on that test, or when you’re walking up the hill everyday with your friends, or when all your hard work is rewarded when others are so impressed with our Tech educations. Tech requires a lot of its students, and that’s what makes us so proud of being Yellow Jackets.
My future pursuits after graduation…
After graduation I am planning to pursue a law degree at Harvard University. In my dream career, I would spend a few years as a lawyer then work as a policy-designer in the field of environmental policy.
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