Liberal Arts Student Stories
Students share why they chose a liberal arts education at CSU
Choosing a university (and a major!) is a big decision. Hear why our students chose to study at Colorado State University and how they found their community within the College of Liberal Arts.
With 19 undergraduate majors and dozens of clubs/student organizations within the college, our community is as diverse as it is dynamic. By studying the arts, humanities, and social sciences, our students are driven to advance the human experience - and equipped with the skills and knowledge to do so.
Read the stories of current CSU liberal arts students below.
Maddy King
Major: English
Concentration: Literature
Minor: Media Studies and Anthropology
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I applied to a lot of schools and was so interested in Colorado, and when I did more research I fell in love with everything CSU has to offer. I knew I wanted to go out of state but not too far, and I figured Colorado was perfect. My mom also came to CSU for 2 years when she was in school, so it kind of stuck out to me.
Path to my Major
All my life, I have loved English more than anything because I think the power of language and words is one of the most impactful in the world. From the very first English symposium class I took freshmen year, I knew this was the right path for me.
Why do you study English?
I have gained a lot of critical analysis skills revolving around understanding works of literature.
What's your favorite class and why?
Shakespeare – because I love shakespeare so so much and getting to do such a focused study in it was so amazing, and I learned so much. Also, my professor was completely amazing.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
The first time I was able to host in my own space this year and invite all my friends over for the first time after not seeing them all summer. We got pizzas and just watched movies and hung out in a real home, not just the dorms.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love how many classes I can choose from in my major! There are so many different routes I can take, and because both my minors are in the college of liberal arts it is so easy to discuss them with my advidsor. Also, I love meeting all the people in the college of liberal arts. They are all so friendly and give such helpful advice.
What's next?
Hopefully I will just continue to grow and enjoy/do well in my classes and keep meeting new people!
Ashley Jones-Sykes
Majors: Journalism and Communication Studies
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I knew I wanted to stay in state for school so I applied to a few Colorado schools and I
actually heard back from CSU first so I decided to commit here. I think it was one of the best choices I've ever made. I liked how the campus looked and it had all of the classes I wanted to take. Other than that, I just had a really good feeling and it paid off.
Path to my Major
Originally, I came in to CSU a geology major, but I then switched to exploratory studies. When I was taking exploratory studies classes, journalism sparked some interest. To really solidify that feeling, I took JTC100, the very first journalism class you can take. I had a really good experience so I decided to go forward with the major, and I later added communication studies.
Why do you study Sociology?
I study journalism, because I love to hear peoples stories. I've always been told I'm a little nosy so getting to do that in an academic setting is actually really interesting. I've had so many interesting classes that really made me rethink what I thought I knew. As for communications, I felt it was a great class to go along with journalism, and so far the classes pair nicely.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
I came in to CSU as a freshman, so I was required to stay in the dorms with my roomate. After the first game, we decided to walk back to our dorm. On the way there, we thought it would be a little scary considering we were two girls walking at night, but there so many students walking with their friends having a good time and making memories, just like we were.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class has been POLS 131 Current World Problems. Although I study journalism and communication studies, this political science class was probably one of the most interesting class I've ever taken. My professor had a really unique outlook on many issues in the world, and I enjoyed hearing his expirence.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I've been told by a lot of people that liberal arts majors can't make you any money or can’t find a career, but that's actually false. One of the most interesting things about journalism is that there's so many different opportunities available all the time. I just really love the flexibility of my major.
What's next?
If you were asking me my freshman year, I would say I was going to be a news anchor. If you were asking me last semester, I would say I was going to write stories for a newspaper. Since you're asking me today, I'm going to say public relations or maybe something in crisis communication for the federal government. I have no idea.
Megan Spensiero
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Sociology
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I chose CSU because I wanted a big school with many different opportunities but with a small school feel and community. Being from a small catholic high school with a graduating class of 81 students, I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. You only get the college experience once, so why not go big or go home?
In my junior year of high school, my family made the trip to Colorado to visit CSU. When I came on campus, I knew that CSU was the place for me because of the friendly people and the beautiful campus.
Path to my Major
Applying for college, I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life after college. I am interested in many different things, and I wanted to find a major that was universal and allowed me to explore and try new things. After exploring many different options, I settled on communications because it allowed me to enhance my speaking and organizational skills
Why do you study Communication Studies?
With a communications degree, I have learned skills that have made me more confident in public speaking and I have been able to apply the theories and ideas I have learned in my communication classes in my life. I use what I have learned in these classes and apply them to how I see the world around me. I am more aware of how I communicate with others. After college, I think I might enter the field of college or high school admissions because I love talking to people and helping them was any way I can. In this degree, I want to use my communication skills to help talk to people.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I got into these clubs because I wanted to become active in the CSU community and try new things because you only get the college experience once. These involvements have allowed me to meet new people from the same and different backgrounds. Furthermore, these involvements have allowed me to set personal goals for myself to keep me both physically and mentally active. These clubs professionally have allowed me to try different leadership techniques.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was World Languages and Pop Culture. In this class, I learned 5 different languages in the semester, and I also learned the culture of the language. I liked this class because it was something that I have never taken before, and it exposed me to so many different cultures and languages. I can use the skills that I have learned from this class and use it with my communication skills.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite CSU memory was in the dorm, where my friends and I would have a pasta and movie night every Friday. We could go to the kitchen and make the pasta ourselves and blast our music. Then we would watch old childhood movies or tv shows as we ate our pasta. We would stay up late at night eating our pasta and watching our shows.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
What I love about the college of liberal arts is that it gives an individual the opportunity to explore and try new things. I also love the college of liberal arts because it allows you to be a well-rounded individual and to gain new knowledge in a variety of different subjects and fields.
What's next?
I plan on continuing my education here at CSU and just taking one day and one minute at a time. I know that in a blink of an eye I will be graduating college and trying to find a job in the big bad world. I am just going to enjoy my college experience.
Carter Robinder
Majors: Economics & Political Science
Year: Freshman
Why CSU
In all honesty, CSU was my backup school, but I still chose CSU because it was in a nice city and had a lovely campus. My sister also decided to go to CSU and It was a university that I knew I would enjoy my time at.
Path to my Major
I started paying attention to politics around 2016. Ever since then politics has been a major hobby of mine and has been important to me. I know that I wanted to continue this passion into college and political science felt like the way to do that. I chose economics because I was interested in the classes that the economics department offered. I also felt like understanding economics was a good compliment to my interest in politics.
Why do you study Economics and Political Science?
I was interested in politics in high school. I naturally wanted to major in political science. Some of my favorite classes have been learning about politics in other countries, I find it interesting. I initially was only interested in political science but after some thought, I realized that an economics degree would be a great complement to Political Science and my interest in politics. A large aspect of politics is managing economics and I felt like if I understood economics, I would be better equipped to tackle those issues.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
I am currently a member of History Club, CLA ambassadors, and work as Newsom Hall desk staff.
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I enjoy the community that these activities create. History club meetings are always fun and something I look forward to. History Club also organizes some events throughout the semester like Jeopardy and the Meyer Nathan Lecture which I look forward to. Working as desk staff at Newsom had been enjoyable. I know the RAs and other staff members and have built another community. I look forward to my shifts because I know I am going to have a fun interaction with someone there.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class has been Comparative Government and Politics. I find it interesting learning about other systems of government throughout the world. My teacher was fun and made the class enjoyable.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite memory would have to be the first birthday I had here at CSU. I never really held birthday parties in high school and being with my friends for my birthday was a really good start to my college experience. I remember waking back to my dorm after the party and feeling good about where I was in life, being happy with my friends, and looking forward to the rest of my college experience.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
One thing about my field that I enjoy is that all three are somehow about understanding people. Poli Sci is about how people interact with the government, Econ is about how people use money and interact with economic systems, and history is about the past interactions of people. I am not a major in sociology, but I think about it like that. Understanding society through economics and government.
What's next?
My future is going into public service. I am interested in working for the State Department and becoming a diplomat/Foreign Service Officer. I am also interested in working in some capacity for the U.S. government. I have also thought about working as a congressional staffer. All honesty I also really want to live in D.C.
Catie Harris
Major: Theatre Design/Technology & Business Administration
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I chose CSU because of the school’s excellent combination of academic standards and talented program for my major. The campus was just the right fit for me size-wise and had beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces.
Path to my Major
I started theatre in high school and found my passion for the technical side In later years. I wanted to continue working on my craft and keep developing my skills, so it was the right choice for a major. I am also double majoring in business to be more applicable when I graduate.
Why do you study Theatre Design & Technology?
I love the backstage side of theatre and being one of the unsung heroes of a production, making the magic happen onstage. I study how to be a good leader with others and effectively and efficiently communicate with all the other departments. The job requires me to think on my feet a lot and come up with creative solutions to unique problems. My studies have made me a more confident person, and I look forward to continuing in this career and seeing where it will take me.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in?
The Student Advisory Council for the Theater Department at CSU
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I chose to be a part of this club because I wanted to be a voice for other students who didn’t feel like they could speak up at times. Being on this board allows me to communicate between the students and the faculty to help facilitate a healthy relationship between them and make sure everyone is appreciated and understood.
What's your favorite class and why?
I really enjoyed my Freshman Theater Seminar Class in the fall semester of my first year. I met faculty and built connections with other first years in the program right off the bat. It was great to have a family atmosphere almost immediately in the program.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
Getting to participate in my first colligate show, She Kills Monsters. I was Assistant Stage Manager and enjoyed working on live theater with a fantastic cast and crew. It was a great starting point for how I hope to continue my career.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love working and collaborating with other people who are just as passionate about something as me. I also think that College of Liberal Arts Students are so interesting to learn from and talk to.
What’s next?
I am excited to continue on this path of my double major and can’t wait to see what the future will hold.
Jala Ward
Major: Sociology
Minor: Interdisciplinary Legal Studies
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I chose CSU because of the beautiful environment, the Principles of Community, and the programs CSU offers. The landscape around CSU really drew me in because I love nature. I was impressed by the Principles of Community and CSU’s dedication to social justice. Lastly, I was interested in the College of Liberal Arts and after looking into it, I decided that CSU was the best school for me.
Path to my Major
When searching for colleges, I did not know where I wanted to go at all, and I even wanted to major in a medical-related field. Then I decided that was far from what I wanted. I was really interested in majoring in Political Science, or something related to this field of study. After researching more of CSU’s programs and majors, I decided Sociology sounded like the perfect major for me.
Why do you study Sociology
I study Sociology because it is such a diverse topic; it includes a broad range of topics and evaluates historical and modern issues. I have always been interested in societal trends, dilemmas, and the relationship between the individual and institutions. Sociology helps me understand these concepts in a deeper sense.
I have learned different ways of looking at the world and society. Sociology has taught me various perspectives within society and how individual interacts based on their socialization. I apply these skills by evaluating my social interactions and using a different lens when trying to understand another individual’s issues. I am pursuing a career in the legal field as a criminal defense attorney. The skills that I earn from my sociology degree that will help me in my job are cultural understanding, socialization, and deviance
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I am involved with Residential Dining Services
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I am involved with Dining Services because I wanted to work on-campus and gain more professional experience. I have gained a great understanding of the food industry, how to work on a large team, and how to supervise and lead others. Personally, it allows me to make connections with a diverse group of students I probably would not have met otherwise.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite CSU memory is going to the ram welcome events at the beginning of the fall semester and getting a feel for the campus.What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class so far has been Contemporary Legal Studies because it brought me out of my shell and taught me about so many legal concepts. The class gave me a bit of insight into my future career as an attorney.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love the community within the College of Liberal Arts; the faculty and students are very welcoming and kind. I love sociology because it is so applicable to everyday life and allows me to broaden my perspectives.
What's next?
I want to graduate from CSU and take a gap year, then enroll in law school.
Erin Fuller
Major: English
Concentration: Creative Writing
Minor: Music, Stage, & Sports Production
Year: Junior
Why CSU
My sister went here, so was able to explore Ft. Collins during my high school years while she was up here. I only applied to CSU and Nebraska-Lincoln because I needed to stay practical; other options were too expensive or too close to home, and Ft. Collins felt like a good middle ground. I enjoy its unique city/mountain landscapes and outdoor energy.
Path to my Major
I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to go to college for, but I knew it had to be something that made me happy. I heard horror stories from my friends and family who dragged their way through school doing something they hate so that they could work in a good-paying job after. That mindset never has and never will make sense to me; why would I push my passions aside? Why shouldn’t I just dive deeper into them? So that’s exactly what I did: dove in.
Why do you study English?
I’ve explored the different aspects of creative writing and the sense of infinity within it. I’ve learned how to argue better using rhetoric, and I learned the elements of linguistics, literature, and education.
In my English classes today, I practice rhetoric, literary analysis, essay writing, and various other mechanics of writing and reading. For my minor, I take a lot of writing classes too, but these ones focus more around reporting and journalism.
Since high school, I’ve wanted to be a professional playwright. I chose English/Creative Writing with this in mind because playwrighting is a very creative career, and even if I don’t end up going down that path, I’ll still have a way to work with my passion: writing. My love for theatre drives this dream career, and I’ve been lucky enough to continue acting in some shows with our Theatre program.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I work at our campus radio station 90.5 KCSU Fort Collins as the podcast director and DJ. It has been one of the biggest influences in my college career and played a big role in my choosing of what minor to pursue.
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I got involved with KCSU freshman year because I wanted to have my own radio show and meet new people (who wouldn’t want to do that?!). The more time I spent there, the more I realized how good the environment and people were for me. I knew I had to work there because I wanted to make a difference in student media and find my place within radio. Now, as the podcast director, I can say that I made the right choice. I love my work, I love my people, and I love listening to music 24/7.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
The music festivals and events KCSU puts on throughout the year. I’m always put into a highenergy mood and I just dance the day away with people who love music.What's your favorite class and why?
E-210: Beginning Creative Writing. I took it my first semester of freshman year and I learned loads about creative writing that I never really knew. Creativity can look like a myriad of things; it doesn’t have to look like a plain book or essay. Because of this class, I’ve taken my writing to new heights and experimented with various forms and ways of writing.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
We’re the creative, passionate, and unique ones, doing what we love for the love of it. And English majors take a lot of the same classes as each other, so I tend to have a little community in every class.
What's next?
Continuing to follow my happiness and where it takes me.
Hannah Prinzi
Majors: English & Political Science
Concentration: Writing, Rhetoric, & Literacy; Global Politics and Policy
Minor: Global Studies
Year: Senior
Why CSU
I was interested in CSU after visiting the campus for a Winter Percussion competition. I toured campus as a senior in high school and fell in love with the green campus, friendly students, and lively town of Fort Collins! Once I received my first scholarship from CSU, I knew I was headed here.
Path to my Major
Ever since I was a little girl, my nose was stuck in a book. I was confident coming into college that I wanted to study English. However, I came in with enough AP credits that I had flexibility to explore other disciplines as well. My advisors and professors were nothing but supportive as I searched for a second major. I added political science and immediately fell in love with the theories, history, and applications of the field. Soon after, I added Global Studies to round out my education. I am glad for the opportunity to pull from so many different fields.
Why do you study English and Political Science?
I was originally drawn to English because I knew I wanted to write. However, Political Science answers the question: what do I want to write about? I understand policy and government as a way to solve complex problems, engage in public participation, and acknowledge and address inequalities.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
I like to stay busy, so I am pretty involved on campus! I am in the Honors Program and am a Blake Leadership Scholar. I have played on an Intramural Dodgeball and Volleyball team. I worked as a Resident Assistant in the CSU residence halls for two years where I fostered community and guided residents through their journey at CSU. I also worked as a Writing Consultant in the CSU Writing Center for a year. Currently, I work as a democracy fellow for the Straayer Center for Public Service.
When I am not in classes or seeing to my other responsibilities, you can find me at one of the many coffee shops around town!
What is your favorite class, and why?
My favorite class at CSU was International Policy Toolkit, a graduate-level course that covered many important topics within international relations, including international organizations, terrorism, civil wars, and human rights, and more. My advisor and the class’s professor were incredibly supportive of my interest in the course, even though I am still an undergraduate student. This course was the most difficult one I had taken at CSU; however, it also fostered the most critical thinking and learning.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite CSU memory is attending the Homecoming Bonfire every Fall. Students, faculty, and alumni gather outside the Lory Student Center to watch the show. My friends and I take a break from studying to attend, and we have gone every year!
What do you love about your majors/College of Liberal Arts?
I am proud of the College of Liberal Arts because of how it fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving and supports unique pathways of learning. I am a double major with a minor, and many of my friends also have second majors or minors. I have taken classes focused on literature, policy, history, anthropology, and geography; I love the duality of reading Langston Hughes in one class and then discussing international policy implications in the next. The College of Liberal Arts allows for each person to combine different fields of study to fit their interests and passions.
What's next?
I will be graduating in May! Before I graduate, I will complete CSU’s Colorado Legislative Internship, where I will assist a legislator in the Colorado General Assembly during the Spring 2024 semester. I am hoping that this internship will open doors to continue working in Colorado policy and government. While I plan to earn a master’s in public policy, I will be taking a gap year in-between my studies. I recently applied for a Fulbright Grant to teach English in Slovakia, and this opportunity abroad is my top choice after graduating from CSU.
Kate McGill
Majors: Political Science and Ecosystem Science & Sustainability
Concentration: Environmental Policy
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I chose CSU because its welcoming atmosphere and fun community reminded me of the feel of my hometown. I love the proximity to the rocky mountains, and the combination of CSU’s political science program and my ecosystems major provides me with an excellent avenue toward environmental policy.
Path to my Major
I chose my majors based on the descriptions on CSU’s general catalog webpage, along with feedback from current students. Both were extremely helpful in deciding what majors would be the correct fit for me.
Why do you study Political Science and Ecosystem Science & Sustainability?
Through studying Political Science, I have gained knowledge of the structural and political workings of the United States government, along with the international arena. This has helped me better understand the ways that environmental policy works and does not work. I have practiced research and critical thinking skills in both of my majors while writing papers and participating in labs. Political Science provides me with an understanding of the politics and human institutions involved in Environmental Policy, while Ecosystem Science and Sustainability gives me the scientific knowledge to understand the environment itself.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
I am currently involved in the Zero Waste Team, a group of students that sorts waste into trash, recycling, and compost at CSU’s sporting events to ensure as much as possible is diverted from the landfill. I am also an ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts and have volunteered at CSU’s Environmental Learning Center. I am also a member of the Honors Program at CSU.
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I am involved with these clubs because they are ways for me to give back to CSU by contributing to its sustainability efforts and helping prospective students looking at the university. The Honors Program also provides me with opportunities to strengthen my critical thinking skills and engage with students across majors. All of my involvement on campus provides me with the opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills and meet new people.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Intro to Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. This class was an 8 week course designed to introduce us to our major where we met many faculty in the program and went on an overnight excursion to CSU’s mountain campus. On the mountain campus, I met so many amazing students also studying ESS and it made CSU’s big campus so much smaller for me!
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite memory at CSU was the trip to the mountain campus that I took with my major, as it introduced me to some of my best friends and had some absolutely beautiful scenery!
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love the focus the Liberal Arts has on developing well rounded students with the capacity to succeed in whatever career they choose. In my experience, the professors are extremely helpful and willing to work with students to help them succeed. Overall, it’s a great place to learn and further my education.
What's next?
I’m not positive what is next! I plan on finishing my degree at Colorado State and either applying to law school or heading in a different direction.
Sandy Rath
Majors: English
Concentration: Creative Writing
Minor: Legal Studies
Year: Junior
Why CSU
As an international student, it is very important for me to be able to feel welcomed in a community. A place where I don’t have to be worried and feel different in a negative way. CSU felt like a place where I could represent myself and at the same time, develop as a person and learn new things. I could sense that CSU is a kind of place that is inclusive and loves diversity. I truly got attracted because of this, knowing very well that I will be surrounded with wonderful and talented people. I also love green and mountains and who doesn’t want to be in a campus surrounded with all that? Fort Collins also reminds me of a beautiful town from my life back in India so choosing it just made me feel close to home in some way.
Path to my Major
Since my childhood, I felt like I have had a crazy imaginative mind which made me want to write so many stories my entire life. At first, it just felt like a hobby, so I never really saw English as my major. In my freshmen year, I was actually a Biology major. But the more I explored things in CSU, I realized that Biology was just a source of curiosity that I liked to tickle. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do and pursue as a career. I started to realize that writing makes me happy, and I wanted to develop myself as a writer. I finally ended up as an English major right in the second semester of my freshmen year and since then it’s been wonderful. I have been able to learn so much and become a better version of my writer self. I still sometimes take some biology or psychology classes to tickle that curiosity and I love how I am able to balance things that way. I also realized that I am passionate for the legal field and enjoy understanding the law/justice and form/ structure that we require in our system. Analyzing a criminal mind intrigues me and helps me understand the psychology behind different minds. Hence, legal studies as my minor. I love this combination and how it especially helps me to write. I am still in discussion with myself whether I want to do a PhD in English or go to a law school but whatever it will be, I know I will enjoy it to the fullest.
Why do you study English?
I feel like English is a kind of major where you get to explore such different sides of literature and creativity in writing. Since I have gotten into this major, I have been lucky to explore all those sides and just gain so much knowledge on such interesting topics that goes around in this world. I feel like I got to understand humanity, creative minds and history in great depth. I believe that whatever major you choose in liberal arts, you realize that you gain knowledge that helps you for a lifetime. It helps you gain knowledge about life, and it stays with you forever. It is a great feeling to experience. I realize that choosing English as a major helped me to be considerate towards my minor as well. Writing is everywhere and it’s so important to know your unique way of writing. How you represent yourself through your thoughts and words. When I chose the concentration as creative writing, I knew that I chose it because I want to publish my stories in the best polished way possible in my vision. I do want to be a writer. Doesn’t matter if I actually go to law school or not but in any case, I want to be a writer. Choosing English as my major is the way to do that. I am having the best time learning what I am supposed to learn to be a better version in every field I enjoy.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
Currently, I am involved with Student Leadership Involvement and Community and Engagement office (SLiCE) on the RSO team, Laurel Village Front Desk as a Community Desk Assistant, Indian Student Association, Pre Law club and now the awesome College of Liberal Arts Ambassador team!
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I believe getting involved this way helps me to develop as a person. It helps me to grow professionally and personally. I get to learn to engage and have fun meeting new people from different parts of the world. This helps me to gain knowledge and at the same time, learn to put myself out there and be of service to people who need my assistance and guidance. This helps me to grow and learn to adapt in different places. I truly enjoy meeting new people, know about them and listen to their stories. I enjoy that feeling of creating a strong community around us.
What's your favorite class and why?
I think Beginning to Creative Writing was one of the best classes I have had until now. Having the concentration as creative writing, this class stood out to me so much and I had the best time exploring the different aspects of creative writing. I got to develop myself as a fiction writer, CNF writer and a poet. It was an absolute treat to be placing myself in each aspect and find my true self and at the same time, gain confidence in all those aspects. I got even more confident that I can be a good fiction writer. The one I am most passionate about.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favourite CSU memory would be my very first meeting with the ambassador team. It was such a nice experience to be interacting and bonding with my fellow college people. I could feel such familiarity with everyone and they felt like a family. Everyone’s just so fun and supportive and it felt so comfortable to be around them.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
As I mentioned earlier, this degree from this college helps students to get a learning and knowledge of a lifetime. It is a type of education that shapes us so well professionally and personally. It is a great experience to be in this field and learn to be great humans, creative minds and world changers. I am proud to be in this college and be able to gain such great knowledge.
What's next?
I think that I want to be a good, supportive and strong member in the ambassador team. This is because I want to be helpful to our team and increase our efficiency. I am looking forward to learn and be a better version of myself for the team and as a student in CSU. Overall, I want to keep learning and growing personally and professionally and be able to be of good service.
Lucy McCrossan
Major: Music Education
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I chose to come to CSU because of the valuable hands-on experience that I would get at teaching and the supportive community. As a freshman music education major, I was able to teach middle school students every week in the spring through the Middle School Outreach Ensembles Program. At many other colleges I applied to, I would not be out teaching until my junior or senior year, and it is amazing that CSU provides us with hands-on experience beginning in freshman year. I was also able to connect with the flute professor and a CSU flute student during my application process and hearing their insights on how uplifting the environment is at CSU really made me feel welcomed and want to go to CSU.
Path to my Major
My involvement in my high school’s band program inspired me to become a music education major. I was the Drum Major of my high school’s marching band, in which I conducted and led the 100 members of the marching band. I absolutely love to play music and enjoy being in a community and leading my peers in an activity I am passionate about was an incredible experience. I also had the opportunity of creating an elementary school band at my local elementary school, in which I got to teach the flute students weekly. Being able to teach these young students about music was really inspiring and made me realize that I would love to spend my career teaching music. Being a part of band and a supportive community has helped me grow to be the person I am today, and I want to be able to help others find their love for music like I have found.
Why do you study Music Education?
I am studying music education in hopes of becoming a band director. Music is a good creative outlet for students, and I really believe in the importance of studying the arts at school. Being a part of band in high school allowed me to be a part of a supportive community that brought me out of my shell and taught me how to be a leader, and I want to be able to help others have this opportunity as well. My high school band director helped me and all her students through challenging times, and I want to be a mentor to my future students like my high school band director was for me. Music is truly amazing in that it brings people of different cultures together to create a unified art form, and I would love to help others find their passion for music like I have.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I am a Piccolo Section Leader in the CSU Marching Band, a member of the Presidential Pep Band and CSU Rampage Basketball Band, and the Secretary of CSU’s Collegiate National Association for Music Educators (CNAfME) Club!
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
Being in these organizations has provided me with a sense of community that makes me proud to be a student at CSU. I was nervous at first about coming to CSU as an out-of-state student, but right from week 1 of being in the CSU marching band, I knew that I was in a supportive environment and was able to connect with others who were just as passionate about band as me and found my best friends!
What's your favorite CSU memory?
One of my favorite CSU memories is from the last home basketball game last season where we played Boise State. I was a part of the Basketball Band and Moby Arena was completely full, and the game was neck and neck the whole way through. In the last 30 seconds, we were able to make the winning point, and everyone in the arena was so excited. It was incredible to see the pride that everyone took in our win, and I am looking forward to making more memories in the Rampage Basketball Band this year.What's your favorite class and why?
One of my favorite classes that I have taken so far is MU 286, which is Introduction to Music Education. My professor for this class, Dr. Johnson, is so passionate about music education and really inspires me to become a great music teacher. This class was very interactive, and we had the opportunity to actually go into middle schools and teach a couple of small groups. It is a unique experience for freshmen to be able to get out into schools and teach, and I am so appreciative of this opportunity and found it to be a very valuable hands-on experience at teaching. This class exposed me to what it means to be in the field of music education and made me excited and motivated to continue in this career path.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I really enjoy being surrounded by peers who have the same passion and dedication to music as I do. Music has played an influential role in my life, and I am loving being able to focus on this and how to best teach in order to help my future students find their passion for music.
What's next?
I am going to continue to try and get as much hands-on experience at teaching music as I can in the next couple of years. I am going to get more involved in the Middle School Outreach Ensembles Program that is hosted at CSU and try and get out into schools more for observations and to teach a wide range of students.
Isabel Blosser
Major: English
Concentration: Education and Literature
Minor: Music
Year: Sophomore
Why CSU
It was purely by chance that I toured and researched CSU, and I ended up choosing to go to CSU so far from home because I knew that I wanted the independence of being on my own. I really liked the opportunities that CSU had to offer, and I loved the inclusive and uplifting community that CSU fosters. Campus and Fort Collins immediately became my new home, and I couldn’t be happier!
Path to my Major
I knew for a few years that I wanted to become an educator, but I was initially interested in Music Education. After giving it some thought and talking with my senior year AP Literature teacher, I knew that my path was to be an English educator. After taking the required (and super helpful!) English Symposium course in my first semester, I knew I wanted to add a second concentration in Literature.
Why do you study English and Music?
I study English Education because I want to be able to make a difference in the coming generations’ lives. I am learning so much about how to create an inclusive environment for students, and that is such an important ideal for me. Once I graduate, I plan to become a secondary English educator focusing on inclusive education by implementing works and voices of marginalized communities into common curriculum.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I am involved in the School of Music’s bassoon studio, as well as the Symphonic Band and the Concert Band. I also participate in the Rampage Basketball Band and the CSU Marching Band.
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I am involved in these clubs and organizations because of how passionate I am about the performing arts. I have been in bands and ensembles since I learned how to play an instrument in sixth grade, even after I had been playing piano for years prior. Music is an incredible experience that everyone should have the chance to enjoy, and participating in these clubs brings me so much joy in my everyday life.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class so far has been my English Symposium in my first semester! The Symposium class is such a great resource in beginning your English journey, as professors from each of the concentrations teach about their path for a few weeks apiece, and you get to learn about what each concentration does specifically. It’s SO helpful with deciding what you want to pursue, and all of the professors are so kind and such wonderful people! My second favorite class has been my Sociology of Race and Racism class, and I definitely suggest that people take it, regardless of their major! Prof. Shuey is great, and the class talks about so many important topics in our world.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite memory so far has been going to and playing at football and basketball games! The student culture is so supportive and the band never fails to create a really fun atmosphere for many different sports events.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love that my major allows me to make a difference once I get my degree, and I love that the College of Liberal Arts provides me with a great education on how best to create an environment of inclusion in my future career. The University’s focus on diversity is extremely important to me, and that focus helps to encourage me and show me how important it is to foster an inclusive education in my future.
Maya Dankowski
Major: International Studies
Concentration: Global Studies and Spanish
Year: Junior
Why CSU
Originally, I didn’t know if I would graduate high school after a very difficult senior year. I had dreams of attending California State University for pre-law. I gave up on my dream schools because they seemed so out of reach for me financially. After graduating high school, I attended Front Range Community College for affordability and convenience, where I received an associate’s degree in political science. I worked a 9-5 job for about a year and a half, but I was itching to go back to school. I was able to get sponsorship from the Colorado Department of Vocational Rehab in January of 2023, so they pay the overage in my tuition costs after financial aid. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue higher education at CSU.
Path to my Major
My path was very chaotic. After I graduated high school, I worked at a hotel reception job and chose to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Front Range. I chose criminal justice in the hopes of becoming a detective or forensic scientist. I thoroughly enjoyed many of the classes I took, but the course Criminal Profiling changed my view on the major I chose. I felt as if the professor didn’t take any of my objections to his biased data analysis seriously and that he was unprofessional.
I realizated that I wanted to pursue a path which would allow me to actively find solutions to global political and social issues without being trapped within the confines of a singular institution. I changed my major to political science. After graduating Front Range, I was extremely burnt out, broke, and didn’t see myself going back to school. I worked at an eye doctor’s clinic, but after awhile I began to feel restless. I found myself doing research on global issues in my spare time. I felt like I needed to go back to school and get more information and context on what I was reading. The international studies degree I selected opens up many career opportunities. I am interested in working with NGOs, doing research abroad, and humanitarian work. I am also interested in working in the political sphere, but I have to admit I have a healthy fear of politicians.
Why do you study International Studies?
I chose my major because I wanted a degree that would allow me to learn as much about global issues as possible, help me land jobs abroad, travel, and pursue a career in a wide variety of fields. I am passionate about helping poeple and learning about different cultures, ideas, and history. I yearn to make a tangible difference in theworld. International Studies covers all of that for me.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I am in Bassic Acapella, it’s the first club I’ve been a part of in my college career and I’m so happy to be a part of it. I’ve always had a passion for music. In high school, I was in band and choir, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sense of community and the musical outlet.
What's your favorite class and why?
Right now, my favorite class is my International Studies Research methods class. (INST 301). I feel like I am learning very important skills that are necessary for the career I am looking for. My professor is great, and I have friends in the class that are amazing to work with. I really enjoy the arts-based methods of research- ethnographies, life history films, etc. This class has given me a clearer picture of what my career path may be. I also enjoy my climate change class. (GR 410) Although it is at times a very upsetting topic, we learn so much in this class and the discussions we have are always very eye-opening and valuable.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
I don’t know if I have a very specific one, probably getting into Bassic Acapella!
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love that it seems like there are endless topics for me to learn more about. I also love geography and history, and International Studies is perfect for that. I love that many of my professors take a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to teaching and are very supportive of students and their needs.
What's next?
I can’t say for absolute certainty, but I know I want to do research abroad and possibly pursue a master’s degree. I also want experience in humanitarian assistance. Above all else, my goals are to help others and promote positive changes within the world.
Brianna Smith
Majors: Dance and Political Science
Concentration: US Government, Law, and Public Policy
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I wanted to choose a school that allowed me to pursue both my passions in political science and dance. I auditioned and applied for many programs, but CSU was the school that allowed me to double major and graduate within four years.
Path to my Major
Before starting at CSU, I knew I wanted to study dance alongside studying government and law enforcement. The career tools and advising CSU had allowed me to decide which major would fit my interests best, and I eventually settled on political science.
Why do you study Dance and Political Science?
I am interested in going to law school and pursuing a career in law or government relations, so political science is a good route to prepare me for my goals. I have always been a dancer, so majoring in dance allows me to continue my creative outlet and explore another possible career opportunity before entering the political science world.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
I am the publicity chair for the Dance Student Advisory Committee (DSAC), and I manage our social media, apparel, and event publicity.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class has been SPCM 100 – Communications and Popular Culture - because I love all things pop culture and it was so interesting to explore the deeper meanings of my favorite shows and movies, and how different types of media are made!
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite CSU memory has been performing in the CSU dance concerts each semester. It is so fun to perform for friends and family and support my fellow dancers!
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love the flexibility and individuality of my majors that allows me to pursue both my interests in college. No student is the same and CLA honors the choices each of us make in order to reach our goals.
What's next?
My goal is to perform in a traveling dance company for a little while after graduating and eventually go back to law school and pursue a career in law.
Alli Price
Majors: Journalism and Media Communications
Minor: Sports Management
Year: Senior
Why CSU
Ironically, CSU was not my first choice when I began my college search. I was born here in Fort Collins and raised around the Northern Colorado area. After losing a bet to my dad, I went on a tour of the campus and immediately fell in love with the view of the mountains and the journalism department. It had everything that I was looking for and more.
Path to my Major
On my college search, I was on the lookout for a school with a decent journalism department, particularly TV broadcast journalism. Since the age of 15, I had dreams of being a reporter for the MLB. On my tour of CSU, I was blown away by the student media program. Walking through the newsroom made me feel like I was touring an actual news publication. I was also taken down to the TV studio and I could immediately see myself thriving there. Now almost four years into studying journalism and media communication, I know that it is still where my passion lies.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
I worked with CTV (Collegian TV) for roughly a year and a half as a sports reporter, Women in Sports anchor, and a member of studio crew. I also did an internship with the Fort Collins Foxes Baseball Club last summer where I worked in game operations as well as sales and marketing. I am currently working part time for Ginger and Baker as a barista where I get to make my favorite thing in the world... coffee.
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I initially joined CTV to get firsthand experience with my dream job as a sports reporter. It helped me understand the joys and some of the harsh realities that come with such a fast-paced yet rewarding job. This job taught me the ins and outs of what my dream job would look like and helped me realize that I am fully capable of making it in the industry; it's just finding the drive to put in the labor. I made personal and professional connections with CTV that will last me a substantial amount of time. I found the Game Operations Internship with the Fort Collins Foxes Baseball Club on CSU's job searching database, Handshake. This internship took place over about two months during the summer. This internship gave me hands on experience in working for a sports organization on a professional level. The skills that I learned during this internship included sales, game promotions, and also gave me experience in sponsorships/marketing. Choosing to work a part time job during my college career was one of the smartest things that I've done, even though I know it is not for everybody. Not only am I helping cover my college expenses, but a lot of my coworkers are students at CSU as well, so it has helped me grow in my social life as well. I am currently using my paycheck to save for a study abroad trip that I plan on going on for the summer term.
What's your favorite class and why?
Thus far, my favorite class that I have taken is Online Engagement & Storytelling (JTC 326). This class helps you navigate and strengthen your skills in all thing's journalism and media. We had different units dedicated to different media including video production, podcast production, writing for a beat, and web design to name a few. What I liked about this course is that it helped me find my affinity for media communication as a whole and that I don't just have to focus on one avenue so long as I am well-rounded in each area. I also loved my instructor for the class, Michelle Ancell. She was so encouraging and only wanted the best for her students. She was kind enough to even meet with me one on one when I was stressing about jobs/internships and how I was worried that I wouldn't stand out as an applicant once I graduated. She not only provided me with a bunch of resources and connections but also helped ease my anxiety about what lied ahead for me.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
Oddly enough, my favorite CSU memory happened during the height of COVID-19 lockdown. I was still working for CTV as a Women in Sports' reporter, and all of our shows were recorded via zoom. I had the opportunity to interview my professional idol, Jenny Cavnar, reporter for the Colorado Rockies and CSU alumni, alongside one of my friends and fellow reporter. It was so surreal, and I'll remember it for the rest of my life.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
After spending years in this program, my favorite part about my major and the College of Liberal Arts is how welcoming and encouraging everyone is. I was worried since the specific industry that I am going into is so competitive that my classmates would treat college as a competition and wouldn't be interested in making friends. I was worried about not finding "my people" or a sense of community when I got to college. I can honestly say that I found it with this department. This department is about building each other up since we are all on the same team working towards the same goal.
What's next?
As of right now, I plan on studying abroad with my favorite professor Christina Minihan this summer in Italy to study culinary tourism. I also have plans to work an internship with Townsquare Media as soon as I get back. In five years, it is my hope that I will have roots planted somewhere in Colorado and I can work full time doing social media management and strategic communication for a professional sports organization, or an organization that I am passionate about.
Anna Harbert
Major: Dance
Minor: Nutrition
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I chose CSU because of how beautiful and open the campus is, the principals of community, and all the amazing opportunities I knew CSU would provide me with. I especially love all of the nature on and surrounding campus. CSU has such a warm and welcoming environment and the college of liberal arts was incomparable to other schools I looked at, so I knew CSU was the school for me.
Path to my Major
I have always known that I wanted to be a part of the college of liberal arts. Being a dancer my whole life the choice of my specific major was easy, but after visiting the school and seeing the amazing facilities the decision became even easier. After taking a nutrition introduction class I fell in love with the topic and now want to continue my education with nutrition as well as dance.
Why do you study Dance?
Studying dance is something I feel very passionate about. I believe in the performing arts we have a really big influence on people’s lives in more ways than we realize. Whether that is inspiring the young generations through outreach programs or bringing joy to peoples’ lives through performance opportunities. I have learned so many social, physical, and professional skills through the dance program at CSU. While increasing my dance technique I have also learned about so many different areas of dance such as education, music for dance, literature and history in dance, and so many social aspects of dance. Learning about all of these ideas has taught me about how broad of a spectrum dance influences whether we realize it or not and I apply all of these concepts to my daily life.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I am a part of the CLA ambassadors, nutrition club, and work at the University Center of the Arts as an events staff!
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I love being involved outside of my classes and getting to interact with all of the other people involved in these groups. Being more involved in the college of liberal arts through the ambassadors as well as the events staff gives me the opportunity to meet and support so many other students also involved in the college. These organizations also all provide me with great opportunities for professional development.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class is definitely my ballet class. I love ballet in general but CSU has an amazing ballet curriculum and a really beautiful dance space that makes the class even more enjoyable.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite CSU memory is probably going to football games in the Fall. I love being surrounded by so many people showing their school spirit and being excited together.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love all the people that I get to be surrounded by everyday. All of my classmates, peers, and fellow students in the college of liberal arts are incredibly supportive and I’m so lucky that I get to be around them everyday.
What's next?
As of now I’m planning on going into further education with hopes of becoming a registered dietician. I am unsure of my plans regarding my dance major but I’m excited to see where life takes me and I know that my classes will continue to prepare me for life once I graduate!
Amber Thibeault
Major: Women and Gender Studies
Double Major: Ethnic Studies
Year: Junior
Why CSU
After my first visit to campus, I loved the environment, people, and how open, yet walkable and bikeable the campus was. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study at first, so I decided to start with Women and Gender Studies because of some experiences I had in high school. I chose CSU because of its campus and people. Fort Collins is such a beautiful area that I knew I wanted to live in. Having been on my high school’s yearbook staff, I love photography, and the CSU campus has many beautiful places to take pictures and enjoy being in nature! I also chose CSU because I knew I would be needing to work with the CSU Health and Medical Center and the Student Disability Center (SDC) for some health issues I was dealing with. After knowing CSU students who had great experiences with the Health Center and the SDC, I felt confident that my health needs would be met on campus.
Path to my Major
I have kept my original major of Women and Gender Studies, but have also added Ethnic Studies as a double major. I wanted to pursue Women and Gender Studies because of some experiences I faced in high school, and I decided to add on the Ethnic Studies major not only because these areas of study go hand-in-hand, but also because of what I have learned about what is happening in the world around us.
Why do you study English and Music?
I am studying Ethnic Studies & Women and Gender Studies because I want to learn more about systems of power and oppression, and how they condition people to think and act. It is absolutely fascinating to learn about these issues and how we can’t analyze one issue without addressing another. It truly shows how interconnected all events and issues are to one another. I like to help people and I know that what I am learning will help me be a better advocate for others.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I am a member of the Invisible Disability club which was started in the Fall of 2022. I also work at the Women and Gender Advocacy Center on the Red Whistle Brigade. On the Brigade we educate others on interpersonal violence, stalking, consent, and other issues via social media campaigns and presentations.
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I got involved in the Invisible Disabilities club since I have personal experience with Invisible Disabilities. I had a class with the person who started the club last semester and really enjoyed our conversations surrounding this topic. Although the club has paused its meetings, it was amazing to talk to other students who have invisible disabilities and hear how it impacts them and their academics.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was WS 350 titled Feminist Solidarity and Action. We discussed solidarity, activism, accountability, and social justice movements. Since that was a smaller class, I loved the small, intimate conversations that we were able to have. Every presentation that we had on the assigned books and readings turned into a class discussion where we reflected on the ideas that were present, and our real world experience with those ideas. The discussions and book that we read about accountability were truly life changing in how I see learning from mistakes. I love to discuss these ideas with others so they know why making and learning from mistakes is so valuable.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
I attended the Carnival during Ram Welcome week during my first week on campus with my sister. I was anxious about starting a new chapter of my life, so I was happy to spend some time with her. It rained a little bit, and there was a beautiful rainbow over campus, and it made me feel happy and proud of my choice to come here. My sister and I are now roommates in the Aggie Village Apartments on campus and we proudly display the caricature drawing that an artist drew of us at the Carnival!
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love the open conversations we have in my classes. I feel comfortable with my classmates and Professors in how we are all constantly learning new things. I love how applicable my course content is with the real world, and how it gives me a better understanding of myself, my family, the people around me, and the systems that exist in our country! After the challenges of learning online during the pandemic, being in-person at college and getting to choose classes that interest me has made me excited for school again! I couldn’t believe it when I first made the Dean’s List in the College of Liberal Arts! Gravitating toward things I’m passionate about has made learning at CSU so much fun!
What's next?
Honestly, I don’t know what’s next! I am excited to see where things take me! I know that I would love to help others in any way that I can. Because of both of my majors, I know that I have a wide selection of career options after I graduate.
Sophia Galier
Majors: Art
Concentration: Painting
Minor: Music, Stage, and Sports Production
Year: Sophomore
Why CSU
I toured CSU my sophomore year of highschool and immediately fell in love. I knew then that this was the school I had to go to.
Path to my Major
I choose AUCC courses that help with creative thinking, for example this semester I’m taking music appreciation and clothing, adornment, and human behavior. They help with learning about new cultures and inspiring creative ideas and thinking. Just because you have to take core classes doesn’t mean they have to be boring.
Why do you study art?
I study art because I love it and I cant imagine anything else. I have learned basic art skills, creative and new ways of thinking, how to take critique, and new techniques. I apply these skills to projects inside the classroom and outside the classroom with homework and personal projects, and I am hoping to become a professional graphic designer/full-time artist.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
I am involved with the metals guild and Planned Parenthood Generation 101.
Why are you involved in these clubs? What does involvement on campus (or off) provide you both personally and professionally?
I joined metals guild because I wanted to be apart of a fun art club and I enjoy making jewelry (and wearing it) I joined PPGen because I’m passionate about women’s rights and reproductive rights and I wanted to get involved in someway.
What's your favorite class and why?
I love my art history classes. They are taught by Professor Isabelle Pech who is just so sweet and an amazing professor.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite CSU memory is probably RamWelcome week. We had just moved in and it was a lot of fun doing all the welcome activities and just meeting so many new people.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love that being an art major I get to do what I love every single day. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What's next?
Sophomore year and getting my first apartment!
Sean O'Brien
Majors: English
Concentration: Creative Writing
Minors: Anthropology & Conservation Biology
Year: Sophomore
Why CSU
I narrowed down my college search process only to public schools in Colorado to avoid out-of-state tuition, however that still left an overwhelming number of options. I ultimately decided on CSU because I got my first tattoo after my first tour of campus, and after that the university just held a special place in my heart. My decision came fairly last minute because of indecisiveness; however, I haven’t regretted my choice since.
Path to my Major
I was lucky in the sense that I had a clear idea of what I wanted my primary major to be before applying to university (I can’t say I’d recommend it, but existential crises can be helpful in some situations). Choosing my minors was a little bit more difficult just because CSU has so many options, and I was even thinking of double majoring in Psychology at what point. However, I finally decided on Anthropology and Conservation Biology which I couldn’t be more excited about!
Why do you study English?
As of now, screenwriting is what I’m hoping to pursue after college and English fits very nicely into that. As for the minors, I had a few dual enrollment credits graduating and thought it would be interesting to study in these areas too. Depending on the type and genre of film, my minors could be helpful, but they are mainly for the fun extra trivia knowledge.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
First year I was involved in Le Cercle Français, Colorado State’s French club and I still try to make it to meetings when I find the time. I just became a student ambassador for the college of liberal arts, and I’m also set for a semester abroad with Semester at Sea in the Spring of 2025, both of which I am super excited about!
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class I’ve taken at CSU oddly was SPCM 200, my Public Speaking class. I wasn’t super excited that I had to register for it initially, but it turned out to be tons of fun. You really learn a lot about your peers given the freedom you have with the speeches, and the professor made the class tons of fun.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
This 100% is a very unoriginal and overly sappy answer, but it’s true so slay. It’d have to be the people that I’ve met here, and my current friend group and roommates are already some of the closest relationships I’ve made since high school.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
My favorite thing about the College of Liberal Arts is just the diversity of majors and how much you can learn in each discipline. With English, there are a countless number of stories you can read/write, and you learn about so many different perspectives. Anthropology is similar where you learn about so many cultures and really feel a sense of connection to the world, which is also why I’m especially excited for my Semester at Sea.
What's next?
My biggest goal is to go into screenwriting and thinking of getting a teaching licensure and possibly teaching at an international school in Europe. It’s also on my bucket list to meet Cam the actual Ram before I graduate, and we’re going to be best friends, I just know it.
Annabel Xiong
Major: Music
Concentration: Music Therapy
Year: Junior
Why CSU
When I decided I wanted to study music therapy, I researched programs across the country. I came across CSU and learned about the contributions the music therapy program has made for the field. CSU’s music therapy program presented a variety of opportunities for me to work closely with faculty members and study the decades of curated research and resources dedicated to music therapy practices. I also love being outdoors and was drawn to CSU because of how close we are to the mountains.
Path to my Major
I always knew I wanted to do something related to music since it has always been a big part of my life. I started playing violin when I was three, then piano when I was seven, and continued to pursue opportunities to sing and play different instruments throughout my life. When researching career paths in the music field, I discovered music therapy. It was something I had no prior knowledge of, but the concept of combining music and psychology to help others immediately resonated with me and I am excited to continue to pursue music therapy.
Why do you study Music Therapy?
I am studying music therapy because I want to help with empowering individuals and improving or maintaining one’s quality of life in a supportive, inclusive environment. I also want to do my part to contribute diverse perspectives in the music therapy/mental health and medical field.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I am a member of CSU’s concert choir, piano studio, and algae club. I am also the marketing chair for CSU’s Music Therapy Student Association (MTSA)!
What's your favorite class and why?
One of my favorite classes right now is MU44 Medical Music Therapy Methods. I really enjoy learning about a variety of diverse populations in the hospital setting. It is also a very interactive class, as we engage in applying musical techniques to various hypothetical and real-life scenarios.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
One of my favorite CSU memories is from my practicum at an assisted living facility with older adults. At the time, I had been co-leading music therapy sessions for the semester and we had made one of our last sessions to be holiday themed. It was so fun to play music with the group and hear about their holiday traditions!
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love that the music therapy major is relatively small because it gives students a chance to get to know one another. I would say that a lot of my closest friends are from my major because we share the same passions inside and outside of school.
What's next?
I am going to continue working towards my degree and co-leading sessions in different practicum sites until I graduate. After my academic coursework, I will complete a six-month internship before receiving my diploma. I am also researching different opportunities for earning a master's degree.
Hannah Rowton
Major: English
Concentration: Education
Year: Freshman
Why CSU
The college search process was one of the most stressful experiences of my life (maybe an exaggeration but it was very stressful). I originally committed to another school out of state before embarking on a gap year abroad. But after taking some time away from school I found new parts of myself and wanted different things than I originally did when committing to a college. I also really missed my home state of Colorado as well as the connections I had made there. I ultimately decided to commit to CSU when I returned home because of the vast amounts of opportunities I knew I would be provided here. I am so proud to call myself a Ram!
Path to my Major
I have always wanted to be an educator, I am sure there is a picture of me somewhere out there holding up a board in kindergarten with the word ‘teacher’ scrawled in my cute little six-year-old handwriting answering the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. For the longest time, I didn’t really know what I wanted to teach or what kind of teacher I wanted to be until I fell in love with reading in middle school after finishing the Harry Potter book series. After that, I was completely hooked on books and even got into writing (my mom says I’m talented, I’ll take her word for it). But from then on I knew I wanted to be an English teacher, and I’m excited for the next generation of students I get to share my passion with! So of course, English Education is the place for me.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)
I am a part of the Honors Program as well as the Blake Leadership Scholars. I will also be a Resident Assistant in the coming academic year!
What's your favorite class and why?
The first class I ever attended at CSU was my Honors 192 seminar called “Children’s Literature and Culture” and it has so far been my absolute favorite course. Seminar-based classes are my jam and being able to talk about childhood and the books we are so familiar with from our own childhoods (such as The Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Harry Potter) from an adult perspective was interesting, incredible, and fun. Everyone had so many things to say and I had never been in a class before where everyone was so engaged and thoughtful. It was a great introduction to the college classroom and though it wasn’t a major specific course, it reaffirmed my decision to go into English Education. From this course and a few of the courses I have taken since I have realized that pedagogy, literature, and language go so much deeper than I will ever have the opportunity to know.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
This past fall, my little sister came up from home for the parents' weekend football game. We ended up attending the game with a couple of my friends from high school and CSU was down the entire game. During halftime, I think 85% of the stadium left and chalked it up to another CSU loss but the four of us decided to stay, after all, my sister had driven up for the game. We ended up in the front row, taking hilarious pictures with the security guards and both Cam the Ram and Cam the mascot, having a fun time regardless of the score. All of a sudden, CSU made two touchdowns that tied them with the other team and at the very last second of the game scored a field goal, winning the game. We stormed the field, hailed my sister as a lucky charm, and I woke up the next morning without my voice.
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
When I decided to major in English I kept thinking of the John Mulaney skit where he jokes about getting a degree in a language he already knew. I wondered, briefly, if this is what I was doing, pursuing a degree in something I already knew all there is to know or all that is important to know. Boy was I wrong. The further I get into my degree the more I realize I will never know everything about this language, and though that may be daunting it is also so incredibly exciting. I love not only learning all of these new things about also sharing the experience of learning them with peers and professors who are just as passionate as me about them.
What's next?
I am still exploring all of the wonderful opportunities that await me when I leave CSU. But in an ideal world, I hope to pursue a master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and travel whilst teaching English as a career. After this venture, I hope to one day return to Colorado and teach here, because no matter what, Colorado will always be my home!
Belle Hybertson
Majors: Music Performance, Political Science
Concentration: Trombone, Global Politics
Year: Freshman
Why CSU
When searching for schools, I was looking for certain criteria: a robust music program, a marching band, and respectable political science staff. This search process led me here! The CSU SMTD is a wonderful place to learn how to be an incredible musician, the CSU marching band was not only appealing based on the sense I got from then-current members, but also pays its members to be there, and the political science staff were the most receptive to the questions I asked out of any of the schools I was looking at, and responded to emails promptly (an underrated and overlooked action that meant a lot to me). For these reasons, and lots of others that I picked up along the way, I chose CSU.
Path to my Major
I knew that I wanted to double-major in political science and music from the moment I began thinking about college. I had realized early on that I did not want to give up music, even though I was scared that I would have a tough time justifying it due to the lack of career options available. The justification I produced was a second major. However, political science is much more than a secondary major to me. I have a passion to fix what is wrong with the world around me, and it was an easy decision to make that my second major.
Why do you study music and political science?
More than anything, I love playing music. Every time I pick up the trombone, my love grows for performing a little more. I have a passion for playing in ensembles, learning new music, and understanding how it all works. I am studying political science because of my inherent need to make the world a better place for everyone to live in. I love learning about government systems, and how and why they vary throughout the world. I really want to be able to make a mark on the world, leaving it more successful than when I found it.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (oncampus or off)
Marching Band, various Pep Bands, Pre-Law Club, Legislative Internship under Sen. Janice Marchman, the Honors Program, the Blake Leadership Scholars program, and Kappa Kappa Psi Band Service Fraternity
What's your favorite class and why?
I love Music History. It is taught by Dr. Dan Obluda, and is one of the most fun, interesting, awesome classes I have ever taken. Dr. Obluda is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He is so incredibly passionate and excited about everything he teaches; it is infectious. He encourages even the most concealed personalities to speak about how the music speaks to them, mining out the passion within us, making it my favorite class.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite memory was when the football team threw a touchdown against Boise State in the last 10 seconds and won in an upset. It was epic!
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
I love that there is flexibility within my political science degree; there are so many classes that I can take, each one of them just as interesting as the last! There are not too many required classes, so I get to choose the classes that seem the most fun to me. I also love that I can take a bunch of chamber ensembles for my music degree; I love playing in small ensembles because we get to pick our music and rehearse on our own time, which is a lot more chill than a lot of the other ensembles.
What's next?
I would love to attend graduate school after this! No matter which path I choose to continue on, I know that CSU will have set me up in a successful way.
Morgan Snyder
Majors: Political Science
Minors: Creative Writing
Year: Junior
Why CSU
I had the unfortunate challenge of college hunting during the 2020-2021 school year, and by
that time, I had only visited 2 colleges. So, I decided to go based off the information I had
available and my own wants and needs from a college from location to major offerings. In the
end I had narrowed it down to 3 colleges, Western Michigan, Northern Arizona, and Colorado
State. After reviewing the facts, the courses offered at all three places, and examining the
states of Michigan, Arizonia, and Colorado, I came to the decision to go to CSU due to its
medium size, and vibrant community.
Path to my Major
I’ve always wanted to study Politics forever. I’ve wanted to study it since the very beginning of
my educational career. As for minors, Poli Sci Majors are required to take a minor, so I’ve been
exploring the ideas of getting a minor that melds well with my Major, or taking one that
develops my creative skills.
Why do you study Political Science?
I’m studying Political Science because I want to go into politics after school. My main goal is to make a difference in the world at large and I feel the best way to do that is to make change on the macro scale by getting to politics in order to help make the world a better place. And by studying Political Science, I can take the first steps into making those changes.
The Real Question is what I am NOT part of. I am a member of Sci-Fi/Fantasy Club, The Liberal Arts Deans Leadership Council (LADLC), Multicultural Undergraduate Reseach Art and Leadership Symposium (MURALS), and Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU). Along with this, I am a frequent participant at the Pride Center.
First year I was involved in Le Cercle Français, Colorado State’s French club and I still try to make it to meetings when I find the time. I just became a student ambassador for the college of liberal arts, and I’m also set for a semester abroad with Semester at Sea in the Spring of 2025, both of which I am super excited about!
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class I've ever taken was my Schooling in the United States class I took as an elective. The subject matter was engaging and helped with my own goals by allowing me to study the cracks in the school system. The teacher was also really good and allowed me to develop my writing skills and improve upon myself.
What's your favorite CSU memory?
My favorite CSU memory is back in Freshman year. At that time, I was starting to figure myself out like most freshmen, and my friends held a hair dying party. I went there to the party and hung out with my friends and dyed the back of my hair blue. That was one of the first major events I’d been to at that time, and the one that cemented my place at CSU
What do you love about your major/College of Liberal Arts?
What I love about the College of Liberal Arts is that it is the most encompassing college on campus. You can do just about anything and there will be a spot in the liberal arts. The artistic fields and the political ones are the most common, but almost all humanities and arts are under the field, showing that CLA is a group of scholars studying their passions regardless of what that subject matter is.
What's next?
Following my Graduation and gaining my bachelor's degree. I am planning to take a gap year before going to Grad School for my Ph.D. After getting my Ph.D., I will enter the political sphere and attempt to use my political knowhow to make the world a better place for the citizens of the US and beyond.