Amanda Loehrke is a Political Science Major and is about to declare a major in Democracy and Justice Studies with an emphasis either in U.S. and the World or American Studies. Here’s what she had to say:
When do you plan on graduating? I will most likely be graduating in the Spring of 2021.
Why did you major in Political Science and Democracy and Justice Studies? I have always found an interest in politics from a young age and found an importance in the subject. In high school, I avidly participated in student government, went to Waupaca County Government Day, and attended Badger Girls State. My freshman year of college, I took a civics course which garnered my interest in pursuing a career in political science. Majoring DJS seems to be another relevant topic in today’s society and peaks my interest as well. Studying the meaning of justice and the history of democracy is an intriguing subject. I hope to continue to learn an abundance of knowledge in these subjects to benefit my future career.
What are your plans for after graduation?I am still undecided as to what to pursue specifically since there are various careers which I developed and interest in. As I continue throughout my college courses, I hope to explore more careers and find one I can put my hard work towards.
What academic experience or accomplishment are you most proud of?In the Fall 2018 semester, I participated in two academic experiences which I am very proud of. Over the course of the semester, I partook in an independent research project on the historical significance of confederate states on their voting affiliations today. This was my first true research project and I am proud of the work I accomplished in a short amount of time. The second accomplishment is an award I earned in my Intro. to DJS class: the Martin Luther King Social Justice Award. This award was given to one of the projects on an inequality in the world; my paper discussed felony disenfranchisement and my group received the award for our project. This Spring 2019 semester I am a Teaching Assistant for American Government and Politics. I am looking forward to the class and gaining some experience with having a teaching role in a college course.
What single thing do you hope to accomplish at UWGB before graduating?I hope to gather an abundance of knowledge to take with me when I graduate. Before I graduate, I would like to somehow make an impact the university or other students in some capacity. I strive to be a positive influence to others and have a positive attitude towards my education.
What do you do for fun?On campus, I am a member of Jazz Ensemble I. In this upper level jazz band, I rehearse twice a week and have a few performances each semester. I have been playing Alto Saxophone for nine years and now play either Alto or Tenor. I quite enjoy music and theater and try to participate whenever I can. Also on campus I play intramural volleyball and sand volleyball when the weather permits. This is a fun way to make friends and stay active. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends (and my family when I can see them), drawing and painting, and watching documentaries and other shows. I also enjoy traveling and experience other places and hope to expand my places traveled in the future.
What else do you want people to know about you?Over the 2019 January Interim, I had a week-long internship at the Capitol in Madison. I interned for State Senator Schachter’s office; I wrote letters to constituents, wrote citations, answered phone calls, and went to meetings. This was a great experience to see how our State Government runs and showed me some jobs available in the political sect. I am quite looking forward to pursuing a career in Political Science and DJS.
