Name: Gretchem Aikens
Where I call home: Guadalajara, Mexico
Class year : 2012
Major/Intended Major: Political Science/East Asian Studies Concentration
Why I came to Grinnell: I came to Grinnell because I was looking for a liberal arts education that would allow me to explore different disciplines while still letting me develop my interest in politics through my major.
How do I occupy myself? I occupy myself by being part of different organization on campus, like the International Student Organizations and the Grinnell Model United Nations club. I am also a Student Adviser. All these activities allow me to expand my interests, meet new people and participate in the process of community building.
What’s the best part about going to Grinnell? Grinnell’s community is very singular and diverse. It often makes you forget that we’re in a small town in the middle of Iowa.
My favorite class at Grinnell so far: I actually took my favorite course so far while studying abroad through the Grinnell-in-London program. It was called Principles of Ethno-National Conflicts & Their Management. My favorite course taken at Grinnell has been Fundamentals of Acting.
Three words that describe Grinnell for me: Challenging, unique, engaging
My advice to prospective students: Buy a good winter jacket, be ready to meet great people and take advantage of the liberal arts academic approach that Grinnell offers by taking a variety of different courses through your college career.
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