IMJR: Peace Studies

Current Pursuit: School Principal

Why Individualized? My inspiration for the individualized major started with a lack of enthusiasm for my initial major (business). I was not doing well and doing a lot of reflection. I read a blurb about Peace Studies in a catalog. It sounded interesting. I met with professor Luyster (Philosophy) and we came up with a program of study. The courses helped shape me as the person I was going to become.

Most memorable course or project from your major? The courses I most remember were Global Militarism and Human Survival, Latin American Studies, Revolutionary Social Movements throughout the World, and White Racism. One event that was noteworthy was I was able to have a meal and attend a panel discussion with Noam Chomsky. I also went to see Mikhail Gorbachev speak at Jorgensen. All of these things impacted me and kept my interest to continue to study and obtain my degree.

IMJR life impact? Overall, while I eventually landed as a public school teacher and now principal, my undergrad shaped me a great deal. I choose to work for diverse school systems and for families that are historically marginalized. I landed at my current employer ten years ago because its mission aligns with what is important to me. I needed those studies all those years ago to help me figure this out.