Student Testimonials
Heather Worthington '10
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Major:International Studies Hometown:Sioux Falls, South Dakota Internships:I interned for the Iraqi Ambassador at the United Nations in New York city in the summers of 2009 and 2010. |
Involvement
Model United Nations, Writing Center tutor, 2010 Strollers Show with the Gosh Darn Independents and Mayor (of Sioux Falls) Mike Huether's campaign.
Why did you choose USD?Originally, I choose USD because it offered the major I liked, offered affordable tuition, and was close to home. I felt USD was small enough that it was a non-threatening environment where I could have one on one time with my teachers. Yet, USD is big enough to offer many opportunities that smaller colleges cannot. |
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My passion for other cultures and politics led me to International Studies.
What or who inspired you to choose your major?
When I was 15, I started volunteering at a non-profit store called Ten Thousand Villages, that sells handmade goods from third world countries and sends proceeds back to the international artisans so they are able to afford food, schooling and housing. I gained a lot of knowledge about other countries and cultures while working there. My passion for other cultures and politics led me to International Studies.
How is USD different than other schools?
Professors at USD seem to really care about their students' progress, and smaller class sizes provide that opportunity to speak with your professor more often.
What made a difference in your college experience?
The opportunity to intern at the United Nations. The connections at USD has with other countries, the government and businesses allow students to branch out into hundreds of areas of work and study. Going to New York and actively participating at the United Nations with people from different cultural backgrounds and countries gave me knowledge that I applied to my classes. The faculty at USD really supported me and their guidance helped me grow as both a student and an adult.
What is your most inspiring class or professor?
I've had many professors, but two stick out the most. Dr. Dona Davis' insight on other cultures is always enlightening. Also, Tim Schorn has pushed me to see the world through hundreds of different lenses. Every class or encounter I have with him leaves me with a million new thoughts and ideas that I am always anxious to pursue. They continually ask me to question my logic or common ways of thinking, which is important for a student studying other cultures, countries and politics.
What are your plans after graduation?
I feel we are never done learning and hope to continue my education, whether it be at graduate school or participating in the Peace Corps in Africa. I still feel like a kid with millions of options and I intend to try them all until I find the one I love. However, if I could have my way, I would be traveling the world writing for National Geographic, The New York Times, or even for fun, The Onion.