The Nuts and Bolts of Social Change

Polly Terzian '17

Polly Terzian ’17 

Student-athlete and Eco Rep Polly Terzian ’17 is on a quest to understand exactly how society operates, so she can best work to enact positive change. Learn about her ideal double-feature, her digital-fundraising internship, her favorite U.S. city and more.

Majors:

Policy management.

Clubs and organizations:

Cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field, Pi Beta Phi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Athletic Eco Reps and Student Athletic Advisory Committee (president, member of Athletic Director Search Committee).

Honors/scholarships/awards:

Dean’s List, Alpha Lambda Delta, Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll and the first student to be profiled in the CSE Spotlight e-newsletter.

Favorite book:

Harry Potter series.

Favorite movies:

21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street.

On choosing a major:

I knew that I wanted to work with people and implement social change. By combining policy management and American studies, I hope to better understand how individuals and society operate, and then apply my knowledge to bettering our world. I am from Washington, D.C., and I hope to live there after graduation, partly because I'm in love with the city and because there are many opportunities in the policy field.

On choosing Dickinson:

I decided to attend Dickinson because it felt like home. The college’s emphasis on sustainability and global outreach were very attractive to me, and when I visited the campus, I enjoyed interacting with the people here. Everyone was passionate about being at Dickinson, and while we all are Dickinsonians, every person is uniquely himself or herself. Beyond its location, mission as a school and positive “gut vibes,” Dickinson also has a phenomenal cross country team and a cappella groups.

Favorite place on campus:

Everywhere.

Favorite Dining Hall food:

Baked oatmeal.

Favorite class:

Professor [of Political Science Mark] Ruhl’s Introduction to Latin American and Caribbean Studies. In this class, I was challenged to think critically. Class was always stimulating and engaging—with discussions and film—and I loved the essays and readings.

About my internships:

I’ve interned at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and at the Green Schools Alliance (GSA). And, this past summer, at Anne Lewis Strategies (ALS). Through these experiences, I learned how to use certain software and what it’s like to be in a digital-marketing office environment (ALS). I also learned grassroots organizing (CCAN), and public relations, advocacy and managing intern programs (GSA).

If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …

… my parents, because they have given so much to make me who I am today. Now that I’m in college, I appreciate spending time with them way more than I did while I was home. Plus, they’re awesome people and, beyond being parental units, are some of my best friends.

Most important thing I’ve learned (so far):

The most important thing I’ve learned so far is a general concept of learning for learning’s sake. I also learned that it’s important to put yourself out there and become exposed to different people and things. It expands your perspective and aids your growth as an individual.

In a perfect world …

… we wouldn’t have stereotypes.

Learn more

Published July 2, 2015