The Global View
Allen Belo '18
As a kid, Allen Belo ’18 dreamed of building his own city. In high school, he wrote a novella and taught himself to code. Now, at Dickinson, he’s a student leader and athlete who’s preparing to build bridges between cultures and nations. Here, he discusses his love of global music, his fascination with international crisis management and why it’s important to keep up with current events.
Majors:
International studies and French.
Clubs and organizations:
Student Senate (sophomore class senator, Club Consulting Committee, Language Club liaison) and swimming.
Favorite book:
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell.
Favorite movie:
Mad Max: Fury Road.
On choosing a major:
I had known for a long time that I wanted to work in an international field, so my first major choice was not hard at all. I also knew that I wanted to pursue an additional interest—the only problem was, I couldn’t decide. Luckily, the combination of wise guidance from my international studies advisor, [Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies] Ed Webb, and my love of my French classes, semester after semester, helped to illuminate my second major.
Favorite class (so far):
It’s hard to narrow down my favorite, but it may be [Associate] Professor [of Political Science and International Studies] Kristine Mitchell's International Relations Theory, because it really opened my eyes to how the world works. Before taking that class during second semester of freshman year, I had an idealized view of the world and how it operated. Professor Mitchell’s class shattered this idea but instilled in me an even greater interest in international politics and crisis management.
On choosing Dickinson:
I decided on Dickinson for two main reasons: the international studies program (notably the choices for study abroad) and my second visit. My second visit to the college sealed my decision because I felt at ease—at home, even.
Favorite place on campus:
Baird’s common room (second floor).
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Apple enchiladas.
As a kid, I wanted to be …
… both a librarian and a weatherman, as a young kid. Then, for a long time, I wanted to be an architect, so I could build my own city.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I hope to be able to be a part of the UN one day and help solve future international crises. I also hope I'll have the privilege to be able to travel the world and learn as much as I can about our collective history and international cultures.
Most important thing I’ve learned (so far):
That it is always important to stay up-to-date with current events, because the more you know, the more you can talk about. The more you can talk about with other people, the more you can learn from them.
Proudest accomplishment:
During my senior year of high school, I wrote a 165-page novella based off of two paintings. I never sent it to a publishing company, but I hope to someday. I am proud of the fact I was able write this book on top of my other commitments during that last year of high school.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …
... Shakira.
In a perfect world …
... people would not entertain the idea of Trump becoming president.
Biggest influence:
My parents, in part because they taught me, at an early age, the importance of education.
Little-known hobby:
I like to code, and I have been teaching myself how to code for about three years now. I also am a big fan of foreign music, especially Spanish and French music. I would encourage everyone to explore a foreign [musical] genre, because the music around the world is beautiful, and you're missing out if you don't.
Learn more
- Department of International Studies
- Department of French
- Opportunities for Engagement
- Athletics
- More Student Snapshots
Published July 27, 2016