Battling Inequities
Amy Walsh ’16
A class on the American educational system and an internship at an inner-city agency opened Amy Walsh ’16’s eyes to the challenges faced by American urban youth. Now this international studies major, Career Center coach and First-Year Mentor is preparing to help. Here, Walsh shares her passion for social justice, her study-abroad experiences in Spain and her senior research project comparing the effects of government decentralization in Spain, Yugoslavia and the United Kingdom.
Major:
International studies (Spanish minor).
Clubs and organizations:
Delta Nu, Dickinson Friends, Career Center (peer career coach), First-Year Mentor and Global Ambassador.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Dean’s List.
Favorite book:
Harry Potter series (If I had to pick one: The Sorcerer’s Stone).
Favorite movie:
The Breakfast Club.
On choosing a major:
I came into Dickinson pretty convinced that I wanted to major in international studies. I first visited campus during my senior year of high school, and I was captivated by the school’s dedication to global education. After taking [Assistant] Professor [of Political Science and International Studies] Andrew Wolff’s Introduction to International Relations course during my first year here, I was sold on the major.
On choosing Dickinson:
I am from a small town in Westchester County, so I have always lived in a close-knit community. I knew that I wanted a similar vibe at college. I figured that that a small, liberal-arts school could provide me with this experience. After visiting Dickinson two times, learning about its focus on global education and walking around the beautiful campus, I knew it would be a good fit for me.
Favorite place on campus:
Denny Hall.
Favorite class:
Social Foundations of American Education with [Associate] Professor [of Education Sarah] Bair. I took it during the fall of my sophomore year. This class was really important to me, because it exposed me to the inequities that plague the United States’ educational system. It introduced me to the idea that although the United States is a democracy, our population still faces major inequities that need to be resolved.
Hobbies:
I love going camping and hiking.
On studying abroad:
I studied abroad in Málaga, Spain, during the spring of junior year. This experience was the best one that Dickinson provided for me. My favorite part was living with a host family for five months. It really exposed me to the Spanish culture. Studying abroad also forced me to improve my Spanish skills and develop a greater sense of independence, and it taught me the importance of going out of my comfort zone.
Favorite professor:
My advisor, Professor Andrew Wolff. I have taken two classes with him, and he has always been friendly and approachable. He’s also given me a whole range of advice regarding different classes I should take at Dickinson and my potential career paths. He also knows pretty much everything there is to know about American foreign policy, which I think is pretty cool.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I am hoping to work for a nonprofit organization that alleviates the inequities faced by urban youth in the United States. I would also love to focus on how these issues dominate the international scene one day. I ultimately see myself living abroad again at some point in my life.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …
… Woodrow Wilson. I consider myself a total supporter of liberalism, so I think it would be cool to talk to him about his historic Fourteen Points and other foreign policy decisions.
Most important thing I’ve learned (so far):
It is important to ask questions and remain curious. I think Dickinson has been an awesome environment for that. I have truly learned so much in both in academic and social settings here. Without the school’s dedication to cultivate curious minds, I would not have learned this important lesson.
About my internship:
Last summer I interned in the legal services department at Covenant House in New York City. Covenant House is a nonprofit that aims to end youth homelessness. I was interested in interning there because I am hoping to work for an organization that reduces social inequities, especially for young people.
Through this internship, I learned that a lot of work needs to be done to assist the homeless youth population in New York City. It was eye-opening to take the train into the city each day and speak with various youth who have faced extreme calamities.
About my research:
As a part of the international studies major, each senior is required to conduct a research project during the fall semester of her senior year. I researched how government decentralization can negatively impact global politics in Yugoslavia, the United Kingdom and Spain, and I learned a great deal about these countries' vast histories and how their government institutions developed. I also learned that although it may seem fit to appease different groups that may be unsettled by government’s policies, it is essential that the European Union’s states do not allow its regions to secede. Otherwise, the European Union (EU) could evolve into a “Europe of the Regions.” Such a phenomenon could be detrimental to Europe’s economy, cause great stratification and complicate how the EU should be run.
In a perfect world …
… everyone would be accepted for who they are.
Biggest influence:
My mom. She taught me a whole range of important lessons. She also always encourages me to be patient, optimistic, kind and hardworking.
Learn more
- Department of International Studies
- Dickinson Study-Abroad Programs
- Interns in Action
- More Student Snapshots
- Latest News
Published April 29, 2016