Scouting New Horizons
Student Snapshot: Clara Blackwell '26
Before enrolling at Dickinson, Clara Blackwell ’26 (political science, economics) founded the first all-female Boy Scout of America troop in her state and was among the first young women in the country to earn Eagle Scout ranking. This Presidential Scholar and aspiring lawyer continues to lead the way on campus through leadership roles in Student Senate and the Outing Club and as a Pre-O student-leader. She also served as a delegate for President John E. Jones '77, P'11's inauguration and as a member of the selection committee for Dickinson’s 2024 Young Alumni Trustee.
Hometown:
Redding, Connecticut.
Majors:
Political science and economics, with a minor in American studies.
Clubs and organizations:
Student Senate (chief of staff), Outing Club (social media coordinator and trip leader), WILD Pre-Orientation (student-leader), Girl Gains and Women in Economics.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Presidential Scholarship, named student-delegate for President Jones’ inauguration and appointed to selection committee for the class of 2024’s Young Alumni Trustee.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
Being elected to be the Student Senate chief of staff has allowed me to get more involved with every aspect of campus life and to connect with people who love Dickinson as much as I do. I’ve also loved being able to help others interact with nature through Outing Club.
Favorite class:
Justice and the Common Good with Adjunct Faculty in Political Science John Harles. The students in our class really connected with each other and engaged in amazing dialogues that helped me to see my own ideas in a different way.
Favorite professor:
My favorite professor is Associate Professor of Political Science Katie Marchetti, my advisor. She has been supportive and offered so much insight throughout my time at Dickinson.
Best thing about my majors:
How interdisciplinary they are. The liberal-arts curriculum at Dickinson has allowed me to explore the overlaps between my majors and between other fields of study.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
My proudest accomplishment so far has to be founding the first all-female Boy Scout of America troop in Connecticut and being among the first young women in the country to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
On choosing Dickinson:
I chose Dickinson because I connected with other Dickinsonians so quickly, and Carlisle immediately felt like home. The study abroad opportunities were unlike any other schools, and I’m so excited to be spending next semester in Bologna, Italy.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
The most important thing I’ve learned is to never doubt yourself, even if other people do.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I'm planning to attend law school.
Advice to younger students:
My advice is to take advantage of everything Dickinson has to offer. Try new things, even if you don’t think you’ll like them. You may surprise yourself.
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Published August 7, 2024