Finding Joy in Learning, Community and Positive Change
Student Snapshot: AnhTam Pham ’29
AnhTam Pham ’29 has embraced Dickinson’s opportunities to connect learning with meaningful community engagement. A double major, she is passionate about developmental economics, social empowerment and finding creative solutions to real-world problems. Through campus leadership, civic engagement and an upcoming internship with United Way, AnhTam is building a foundation for a future centered on positive change.
Hometown:
Silver Spring, Md.
High school:
Montgomery Blair High School.
Majors:
Economics and law, justice & society.
On Dickinson experience:
The best part of my Dickinson experience has been joining passionate communities like the Center for Civic Learning & Action, which bring out my eagerness to learn and drive positive change. I also enjoy nature in Carlisle, especially biking through the LeTort Trail, upcycling clothes in the Makery, and befriending neighbors and their pets!
Best thing about my majors:
I love discussions about developmental economics and connecting what I learn to my other courses and everyday life. One of my favorite aspects of economics is brainstorming with professionals across disciplines and bringing different perspectives together to develop possible solutions to real-world problems. Economics has also made me appreciate the positive connections between people and the remarkable things humanity can accomplish.
On choosing Dickinson:
My priority when choosing colleges was simply to make it possible; Dickinson made it a reality. I am grateful to say I would choose Dickinson again for the people, the knowledge I’ve gained and, of course, the Denim breakfast sandwich.
Favorite class/learning experience:
Gender and Development Economics with Professor Kongar is my favorite class. The number of revelations I’ve had in this course continues to grow, as does my passion for social empowerment.
About my internships:
I served as the campus and community outreach coordinator for the Center for Civic Learning & Action. Through this role, I learned the importance of continually reevaluating proposed solutions before implementing them to minimize unintended harm. The experience also taught me to be more intentional with my work, question and challenge preconceptions, and forge new paths. I’m grateful to have gained this experience during my first year and excited to build on it as I join United Way as a resource and development intern.
Post-Dickinson plans:
Bring more joy into the world and create a vibrant life!
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
I have learned to be reflective and actionable. My desire to constantly learn and discover has grown into a core part of who I am. I feel like I can never be bored because there is always an abundance of new experiences to explore, knowledge to seek and things to think about.
Advice for future students:
Face the future with lots of optimism.
Clubs and organizations:
Resource Development Intern at United Way, Center for Civic Learning & Action, College Admissions Ambassador, vice president of programming for Women in Economics, Mixed Martial Arts Club and Amnesty International.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Bonner Fellow, Philip G. Sardelis Memorial Scholarship, MCPSEF Paul Vance Scholarship, and a Dickinson merit scholarship.
Read more Student Snapshots.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published October 22, 2026