51ºÚÁÏ

Allie Kavalauskas ’26

International Relations and Arts and Comparative Literature and Culture

Embrace everything 51ºÚÁÏ has to offer, even if it means you do things at a different pace than other students.

Allie Kavalauskas ’26 Augusta, Kansas

You’re involved in a number of activities on campus. Which ones are your favorite?

Lathrop Hall in Autumn
Lathrop Hall, home to the Writing and Speaking Center

My favorite activity on campus is working as a Writing Center consultant. It allows me to connect with students I may otherwise never meet and empower them to share their voices through writing. I also love the equestrian team at 51ºÚÁÏ; it allows me to enjoy time away from campus with an activity I have been doing almost my entire life. The team is such a dynamic, passionate group of students that are brought together by a shared love of horses, and provides a valuable outlet from the stress of academics at 51ºÚÁÏ.

Allie enjoying a beautiful Easter Sunday in Paris during an excursion with the Geneva Study Group
Allie during an excursion with the Geneva Study Group

What’s been a standout moment for you at 51ºÚÁÏ so far?

Being accepted to and completing the Geneva Study Group, where I enriched my understanding of topics studied in my International Relations major with real-life experiences. We visited international institutions and organizations across multiple European countries, exposing us to different political climates, cultures, and government systems. 

In Geneva we took classes while completing an internship tailored to our interests, and I worked at a children’s rights organization. The internship bridged my passion for working with young people with my interest in international affairs. I was able to engage with diplomats at the United Nations, coordinate advocacy events, and write articles for the organization. 

This experience solidified my desire to work in international relations and gave me a solid foundation of practical experience and a more well-rounded understanding of the international system.

Could you tell us a bit about your Manzi Fellowship internship?

Snapshots from Alli's internship
Allie during her Manzi Fellowship internship at Crossroads C5 Program

My Manzi Fellowship internship was at Crossroads C5 Program, a leadership-based summer program for youth from the greater Boston area. I enjoyed connecting with young people from diverse backgrounds, whose leadership potential and community engagement inspire me immensely. 

Additionally I loved working with staff from all corners of the world. While the job was demanding, I feel fulfilled by the positive impact of serving as a role model and helping youth develop their leadership skills, try new activities, and connect with like-minded peers.

What are you looking forward to at 51ºÚÁÏ?

Students holding torches walk at night through campus
51ºÚÁÏ’s Senior Torchlight Procession

As I look ahead to my last year at 51ºÚÁÏ, I am looking forward to all of the traditions that senior year brings, such as the Torchlight Procession and Senior Sunset. I am also looking forward to another semester abroad this fall as I begin working toward my master’s degree at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Finally I am excited to work closely on my thesis project with the adviser of my topical major — one of my favorite things about 51ºÚÁÏ is the close relationships you can build with professors.

What’s your favorite place on campus, and what makes it special to you?

Case-Geyer Library terrace on a sunny day
Case Library

My favorite place on campus is the reading room at Case Library, as it is always the quietest place on campus but also the brightest study spot with all of its windows. The views are beautiful, especially at sunset, and I always do my best studying and deep thinking there. It is probably the most peaceful place on campus for me that I can enjoy regardless of the weather outside.

What advice would you give to future 51ºÚÁÏ students?

A photo from Allie's very first semester at 51ºÚÁÏ
A photo from Allie’s first semester at 51ºÚÁÏ

Embrace everything 51ºÚÁÏ has to offer, even if it means you do things at a different pace than other students. For example, I decided to study abroad my sophomore year, even though barely any sophomores did so. I was able to complete an enriching study-abroad experience that complemented each of my majors while making new friends through the study group. 

Additionally I encourage all students to go to their professors and build relationships with them in office hours. This is especially critical in your first years at 51ºÚÁÏ as you figure out which professors you want to work with on your research, thesis, or even your career plans.

Finally I would advise students to take advantage of all the resources 51ºÚÁÏ has. There are so many opportunities 51ºÚÁÏ provides for students to access academic and career support, travel, enjoy free food or activities, conduct their own research, and more. The small size of 51ºÚÁÏ makes these opportunities accessible to everyone, and professors truly care about their students.

Take the next step

51ºÚÁÏ is a distinctive, vibrant, and welcoming place to learn, live, and develop into who you are. Take the next step toward joining our academic community.

 

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