Bernice graduated from The Preuss School at UCSD in 2005. She is currently in her third year at the University of Virginia. We recently exchanged emails with Bernie to find out how things have been going.
What’s your major and/or field of study? (How did you pick it, what do you like about it, etc.)
I am majoring in Political and Social Thought, an interdisciplinary Honors program. I applied during my second year with a thesis proposal. I will be looking into the ways in which we can increase Mexican American women’s access to education. The PST major has a very good reputation at UVA and with graduate schools across the nation. The major consists of an intense seminar during third year (we read everything from The Wealth of Nations to War and Peace to Beloved) and a thesis writing workshop fourth year. I like that we have a reasonable amount of flexibility in what we want to study and that we get to know each other and our professors very well.
When do you hope to graduate?
I will graduate in May 2009. Students at the University of Virginia must graduate in less than four years (as recommended by Mr. Jefferson).
Just what exactly is Carnegie Mellon’s JSI in PPIA?
I was recently selected as a Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow. The fellowship includes free GRE preparation, a mentor, and a Junior Summer Institute at one of five top Public Policy schools. I will be attending the JSI at Carnegie Mellon. The seven week institute is designed to help juniors develop the skills we will need to be admitted into a public policy program. All juniors interested in public service are encouraged to apply but special consideration is given to students who will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and students with economic need.
What plans do you have, if any, post-graduation?
I want to pursue a Masters in Public Policy. If I am not admitted into my top choices, I am going to take a year off, work at a non-profit and dedicate some time to boosting my GRE scores so that I can reapply to graduate school in two or three years.
What advice would you give to BLCI students who want to follow your example? How can they make their college dreams a reality?
Talk to as many people as you can. As a first generation college student, you can never have enough mentors. Also don’t be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone. Going to college so far from my home in San Diego was very hard at first, but it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.