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Student Snapshot: Claire Wayne ’26 

Claire Wayne ’26 understands the challenges first-generation college students face, particularly at the start of their college careers. She helped reinstate Trendsetters, a student-led Dickinson initiative providing academic and social support and a sense of community to fellow first-generation students. She’s also a tour guide and a member of Student Senate who’s participating in Dickinson’s prestigious Oxford study-abroad program this year. She plans to go to graduate school after graduation.

Hometown:

Nashville, Tennessee.

Major:

Political science, with a security studies certificate.

Clubs and organizations:

Student Senate (student director, campus life), Liberty Cap Society (tour guides), Trendsetters (first-generation student association), Alpha Lambda Delta and Eta Sigma Phi.

Honors/scholarships/awards:

Provost’s Scholarship, Wheel and Chain Leadership Award and Dean's List.

Best thing about my major:

The students and professors in the Department of Political Science are passionate about what they study and willing to engage in meaningful discussions both inside and outside the classroom. Through my major, I have found a sense of community, and I look forward to departmental events such as the spring majors’ dinner.

Favorite class so far:

My favorite class so far was The Ukraine War and International Relations with Professor of Political Science and International Studies Russell Bova. It was such a unique experience to study an ongoing event and apply traditional international relations theories to the real world. Between informal discussions about developments highlighted in the news to formal debates about potential policy decisions, this course pushed me to think holistically about the interconnectedness of the international system and examine second- and third-order implications of state decision-making.

On studying abroad:

I’m studying abroad at the University of Oxford during the 2024-25 academic year. I’m so grateful to Professor of English Claire Seiler and Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Ed Webb, who advised me both before and during the application process to help me prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Post-Dickinson plans:

After Dickinson, I hope to study international relations in graduate school.

Proudest accomplishment so far:

My proudest accomplishment so far has been working with a dedicated group of students and staff to restart Trendsetters, a club for first-generation college students. Through this organization, and the process of rebuilding its network on campus, I have met so many incredible people from across the college and the alumni network. Trendsetters has given students a place to connect and share their experiences while also providing mentorship and support. The beauty of a liberal-arts college is that we can learn as much from each other as we do from our classes, and it is my hope that Trendsetters helps facilitate this kind of learning across our community.

Most important thing I’ve learned so far:

The most important thing I’ve learned so far is to not be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Whether that means signing up for an activity you have never done before, going to a professor's office hours to ask about their research or attending a Clarke Forum event simply because it sounds interesting, Dickinson is a perfect place to push yourself to learn new things and become a more well-rounded, well-informed person.

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Published October 17, 2024