Ava Kalina '24
Ava Kalina '24
- Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia
- Class: 2024
- Majors: Data Analytics, Diplomacy and Global Politics
- Minor: Geographic Information Sciences (Certificate), French
- Other Activities:
- Miami Political Review
- Zeta Tau Alpha
- The Miami Student
Why Miami?
I was specifically drawn to Miami because of its focus on a liberal arts education. I wanted to go to a relatively large school, but many don't have a liberal arts program with a large offering of majors, research opportunities or D1 sports. The ability to take a mix of writing, history, science, language and math classes, while pursuing a different major, ultimately drew me to Miami.
How did you choose your major?
I had known since my junior year of high school that I wanted to study international relations, so Miami's Diplomacy and Global Politics major was a perfect fit. During my freshman year at Miami, I was loving my classes, but missing the quantitative side of study, so I tried out the Data Analytics major. It was the first or second year of the major, so the classes were small and personal, which I enjoyed. I am grateful that Miami makes it attainable to double major!
Key Moment at Miami
In my junior year I took the class American Foreign Policy with Dr. Patrick Haney. Dr. Haney brought in many alumni and guest speakers to talk about careers in Washington and the foreign policy field, which was extremely helpful in learning how our classes can be applied to jobs. I have reached out and personally connected with some of the speakers to learn more about their jobs and life as a Miami alumnus. At the end of the semester, I realized I signed up for the course accidentally and it didn't even count towards my major, but I would always take it again. Professor Haney really cares about his classes and his students pursuing their interests.
Other Notable Experience
I have had so many amazing Miami experiences it's hard to choose one. Second semester of my junior year I was able to study abroad in Prague, Czechia. Although it wasn't a Miami program, I was easily able to transfer my credits and have this unique experience.
Additionally, I started a student organization called the Miami Political Review, an online journal for students to write about policy, politics and culture. I am grateful that we have so many students interested in writing and policy analysis at Miami.
This year I also received a CAS Dean's Scholar Award, where I am conducting research on sexual assaults on campus, specifically the data collection and usage for Title IX related offenses.
Advice to Prospective Students
Miami is a hidden gem in Southwest Ohio. As an out of state student, I have had an amazing experience meeting peers from across the country and even the world. Miami also has a great alumni connection, every single alum who I have talked to was eager to help me in whatever I needed!
What are your career goals?
I am still figuring it out, but I plan to start out as a Geospatial Analyst either in the intelligence or development field. I will definitely pursue my Masters in a couple years and hope to work or study abroad.
