Harini Gunasekaran

What is your major and why did you choose it? 

I chose political science as my major because I have always been keen on diplomacy and presenting ideas and facts coherently. More importantly, I want to use the skills that I have to help people and make my community a safer place to live in. As a political science major, I can apply to law school and help achieve this goal by practicing as a litigation attorney.

How do you think Knox has helped prepare you for a career in law?

I have one word—opportunities. Knox has opened up a wide array of opportunities that have helped me develop essential leadership skills such as time management, planning, organization, and coordination, while also empowering me to enhance my view of the world. For instance, I am the committee and games chair for the Union Board where I am in charge of planning events for over 200 people. For the fall ’22 term, we organized the rollerblading event which was a huge success. This is what I like about Knox—we have the freedom to explore and plan events. It takes a great deal of time, effort, and commitment, but when the event is successful, it feels truly rewarding.

I am also a part of the Student Senate as the diversity chair. This position is extremely important to me because, as an international student, I understand the importance of having different cultures incorporated into campus life, and it helps me raise not only my own voice, but other students’ as well, and it ties perfectly with my ultimate goal of being a lawyer. 

What are some of the other on-campus activities that you’ve been involved in? 

Knox has several clubs and organizations that students can be a part of. I am the treasurer for Aaina, which is the South Asian club and I am the International Club membership chair. I am currently also working on campus in a student engagement position that allows me to interact with various people on campus. I am also a Resident Assistant (RA) this term, which I think is an excellent way to learn and understand how people work. As an RA, I have learned about conflict management, enforcing rules and regulations, and planning events. This will, unfortunately, be my last trimester at Knox because I am planning on studying abroad next year. 

How has Knox helped you prepare your application for studying abroad? 

I think the biggest asset Knox has in its study abroad program is Todd Heidt, professor of modern languages and the director of the Eleanor Stellyes Center for Global Studies. He has organized several briefings and conferences talking about how studying abroad works. What I like about Knox’s study abroad program is that we can either pick a package that has been formulated to fit different majors or design a program ourselves. My top choice is the London School of Economics, and with the guidelines and tips from Knox’s experts, I feel fairly confident about this decision. If you are planning on studying abroad as well, I think the best thing to do is to go to the website studyabroad.knox.edu and explore the different programs offered. Another thing to do is attend the different fairs that Knox hosts to highlight the different programs. 

What is some advice you would give to the Knox students?

College is a great way to explore and discover who you are. Knox provides you with a whole range of opportunities—don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Who knows, you may like it! Knox believed in me. I am certain it will believe in you too.