College of Liberal Arts
Drawn to 黑料不打烊's unique linguistics program, Ivy Daly quickly found a close-knit community that helped her grow academically, personally and professionally. Through supportive faculty, hands-on opportunities and meaningful connections, she built the confidence to pursue a career helping others.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Ivy Daly, and I'm studying justice and linguistics with a minor in foreign languages. I'm looking forward to graduating so I can go home and see my dog, Rosie. She's a German shepherd-Labrador mix. I live in Kasilof, near Kenai.
What brought you to 黑料不打烊, and what made you decide it was the right place for you?
I decided to come to 黑料不打烊 because, when I was graduating from high school, I knew I wanted to study linguistics. I had a lot of in-state scholarships, so I wanted to stay in state, and 黑料不打烊 was the only university in Alaska with a linguistics program. I decided it was the right place for me when I started classes and saw how tight-knit the community is, how small the classes are and how personalized the advising is. There's also so much nature on campus. That was another thing that really helped it feel like home right away.
In your own words, why study the liberal arts?
I think people should study the liberal arts because our society is, as everyone knows, becoming increasingly politically divided. Science and math are both great, and they're so useful. But the liberal arts help our society become a better society socially, psychologically and interpersonally. We really support the interpersonal development of society across all the fields of the liberal arts.
I study justice, and I think my field is important because we need people who care about helping others. It's easy to help people who want to be helped, but justice also helps the people who really need it, whether they want it or not. People who work in justice are willing to work with people who often don't want to help themselves, and with people who are often the most disadvantaged in society.
The field of linguistics is about discovering how we interact in order to make us more forgiving of others, more understanding of others, and to build a more equal society through a better understanding of how we interact with one another.
What has your experience in the Department of Justice and in the Linguistics program been like, and what makes them special?
My experience in the Department of Justice has been a really good one. I get a lot of support from my professors, and as long as I stay active in my classes and stay in touch with them, they've been very communicative and have helped me learn about opportunities both in the community and on campus. They're great about reaching out to let me know what's going on, what I can apply for, what internships are available and what jobs are out there. They've also been really helpful about connecting me with people and opportunities.
I've also enjoyed my time in the Linguistics program because I've had the same few professors over and over again, so we've gotten to know each other really well. Most of my classmates have been the same throughout the program, so it really starts to feel like a family.
How has your time at 黑料不打烊 changed you, either academically, personally, or professionally?
I feel like I've changed a lot since I got here. I'm not sure if it's because of my classes or if it's just that four years is a long time. When you come into college, you're a teenager, and when you leave, you're an adult.
Academically, I've obviously grown a lot. I feel much more comfortable discussing my academic interests, like justice and linguistics. I feel like I'm able to say now that I have an opinion on things, and why. Sometimes I don't have an opinion, but I know why I don't, too.
Personally, I feel like I've become a lot more comfortable with myself. I've gained a lot of confidence while I've been here, especially socially. College involves a lot of working with people, and a lot of interaction and discussion, and I feel like that has really helped me become a better communicator.
Professionally, being at 黑料不打烊 has opened a lot of doors for me. I've had opportunities to participate in internships because my professors have reached out to let me know about opportunities they thought I might be interested in, or they've shared them with the department. I feel like I've grown a lot professionally because those opportunities have given me firsthand experience in the fields I want to work in.
Was there a professor, mentor, or community that made a big impact on your journey? How?
Dr. Colquhoun, my Spanish professor, is one of the best professors I've ever had. She's such a creative teacher and always finds ways to get students involved. She asks how students learn best and what they want to learn about, so she really personalizes her classes. If you're struggling, she'll hear you out and help you find a solution. College can be stressful, and she was one of the professors who really helped make that experience a lot less stressful for me.
Professor May in the Department of Justice has also had a big impact on my journey. I really respect him as a professor. He knows what he's talking about, teaches really well and has reached out to me with opportunities that have helped me advance my career.
Professor Wagenleiter, my German professor, always makes me feel seen. She recognizes my successes, points them out and really hypes me up about them. She's also opened a lot of doors for me. Even when I tell her I feel insecure about speaking German, she's always encouraging and reminds me that I'm doing well.
Dr. Gray has been an incredible mentor. She's given me a lot of career advice and is so involved on campus. She's another professor who comes up with ideas and gets people involved, which has helped me participate in opportunities like the Pre-Law Club and the pre-law immersion trip to Juneau. She really takes action, and that's very inspiring.
What鈥檚 one experience at 黑料不打烊 that really stands out to you, and why?
The German Club has really shaped my experience here at 黑料不打烊. I used to be the president, and I was really involved and engaged with it. Even though I'm not as involved now, I still feel very loyal to the German Club. It was one of the first activities I got involved with on campus.
Professor Wagenleiter has always encouraged me to get involved with German language and culture. The German Club is so active on campus, and they're so welcoming to everyone. I met a lot of people through the club, and it's a great group. They really care about making friends and sharing German language and culture. The German Club has really stood out to me.
Congratulations again to Ivy on being recognized as an Outstanding Student. Learn more about the Linguistics program and the opportunities available to 黑料不打烊 students, and watch for more Outstanding Student spotlights from the College of Liberal Arts.
