“The exceptional experiences with my professors and classmates inspired me to pursue a GWS major”.
Hailey Vader, from Williston, North Dakota, found her second home at Gustavus Adolphus College. Graduating in 2024, Hailey has been actively involved in various extracurricular activities on campus, all while pursuing her double major in Political Science and Gender, Women, and Sexualities Studies (GWS).
Vader veered towards Gustavus Adolphus College because it offered a nurturing environment where personal growth was as essential as academic development. “Upon arriving at the campus and catching sight of the sign and Old Main, I felt an instant connection” Vader. The positive reputation of the Political Science department only reinforced my excitement, and the warm welcome from everyone at Gustavus helped assure her that she’d discovered her ideal educational home.
Vader likes The GWS department due to the professors being excited to teach their classes just as much as students are to take them. Everyone comes into class eager to participate in discussions. Vader’s favorite class experience with the GWS department was during her first year when her professor changed the last day of class to have been part of a student-led sit-in that was happening on campus. “The GWS department is phenomenal at having students engage in the classrooms along with having opportunities to get involved and talk about things happening on campus and in the world” Vader. She explained that her learning isn’t confined to a classroom and that’s something she loves the most about it.
It’s the curriculum in the GWS department that Vader finds the most valuable in preparing me for a career. It spans a variety of different departments allowing for diverse perspectives and providing a well-rounded liberal arts education. GWS faculty know this well and continue shaping their classes in ways that we can look at how we’ll use our education in the future.
Vader actively participates in several extracurriculars, including being a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, a GAC Cheer team member, part of the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, and involved in Peer MALT.