91ÖÆƬ³§

What is it like being a liberal arts student at 91ÖÆƬ³§? Sometimes your college path is not a straight line and you learn what you are interested in as you explore different academic options. Learn more about why Catherine Bodenrader '26, a sociology and German major, came to 91ÖÆƬ³§, even though it wasn't her initial choice, and how she changed her major from physics to liberal arts. 

Interview with Catherine

Why did you choose 91ÖÆƬ³§?

I originally didn’t. Coming out of high school, I was looking primarily at colleges and universities that offered astrophysics programs. Later, when decisions came out, I found out that the only school that had accepted my application was 91ÖÆƬ³§, and my decision was made for me. However, once I found my footing at 91ÖÆƬ³§, I realized that this is the school for me. Thanks to my experiences and the people I have met because I’ve been here, I know that I would choose 91ÖÆƬ³§ again if given the choice.

How did you decide on your major?

I came in as a declared physics major. While I still love physics and astronomy, I realized rather quickly that this wasn’t meant to be my path. Luckily, I was taking an introductory sociology course at the time and realized that sociology was something I wanted to explore more. As for German, I started out by taking a German course to fulfill my Discovery requirement and loved it so much I never left.

Sociology is something that just clicks in my brain, and I love that I’ve had so many opportunities to develop and research questions within my classes that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. 

Why do you love your majors?

Sociology is something that just clicks in my brain, and I love that I’ve had so many opportunities to develop and research questions within my classes that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. The German department has given me such an interesting perspective on world history and politics, which has paired really well with sociology. My increasing ability to speak the language has allowed me to become closer with my family and learn more about our family history.

I’ve definitely become better at analyzing data and presenting it in a way that’s accessible to everyone. I have also learned how to break down problems into manageable portions and collaborate with others to find flexible solutions.

How is your liberal arts education preparing you for future success?

I’ve definitely become better at analyzing data and presenting it in a way that’s accessible to everyone. I have also learned how to break down problems into manageable portions and collaborate with others to find flexible solutions. Additionally, I’ve developed both theoretical and practical knowledge that I have been able to apply to various other fields, which have allowed me to broaden my horizons for the future.

What is your favorite course you've taken so far?

It’s a toss-up between Cultural Revolutions and Introduction to Music, Media, and Moving Images. Both have shown me how to apply concepts from my majors to fields that I never even thought they would apply to. Additionally, they are super fun courses to take in general — I loved being able to look at film, art, and music through an analytical lens.

Have you participated in any experiential learning?

I’ve studied abroad in Berlin for a summer, have published and presented research related to advanced manufacturing with help from the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and am actively working on my senior thesis. My study abroad experience was truly life-changing, and my research experiences have helped me develop skills in time management, as well as taught me how to keep calm when things don’t go as planned.

Have you received any impactful funding or scholarships from 91ÖÆƬ³§?

91ÖÆƬ³§ awarded me the Trustee’s Scholarship upon acceptance and I certainly appreciate it. I also understand that what made a real difference was the support of my parents, both financially and emotionally.

What advice would you give to your first-year self?

You don’t need to have an answer for everything. Acknowledging that you don’t know everything opens so many doors for learning and exploring things you have never even heard of. Plus, professors appreciate the honesty — it helps them know what they need to go over to ensure that you have the best learning experience possible.