Major: Political science and history
Clark Days: After taking a class with Professor Ora Szekely and becoming fascinated with Middle Eastern politics, Alec studied abroad in Jordan. Becoming immersed in a different culture made him feel like a global citizen and inspired him to write his honors thesis about the social division in Jordan between the native Jordanian population and the majority of its population, which is of Palestinian origin. Field observations from a refugee camp provided fascinating material for the paper. Born in Oceanside, California, Alec lived most of his life in the northern part of the state. Growing up in Silicon Valley, he felt jaded about computer science and sought a liberal arts program on the East Coast. He was the president of Model United Nations and was on the cross country team, serving as captain last semester.
Post-Commencement Plans: Alec is entering the U.S. Navy’s intelligence program. He hopes to use his knowledge of the Middle East to improve intelligence related to the region.
Observation: “When I first visited Clark, I fell in love. I saw the bricks, which we are in want of in California, and thought, ‘This is what a university looks like.’ I remember seeing Jefferson and thinking it was just magnificent. I could imagine myself walking here with a scarf, a coffee, and books.”