Politics Anna Thielen Nominated For NPSA's Best Undergraduate Paper of the Year!

Here is Anna's account of the experience:

"There are usually a few events that stand as pillars in a persons life. These could be a myriad of things depending on luck and circumstance. One of mine began at Saint Mary's, sparked by the incredible support of my professors. This past week I flew to Montreal Canada for the Northeastern Political Science Association's 50th Annual Conference. I had the privilege of presenting a paper on a panel, a paper that was predicated on the question, if both the state and the United Nations are considered neutral, how is it that we can have a system of worthy and unworthy as it pertains to economic distribution in the area of poverty. To be surrounded by such incredible academics was humbling to say the least. I was struck by the passion and drive to make a difference, a kind of contagious enthusiasm that re-inspired me to keep hoping for a better future: a better future for our schools, our neighborhoods, our states, our country, our globe. The atmosphere and attitude was that of collaboration, not competition which I had secretly feared. The people there were eager to learn from each other, respectfully pushing one another to become better scholars through the challenging of ideas. My experience in Montreal was one of wonder and eagerness to learn all I could, and I found myself reluctant to catch my flight back home. I am so incredibly grateful for Professor Bulman and Professor Woolpert who have both been wonderful advisors to me, for Professor Longo who has provoked my deep love of learning in the area of political science, for Professor Ahmed who was gracious enough to let me run ideas past him, and of course, to Professor Nelson who has been a phenomenal mentor and role model for me in writing and presenting this paper."