Emily Calderón Galdeano’99 reflects on her rich and multifaceted Southwestern Experience, including fostering mentorship and community engagement for incoming Latino students and how her professors, Professor of Political Science Eric Selbin and Professor Emeritus of Political Science Tim O’Neill, influenced her academic journey, guiding her towards a passion for political science. Emily also highlights the unique experience of being part of a Hispanic-serving institution and how this designation helps the entire Southwestern community.

Now dedicated to education and community empowerment, Emily expresses the reward and fulfillment she finds in working collaboratively with various sectors to positively impact the lives and trajectories of young people. She encourages current Southwestern students to get involved, find their community, and embrace the diverse opportunities the university offers, including studying abroad.