The Orientation Staff members are returning Harris students who return to campus early to help make sure you're integrated into a community of future policy leaders. They are the backbone of the orientation experience and are here to foster community amongst the incoming class, advocate for your needs, and provide guidance on resources and policies you need to know to be a successful graduate student.

Get to know our Orientation Staff below!

Atreyi Bhaumik, MPP

• Hometown: Kolkata, India
• Undergraduate Institution: University of Delhi
• Area of Focus: I am highly interested in Economic Development Research and Impact Sciences.

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

My fervor lies in serving the development and social impact sphere, particularly in regions pertaining to emerging economies. My presence at Harris is to hone my analytical and quantitative skills to make informed, data-driven choices in my professional endeavors.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

My favorite class till date has been Program Evaluation and I look forward to taking a class in Cost Benefit Analysis in the future.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

Being an Orientation Leader fills me with enthusiasm since I aspire to aid new students in adjusting to graduate school and to their new life in Chicago. I can vouch for the fact that irrespective of one's prior experiences or location, the transition can be quite daunting, especially for the international students! I am eager to address queries concerning my preferred spots on campus, the bus routes to get around the city, the quieter halls to study on exam nights, my favorite classes and professors, and the best diners in Chicago. Moreover, I aim to serve as a valuable support system for freshers not just in September but also throughout their journey at Harris.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

To make the most of their Harris experience, the incoming students should try to maintain a list of priorities. Everyone coming to Grad school has different ambitions and goals, the hard part is to not lose sight of those. It can be tempting to join every club, meet every person, and attend every networking session on campus, but it's important to prioritize downtime and rest, which can help in getting through the tough curriculum at the university. Additionally, exploring the University of Chicago campus, Hyde Park and the city of Chicago is crucial to building your life here. Students should take advantage of the various cultural and social events, try out new experiences, and participate in community service opportunities. By actively engaging with the University and the city, students can have a fulfilling and enriching Harris experience.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to listen to podcasts on a variety of topics, ranging from self-help to international affairs. I find cooking meals from scratch to be extremely therapeutic! I also run a blog :)

Fun Fact

I am trilingual and trying to pick up more languages, so feel free to teach me more!

Ty Douglass, MPP

• Hometown: Roswell, Georgia
• Undergraduate Institution: Georgia State University
• Area of Focus: Social and Economic Inequality

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

I am studying public policy in general because I want to help the world be more equitable for all people. That's an enormous task, but I want to gain more skills and knowledge to be able to somehow (even if only by a little bit) make the world a more equitable place for all. I came to Harris because I have always believed that it is the best place to achieve these goals.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

My favorite class so far has been Program Evaluation! It is extremely satisfying to continue utilizing the knowledge gained during the core Statistics classes.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

The reason I wanted to serve as an Orientation Leader is because when I was an admitted student, I felt so out of place. I didn't have a background at all in statistics in economics and had never even taken a calculus class. Even though I was admitted, I had little to no confidence that I would even survive the math and coding camp. After meeting with my Polis group and becoming a part of the community at Harris, it really bolstered my confidence and aided my success here during the core classes. I don't want anyone to feel out of place at Harris or anxious about starting their journey at Harris, so I want to be there for the people that felt like I once did to help them as much as I can.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Don't pass up any opportunities to meet new people! It is easy to feel overwhelmed at times and want to skip out on the many amazing events that UChicago offers, but I truly feel like the events that UChicago offers are once in a lifetime and you can gain a lot of information and meet new people you won't achieve elsewhere.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to rock climb, ride my bike around the city, and try out new spots to eat!

Jordan Enos, MPP

• Hometown: Bellevue, WA.
• Undergraduate Institution: Santa Clara University
• Area of Focus: Local government, community organizing, democracy reform

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

Earning a master's degree in public policy opens doors I'd like to get through to support sustainable, meaningful change. I am studying at Harris because the University of Chicago opens doors within a community that prioritizes people in its policy and advocacy.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

I am especially looking forward to taking a Policy Lab and applying what we've learned in the classroom to practice. Policy Labs are known for setting students up for success to enter the job market with real-world experience.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

Connecting with people and building relationships is central to who I've always been. I'd like to serve as an Orientation Leader because it allows me to connect with incoming students, a role I've also had on the admissions team, during an incredibly formative time -- orientation! I am excited to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

My highest recommendation is to hit the ground running -- while preserving your peace.

Orientation will go by quickly, the quarters go by extremely quickly, and you'll graduate before you know it. Sign up for all the email listservs for the HSOs and departments you're interested in and attend as many events and speakers as possible!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I spend my free time with my partner in South Loop (where we live), walking along Lake Michigan, and exploring different corners of the city! There's so much to do and explore.

Fun Fact

My sister and I got our motorcycle endorsements (i.e., licenses) in 2020. Tragically I sold my bike before moving to Chicago, but I'm hoping to get another one when I graduate.

Tongyu Guo, MPP

• Hometown: New York City (Go Mets, Knicks, and Islanders!)
• Undergraduate Institution: University of Dayton
• Area of Focus: Data Analytics, Finance & Policy, Markets & Regulation

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

There is an institutional level of support for freedom of expression and for rigorous pursuit of knowledge.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

I enjoyed all my core classes! And I look forward to taking Economics of Regulation.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

It is a great way to make friends with the incoming class and get to know the school better.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

At Harris, take advantage of office hours and join student organizations. At UChicago, expand your network and make connections from other schools and divisions. Also, explore the city!

How do you like to spend your free time?

Hanging out with friends. Eat.

Fun Fact

I make great paper planes!

Mike Hernandez, MPP

• Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
• Undergraduate Institution: University of Connecticut
• Area of Focus: Urban Policy

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

I am studying at Harris because I like being surrounded by different ideas and people from all around the world- something Harris values as well.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

My favorite class has been "History of Financial Crises" with Prof. Coleman.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

Harris has welcomed me so warmly and invested so much in my development, I want to give back and ensure the next cohort of Harris leaders have the same experience.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

You can make the best of your time in the UChicago and surrounding communities by attending as many events as possible. Those are spaces to meet people outside your core group and it exposes you to endless opportunities.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to go out for runs, read, and explore new coffee shops in Chicago.

Fun Fact

I can imitate accents and different languages.

Christian Johns, MPP

• Hometown: Chicago
• Undergraduate Institution: Colgate University
• Area of Focus: Municipal Finance and Urban Policy

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

Having an impact on the lives of Black and brown Chicagoans is the driving reason behind coming to Harris. When I was applying to UChicago, I knew that I wanted a hyper-local and global perspective to help shape my perspective regarding public policy creation. As a native Chicagoan, I am aware that our challenges are unique and require big ideas, compassion, and humility to overcome them. Harris is providing me with the ideas and skillset to be able to contribute to the ongoing public policy experiment that is the City of Chicago. Additionally, it was important that I remained close to the civic community where I hope to operate in after graduation.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

I want to challenge the idea of having a favorite class. My experience at Harris has been defined by the relationships I have built with students and colleagues. They have poured into my life and made the experience at Harris incredible.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

Ensuring that students feel like they have a place on campus and specifically at Harris is important to me. Entering a new space can be daunting for anyone, but I hope that my presence helps to improve the transition for students of color.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

The best advice I can give is from Daniel Burnham, "Make no little plans... Aim high in hope and work."

How do you like to spend your free time?

Outside of work and school, I am an avid follower of Chicago politics. I also love bike riding along the lakefront and taking my dog, Mocha, out for walks.

Fun Fact

I have 5 nephews and 2 nieces!

Lindsey Kilpatrick, MSCAPP

• Hometown: Manlius, NY/Philadelphia, PA
• Undergraduate Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Area of Focus: Criminal Justice Reform and Mental Health

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

I have always known that I wanted a career where I can use my skills and expertise to make a difference. Naturally, Harris' top tier public policy education with an emphasis on a technical, data-driven approach was the perfect place to prepare me to do so. I was a math and political science double major in undergrad, and many people didn't understand the overlap. Harris does. To be effective and innovative policy makers in the 21st Century, we need to use data to aid the decision-making process, while also understanding that data points are people and not just numbers. On top of the best education in the country, Harris' provides its students with endless opportunities and the staff is passionate about our success both at UChicago and beyond.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

I have enjoyed all my classes so far at Harris and am still amazed that my CAPP classes have taught me Python in just a few months! Finishing up core classes, next year I look forward to taking electives in the criminal justice realm like 'Police Reform and Police Legitimacy', and 'Crime Prevention'.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

Moving halfway across the country, knowing no one is a big change for anyone. I was so excited for this new chapter of my life; I hadn't thought much about the process of joining a new community. Missing Math and Coding Camp for work, I felt socially behind when I arrived the first day of orientation, but my OL and Polis made me feel so welcome and it was a quick transition that wouldn't have been easy without the Orientation Staff.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Step out of your comfort zone! There are so many things to do at Harris, UChicago, and in the City of Chicago. There are always Harris students exploring the city or going to events on campus that love to have new friends tag along! Our group chat is always flowing with new opportunities, so my advice is if it sounds interesting, try it!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to spend my free time with my English Shepherd, Mr. Finnegans, playing field hockey with Chicago Field Hockey Club, Trivia Tuesdays at the Pub and my favorite treat is a Second City show!

Fun Fact

I played Division 1 field hockey in undergrad.

Manu Mendez Diaz, MSCAPP

• Hometown: Dominican Republic
• Undergraduate Institution: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo
• Area of Focus: Education policy

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

Since high school, I have been critical of the issues in my community and society, which sparked my interest in politics and economics. While pursuing my undergraduate degree in economics, I discovered my passion for policymaking and helping to solve pressing issues, particularly in education. Working at a non-profit conducting research on education confirmed my desire to drive change in the Dominican Republic's education system. I decided to enroll in MSCAPP at Harris because it offers the perfect program to equip me with the essential skills and knowledge needed to accomplish this objective.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

My favorite class at Harris has been Advanced Statistics 2 with Professor Bruce Meyer

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

I want to serve as an Orientation Leader in first place, because I had a great experience with my orientation leader last year and I wanted to give that back for the new admitted students. I believe having some good guidance and that person that can help you settle in and get to know how to access the university resources is vital to get the best experience possible at the university.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Both Harris and UChicago in general present many ways to engage in activities for all type of students with different interests, so I would say that getting involved with as many things as possible while keeping a balance of academic and personal time. In this regard, joining clubs and student organizations, and attending events and social gatherings are ways of participating. For international students there is also the International House with great programming and variety of activities. The students and faculty at UChicago are so diverse and bring with them so many valuable experiences and knowledge that I would say meeting new people is a way of making the most of the experience (especially considering that this may be the last time one is a student and can make so many new friends).

Getting to know campus and the buildings is also very helpful because one can find those places that are perfect for studying, working in groups, working out, etc. In the case of the City of Chicago, it is a big city, but I will say a fun one, especially when the sun is out. It is a big sports city so there are many options, from baseball, basketball, football, soccer to hockey and many others. Also, areas like West Loop, River North, and Lincoln Park offer a great nightlife experience. There are also many museums, my favorite is the Art Institute of Chicago. Finally, I will say that in terms of gastronomy, there are key neighborhoods where you can have the best food from different parts of the world. Good examples are Pilsen for Mexican food and Chinatown.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Watching or practicing sports

Fun Fact

I collect World Cup Panini sticker albums.

Quinn Pennington, MPP

• Hometown: Washington, DC
• Undergraduate Institution: Carleton College
• Area of Focus: Environmental public health

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

It can be difficult to know whether a policy or program improves quality of life, does harm, or has little effect at all. I'm hopeful that the skills I gain from Harris will help me advocate for ethical, effective policies in the future.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

Stats I

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

I'm hoping to help new students navigate Harris, find their niche, and figure out how to tackle their goals and priorities.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Don't be afraid to look for community outside of Harris! The University is a big place, and Chicago is even bigger.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to bike, climb, and kick back with friends - ideally in that order!

Fun Fact

I love road trip games! I'll happily play a round of 20 Questions, Contact, Categories, or Word Association anywhere, any time.

Arturo Sanchez Navarro, MPP

• Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
• Undergraduate Institution: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM)
• Area of Focus: Urban Planning / Urban Design

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

As a former public servant with experience on infrastructure, Public Policy allows me to understand the flip side of the coin by addressing the challenges of developing cities through a social science lens, where regulatory measures and programs derived from data-driven efforts could as well offer a set of inventive solutions complementary to the built environment.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

Be on the lookout for Program Evaluation, aka even more Stats.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

Graduate school is such a thrilling time, it is a fundamental occasion for strengthening one's professional career, but most important, to consolidate an integral vision of maturity and responsibility. Kicking off the Harris experience with the right foot means allowing newcomers to embrace this new phase at its fullest. As an Orientation Leader, having gone through ups and downs myself, I am glad to make this ride as enjoyable as possible.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Chicago is quite a vibrant and diverse city, it's got it (almost) all! Keep an eye on the sports events, music shows and cultural experiences around town. Likewise, UChicago has always something interesting happening, you might even grab a bite for free.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Drawing doodles and playing music.

Fun Fact

Fluent in four languages, a fifth one on its way!

Chris Shin, MPP

• Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
• Undergraduate Institution: New York University Stern School of Business
• Area of Focus: Security and Conflict Studies

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

I came to Harris to embrace its evidence-based approach to addressing the world's pressing challenges and be part of a close-knit community dedicated to transforming the world into a better place.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

I enjoyed the Analytical Politics and Statistics sequence. It was helpful to gain a theoretical framework and practical skills that I can make connections to my past experiences and apply to real-world settings moving forward. I look forward to completing the Data Analytics certificate coursework and taking more conflict studies courses to gain both qualitative and quantitative skills.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

The orientation not only supported my transition but also helped me to immediately embrace the meaning and value of studying public policy at Harris. Knowing that this was made possible by the Student Engagement Office and its hardworking members, my desire to give back naturally sparked my interest in being an Orientation leader.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

It's important to remind yourself why you decided to pursue your academic program.

Maintaining that focus is essential. Even when you feel overwhelmed by classes and other obligations, remember that you are here for good reasons, and small steps will ultimately get you to your destination. Don't feel bad if you're struggling, we all experience stress and burnout at some point. Continue to challenge yourself, and don't hesitate to seek help! There is tremendous support from your classmates and professors.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like playing basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, and so on. I love trying out new sports. I enjoy watching professional sports like MLB and European football as well. During summertime, I like going to the lake and reading under the sunlight. Summer in Chicago is phenomenal! Take advantage of it!

Fun Fact

I was the captain of Varsity Golf team in high school, but my golf game has been downhill ever since.

Kathryn Strimbu, MPP

• Hometown: Northwest Indiana (Crown Point)
• Undergraduate Institution: University of Notre Dame
• Area of Focus: Health Policy, with certificates in Data Analytics and Policy Analysis

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

I’m passionate about social equity issues, particularly related to domestic healthcare. Growing up in Northwest Indiana, my mom was a physical therapist at a low-income hospital. Being around my mom’s work exposed me to many of the socioeconomic barriers to care. As someone with chronic health issues myself, I am passionate about healthcare reforms which center around equity in accessibility and quality of care.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

I haven’t had a ton of time to explore yet, but I’m currently enjoying U.S. Healthcare System and Policy, the introductory course for GPHAP, one of my certificate programs.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

As someone with less work (and life!) experience than your average Harris student, I remember starting last year feeling like I had a lot to figure out. The logistics of moving to a big city, navigating career opportunities, and starting my graduate degree all seemed daunting. In a professional degree program, many of my peers were well settled into adult life, while I was still figuring out what to put on my grocery list. The work of the orientation leaders last year to welcome me to Harris and facilitate social opportunities allowed me to build friendships early in the year, I even found my two roommates through the Harris orientation Slack page! From the start, I felt like I had the institutional and social support I needed to make the transition a little less daunting, a little smoother, and a lot more fun.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Talk to people! Current students, especially the OLs, would love to share their advice for navigating UChicago, their recs for the best sushi in the city, or their favorite study spots outside Harris. I cannot emphasize enough how many opportunities there are at UChicago. Keep your eyes open and take in what you can, but also take breaks where you need them.

How do you like to spend your free time?

On the day-to-day, I spend my free time playing piano (keyboard), reading, or working out in my apartment gym. I also tutor local high schoolers in STEM subjects. On the weekends, my Harris friends and I take advantage of living in the city. Some of the e

Fun Fact

I played clarinet in the Notre Dame Marching Band!

Varun Thampi, MPP

• Hometown: Mumbai, India
• Undergraduate Institution: College of Engineering, Pune
• Area of Focus: International Development (Governance, Conflict, Humanitarian response)

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

Working with UNICEF at a state government in India, showed me the importance of developing technical skills in evaluating programs, scaling up pilots, and understanding how to best structure digital governance interventions. I came here to learn these skills, in preparation for my post-Harris job as a Foreign Service Officer delivering humanitarian assistance through USAID.

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

Orientation was incredibly rewarding for me, as I gained a sense of belonging to Harris, UChicago and the Hyde Park Community. During orientation, I also met most of my closest friends at Harris. My Orientation Leader played a big role in easing my transition into Harris, and I want to give back and foster an inclusive environment for incoming students. I am also excited to get to know the class of 2025!

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

At Harris: Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, whether it is introducing yourself to a classmate, raising your hand to ask a professor a question, or voicing an opinion that challenges a narrative in class. At the same time, recognize that the act of constantly challenging yourself and filing up your calendar with classes, study group meetings, and social commitments can be overwhelming for a lot of people, including me. Protect your time and energy! You are beginning a new chapter of your life at Harris, and while it may not be easy, we will be here for you. As one of the greatest wizards once said, “Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.”

At UChicago: Explore the stunning university campus when you come in the fall. Discover your own quaint spots to work and hang. At Chicago: Break the Hyde Park bubble! Go out and explore different neighborhoods of the city, they all have their own vibe!

How do you like to spend your free time?

Competing in the UChicago Intramurals is a great activity to do with fellow classmates. This quarter, we're playing inner tube water polo! I also enjoy cooking to wind down my evenings. In my spare time, I plan hiking trips with my best friends at Harris, but so far, I have only managed to go for one. Definitely looking to increase my success rate with the incoming class!

Camelia Valldejuly, MPP

• Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Undergraduate Institution: Harvard College
• Area of Focus: Social Policy

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

My goal is to understand how to shape policies to best address societal inequality and inequity.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

Coding in Python is actually pretty fun!

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

The Math & Coding camp was a great introduction to Harris for me. I was grateful to have the opportunity to meet my peers in a more relaxed environment, and I wanted to provide that space to incoming students.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Definitely go to all the events hosted by student groups and organizations (the events hosted by International House are my favorite!).

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love trying new restaurants with friends, going on walks along the lake and doing yoga.

Fun Fact

I worked at a winery after graduating from college.

Kiki Wang, MACRM

• Hometown: Qingdao, China
• Undergraduate Institution: Trinity College
• Area of Focus: Urban Policy; Economic Growth& Development

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

In my orientation, I met a lot of amazing new friends who have uplifted me to pursue my primary career and life goals, and I wish I could talk to more new students. Also, I had a difficult time when I first studied abroad. I want every incoming student to feel truly excited to be at Harris and to know that they can always come to someone for help if they feel uncomfortable.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

It helps me connect with the various resources available at Harris and across campus. I recommend checking your emails for anything of interest and freely contacting the advisor for any possible needs.

Fun Fact

I have been a fan of Jay Park since accidentally watching his 'bathroom' version of Nothin' on You on YouTube from a friend's iPad in 2011!

Angela Wang, MPP

• Hometown: Beijing, China
• Undergraduate Institution: University of Richmond
• Area of Focus: Development Finance and Consulting

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

I was attracted by Harris's quantitative approach of analyzing impact and its close engagement with the entire UChicago community. Going to a lunch talk on Energy in the Econ Department before meeting a grassroots activist at the Institute of Politics is just another normal day of studying at Harris - if you've finished your 20-page data assignment. :)

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

ESG and Impact Investing

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

I had the most fun during the orientation week - the Polis gatherings, the Scavenger Hunt, the carefree weeks before any stress kicked in... I want to facilitate all of that for the incoming class! And of course, get to know the goals and aspirations of our new cohort and provide support every way I can.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Talk to your classmates, visit the neighborhoods of Chicago, and learn about their history, and get a heater in October.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Play volleyball.

Fun Fact

Being a super-empath, feeling the emotions of everyone I see involuntarily (though something to be grateful for)

Anna Weiss, MPP

• Hometown: Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Undergraduate Institution: Loyola University Chicago
• Area of Focus: Data Analytics and Municipal / Urban policy

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

I am at Harris to build the best policy toolkit to change institutional and systemic norms that fail disenfranchised communities. I'm specifically interested in urban and state policy issues, due to the proximity to the communities I wish to serve. These days I am specifically exploring urban and state policy issues involving unequal access to utilities and transit. However, most of all I am looking forward to contributing to a more just, progressive future.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

My favorite class at Harris was Statistics II with Professor Wright!

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

I wanted to serve as an Orientation Leader to help the incoming Harris students know that the Harris community is lucky to have them. All the new students have unique gifts, perspectives, and ideas to contribute to the Harris community, and it's a really exciting thing for me to be a part of that exchange as an OL.

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

New students at Harris can make the most of their experience by keeping an open mind about Chicago, their peers, and their growth. There will be some things you will excel in, and some that will be more of a challenge, and I am referring to both academics as well as social and experiential elements of your time here. Remember to be kind to yourself and others as you all adjust and be open minded to all the new things you'll encounter!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I spend my free time doing a lot around the city! I like walking, going out to eat, and socializing in neighborhoods like Andersonville, Humboldt Park, Ukrainian Village, Rogers Park, and Chinatown. I also love live music, so I love going to concerts.

Fun Fact

I trained pre-professionally in ballet until I was 18! I also currently play D&D every week!

Patricia Yumbe, MPP Orientation Program Manager Hometown: Mexico City

• Undergraduate Institution: Center for Research and Teaching Economics (CIDE)

Why are you studying public policy at Harris?

Studying public policy at Harris will give me the resources to continue my career in research.

What has been your favorite class, or which class are you most looking forward to taking, at Harris?

My favorite class was David Chrisinger's "Trauma-Informed Policy Communication". It was absolutely incredible!

Why did you want to serve as an Orientation Leader?

I want to help create a great experience for new Harristas!

How can students new to Harris make the most of their experience? At Harris, UChicago, or the city of Chicago?

Don't be afraid to make new friends! The connections you make while at Harris will be one of the most valuable take-aways of your experience at Harris.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love watching movies and making crafts with friends.

Fun Fact

I fostered two cats here in Hyde Park!