Fries Center for Global Studies

Fisk Hall 201
262 High Street
Middletown, CT 06459
860-685-2550
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Finn Ahrens ‘26

Majors/Minors: Major in Economics and Minors in Data Analysis and Global Engagement 

Where I’m From: Rye, NY

Why I’m doing GEM: Coming from an international background, I’ve always valued diverse perspectives and cross-cultural experiences. Through GEM, I hope to continue expanding my worldview and develop skills that will be invaluable in my future work.

Fun Fact: I am a dual citizen. I have Dutch and American Citizenship. I also play lacrosse for the Netherlands Men’s national team.

 Kenzie Kelly '25

Majors/Minors: I am an English Major and Global Engagement Minor

Where I’m From: Needham, Massachusetts.

Why I’m doing GEM: I chose GEM because I wanted to further my Spanish immersion to look more globally at environmental issues and the geographical impacts.

Fun Fact:  I was born in London!

Henry Leighton '25

Majors/Minors: Science and Technology Studies and Hispanic Literature and Cultures double major, Global Engagement Minor

Where I’m From: Philadelphia, PA

Why I’m doing GEM: The Global Engagement Minor has opened the way for him to explore diverse interests such as through participation in the Summer 2023 and 2024 Critical Language Scholarship in Chinese.

A Fun Fact: A fun fact about Henry is that he went to a Spanish immersion elementary school where he learned math and science for the first time in Spanish.

Izzy Paez '26

Majors/Minors: Economics & Global Engagement

Where I’m From: Chappaqua, NY

Why I’m doing GEM: I chose to pursue GEM because I’ve grown up immersed in languages and cultural awareness and wanted to be in a space of people with these same values as well as wanting to continue to expand my lens of intercultural learning.

Tamiraa Sanjaajav '27

Majors/Minors: Computer Science and Government double major and Global Engagement minor

Where I’m From: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Why I’m doing GEM: I am doing the GEM to honor my love for languages and cross-cultural learning.

Fun Fact: I can name all seven Mongolian khanates before the Mongol Empire and their khans off the top of my head.

 

Kaya Waltzer '26

Majors/Minors: I'm a University Major in Urban Studies with a double minor in Global Engagement and IDEAS

Where I’m From: Springfield, NJ

Why I’m doing GEM: I'm doing GEM to add intercultural nuance to the urban issues I am interested in, and to join a community of like-minded people looking to expand and diversify their worldviews and cultural experiences.

Fun fact: I'm named after a Bob Marley song and album.

 

Shirley You '27

Name: Shirley You

Majors/Minors: Major in Economics and Minor in Global Engagement

Where I’m From: Suzhou, China

Why I’m doing GEM: As an international student, I joined GEM to better understand how my own positionality shapes the way I engage with global systems. Before college, I had a short exchange student experience in Utah and studied Global Perspectives & Research in high school, and I knew I always wanted to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. GEM complements my major by helping me think critically about the power dynamics behind economic development and inequality across cultures. Through interdisciplinary coursework and intercultural reflection, I’m learning to navigate global issues with both analytical rigor and cultural sensitivity.

Fun Fact：I love cooking as a way to relax—I was the chef for our Chinese New Year’s Eve feast for 8 people! I also enjoy experimenting with international cuisines from around the world.