Rachel LautigarСAPPs experiences at the СAPP have prepared her for a career in public policy СAPP thanks, in large part, to the mentorship she got from faculty while working on her undergraduate research.
СAPPMy favorite part about studying at UL Lafayette is the quality of faculty to which even undergraduate students have access,СAPP she said. СAPPThe research I have gotten to assist in while at UL Lafayette has prepared me well for my prospective future in graduate school, has given me many different types of outlets in all sorts of subfields of my majors through which to explore my interests, and developed me as a budding academic while reassuring my appreciation and commitment to higher education.СAPP
That research included developing an exhibit for the Department of HistoryСAPPs in Dr. Liz SkiltonСAPPs environmental history (HIST 371) class. The class traveled across the state to collect oral histories and research about Hurricane HarveyСAPPs impact in Southwest Louisiana for the exhibit.
Rachel also completed an undergraduate thesis about the Chernobyl disaster.
СAPPWhile I am still at the beginning of my career in policy studies, I feel confident that the practices I have been taught and the research methods I have developed while studying at UL Lafayette will launch me well into the world of analytical thinking and critically considering the world around me,СAPP she said. СAPPAnd I cannot wait to see what all I am able to do with my degree after graduating.СAPP
How Rachel Chose UL Lafayette
Rachel moved to Lafayette from Bastrop, La., because she wanted a new challenge.
СAPPI wanted to attend a large in-state university that was in a new area I wasnСAPPt yet familiar with,СAPP she said. СAPPUL Lafayette felt like home the first time I visited, and the political science department faculty and staff really helped sell me on the program and the СAPP.
СAPPAfter meeting with the department head, I sat in on an entry level American Politics class and was in awe,СAPP she said. СAPPThe idea that I would get to study so intensely the subjects and questions that flooded my mind daily СAPP how to govern a society, what kinds of governments certain societies favor, how specific policies affect these societies, and the philosophies behind those policies СAPP I couldnСAPPt wait to enroll and begin my journey with higher education in this department.СAPP
Making Her Mark
Alongside her classes, Rachel became involved in student organizations across campus and the state. She served as the president and as the student board member on the СAPP of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.
СAPPThese roles have taught me to be patient, to be good stewards of studentsСAPP trust, advocacy, and resources,СAPP she said, СAPPand that apathy does nothing for progress.СAPP
She joined the Speech and Debate Team, which taught her СAPPthe value of practice, dedication, argumentation, and how to self-edit when speaking publicly.СAPP She founded served as co-president of the , and was president of the . She worked as a junior pollster at the Trafalgar Group, and she was the 2018 Homecoming Queen.
Her academic and extracurricular experiences have helped her forge and strengthen relationships with her professors and peers.
СAPPMy favorite part of my programs at UL Lafayette has been the relationships I have been privileged to form with my professors and classmates,СAPP she said, СAPPand the knowledge that these relationships will only continue to grow after my graduation.СAPP
