Andrew Durkin, ’18

Major: Economics and Political Science

Hometown: Doylestown, Pa.

Sports/Clubs/Organizations: Managing editor, La Salle Collegian; Coordinator, Project Appalachia Spring Break (2015-2017); Coordinator, Neighbor to Neighbor; La Salle Mock Trial Association; Catholic Relief Services; Camden Experience

What was your experience in La Salle’s program like?

La Salle has given me all the opportunities that I could have hoped for. As a member of the Honors Program, I was able to live and learn with a small group of 60 students. The program helped my transition to college and independent living immensely. Three and a half years later, the people I met my first week were still some of my best friends. Small class sizes and departments have given me the chance to grow close to several of my professors. Meanwhile, a relatively small number of economics majors created an atmosphere of friendly competition between me and my classmates, propelling all of us to do better than we could have alone.

Outside of the classroom, La Salle provided me with plenty of leadership opportunities. The thriving University Ministry and Service (UMAS) program allowed me to explore my passions, both in the Philadelphia region and around the country. Students are given opportunities for international studies, including through the Leadership and Global Understanding (LGU) minor, which subsidizes foreign learning experiences and student understanding of social justice issues around campus. Working with the student newspaper allowed me to talk to interesting speakers that are brought to campus, interview professors and staff members to better understand their lives, and foster friendships that lasted throughout my undergraduate years.

What do you hope to do with your degree after graduating?

I’ve worked at community and economic development organizations for the last two summers. I’m hoping to find work with affordable housing nonprofits or work in the public sector at the state or local level in economic development or housing. After gaining some experience, I plan to pursue my Master’s of Public Policy.

If you weren’t majoring in this, what do you think you would be doing?

I’d probably be a bio/pre-med and psychology double major. When I was younger, I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Looking back, what I really wanted to be was a public health expert focusing on at-risk populations, but I’m not sure I would have realized the impact that public policy has on public health if I didn’t become involved in my current majors. My favorite part about economics is that it allows me to consider issues of social injustice, like poverty, healthcare disparities, and international development through rigorous data analysis. My interest has always been the people rather than the financial markets, so I probably would have found another way to reach the same goal.

Who was the most influential member of the La Salle community on your life?

The people who were educated at La Salle and understand the student experience have always been incredibly helpful in putting my own choices and goals into perspective. Dr. Richard Mshomba has talked to me at length about his motivations while an undergraduate. Regina Gauss-Kosiek helped lead one of my service trips as a staff volunteer and continues to give me advice on how to live my life in line with my ethics. Dr. Michael Boyle, the Chair of the Political Science Department, always had his door open when I needed help with internships, when I was trying to figure out what to do with my life, or just wanted to chat. When the Collegian needed to find a faculty adviser, he was willing to give up his very limited spare time and help lead my editor-in-chief and myself through our final year.

What was one of the biggest lessons you learned at La Salle?

Commit yourself wholeheartedly to being where you are. Planning for the future is important, but living in the moment allows you to maximize your time and find experiences that would be impossible without your attention.