Paul Maitland-McKinley Mount Vernon, New York
Biology, Japanese
When I entered Macalester, I vowed that
college would be a time devoted to my
studies, with pockets of time dedicated to
socialization. However, after just two days
here, I realized that wasn’t going to work.
The people and extracurricular opportunities
were too engaging.
“My interests lie in
immunology and
in rap and reggae
culture within
urban Japanese
youth subculture.”
Paul Maitland-
McKinley ’09
In my sophomore
year, I became president
of Macalester’s
black student
organization, Black
Liberation Affairs
Committee (BLAC).
During my term, we
brought Spike Lee
to speak in celebration
of Black History
Month, hosted an art
show for local black
artists, and sponsored
a dance featuring
a step show.
In my junior year I
needed something
different. I had always
had an interest in student government
and saw a way to explore my curiosity
through MCSG, Macalester College
Student Government, where I served on
the Academic Affairs Commission.
Along with working on projects and trying
to bridge gaps between students and
faculty, I was chosen as MCSG representative
to the college’s Educational Policy and
Governance Committee. There it was my
duty to represent the students in decisions
involving new majors, academic policies,
and recommendations concerning faculty
life and academic departments. Serving
with professors and staff allowed me to
see campus life through the eyes of a population
other than students.
Despite the time commitments, I never
had to sacrifice my commitment to my
academic life. I am a biology and Japanese
language & culture double major. My interests lie in immunology and in rap and reggae culture within urban Japanese youth subculture. What I love about college is that though my interests may have no obvious overlap, I still find time to explore each equally.
In the future, I plan to obtain my M.D. and become a university faculty member. Until then, I intend to learn as much as I can from my experience at Macalester.
|
