Student Profiles in Political Science

Class Year: Fall 2025

Current Role and/or Graduate Program: Paralegal at a personal injury firm / MA in Geology and Environmental Studies

POLS Concentration and Minors (if any): BA: Political Science / Minors: Peace and Conflict Studies & Legal Studies.

One word to describe political science at A&M-SA: Intellectual

What was your path to college? What were your expectations and how do you feel about the experience now?

My path to college was not a straight one. I started college with the goal of pursuing a career in law, but personal and financial challenges forced me to drop out for a period of time. Although it was discouraging, that experience made me realize how important earning a degree was to me.

Before college, I expected the biggest challenge to be the coursework. Instead, I learned that balancing school, work, and life responsibilities was just as difficult. Returning to college gave me a new appreciation for my education and motivated me to work harder than ever.

Looking back, I am proud that I did not give up. My experiences have made me more resilient, disciplined, and determined to achieve my goal of attending law school.

What were one or two of your most meaningful or formative experiences as a political science student at A&M-SA?

One of the most meaningful experiences I had as a Political Science student at Texas A&M University–San Antonio was participating in classroom discussions that explored constitutional law, public policy, and the American legal system. These conversations challenged me to think critically, consider different perspectives, and develop stronger analytical and communication skills.

Another formative experience was building relationships with professors and classmates who encouraged me to grow academically and professionally. Their mentorship and support gave me the confidence to pursue graduate school and continue working toward my long-term goal of attending law school.

Was there a particular course, project, or faculty interaction that influenced how you think about politics, policy, or public life?

Although there was not one specific course that changed my perspective, my experiences outside the classroom had the greatest impact on me. I was able to participate in the university's mariachi program, which allowed me to stay connected to my culture and build relationships with other students. Because I worked full-time while attending school, I was not able to participate as much as I would have liked, but I still valued being part of the program.

Another meaningful experience was serving as a mentor for incoming freshmen. Helping new students navigate college reminded me of the challenges I faced and reinforced the importance of supporting others. These experiences strengthened my sense of community and showed me that leadership and public service extend beyond the classroom.

What were your career or educational goals when you began college, and how did your experience in the political science program shape or refine those goals?

When I began college, my goal was to build a career in the legal field and eventually attend law school. I knew I wanted to advocate for others, but I was still exploring the areas where I could make the greatest impact.

My experience in the Political Science program at Texas A&M University–San Antonio helped me understand how government, policy, and law shape communities and everyday lives. The program strengthened my critical thinking, research, and communication skills while giving me a deeper appreciation for public service. Since graduating, I have continued my education as a master's student pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, where I have been able to explore the connection between environmental issues, policy, and advocacy.

My long-term goal is to work with organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency or Texas Parks and Wildlife as an advocate for environmental protection and sustainable policies.

After gaining experience in the field, I hope to attend law school and combine my legal education with my passion for environmental advocacy. My journey through political science helped me recognize that law and policy can be powerful tools for creating meaningful change.

How did the political science program help you to pursue your personal and professional goals after graduation?

The Political Science program at Texas A&M University–San Antonio provided me with the foundation and skills needed to pursue my personal and professional goals after graduation. Through my coursework, I developed stronger critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills that have been valuable in my career as a legal assistant and in my continued education.

The program also helped me better understand how government, policy, and law influence communities and shape public issues. This knowledge has guided my decision to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, where I am exploring the connection between environmental policy and advocacy. The Political Science program gave me the perspective and skills to continue building a career focused on public service, advocacy, and creating meaningful change.

What advice would you give to current or prospective political science students at A&M-SA

My advice to current and prospective Political Science students at Texas A&M University–San Antonio is to focus on your education, pay attention in class, and take advantage of the resources available to you. At the same time, remember to enjoy your college experience. Go have fun, build relationships, and make memories because college is about more than just academics.

Do not stress yourself out too much about school. Your professors are there to support you and help you succeed. I want to give a special thank you and shoutout to Dr. Beaumont for the guidance, encouragement, and support he provided throughout my journey. His mentorship played an important role in helping me get to where I am today.

One of the greatest things about attending a smaller university like Texas A&M University–San Antonio is that you are more than just a number—you are a person. Professors and classmates genuinely care about your success, and there is a strong sense of community where people look out for one another. Take advantage of that support, believe in yourself, and enjoy the journey.

Name: Kristen Soderlund Slate, MPP
Class Year: 2022
Current Role and/or Graduate Program: Program Analyst/Investigator, Office of the Inspector General, State of Florida
POLS Concentration and Minors (if any): Minor in Criminology
One word to describe political science at A&M-SA: Immersive

“To be honest, I did not think I would be successful in college at all. It was the enthusiasm and willingness to help by my peers and professors at TAMUSA that made me want more and they gave me the tools to achieve it.”

What was your path to college? What were your expectations and how do you feel about the experience now? 

I wanted to go to college after getting out of the Army. I attended an online college to get credits during my last few months of enlistment and then transferred into TAMUSA, so my path was not direct! I expected to be challenged but I really didn’t know what to expect since I was a first-generation college student. Looking back, TAMUSA did more than give me the tools I needed to succeed beyond college. The Poli-Sci program faculty made a very direct effort to match their resources with my goals, ensuring I had a foundation that went beyond what I could have ever expected.

What were one or two of your most meaningful or formative experiences as a political science student at A&M-SA?

I think the most meaningful thing that I gained during my time as a political science student at TAMUSA were the lifelong friendships and mentors that I gained during the program and especially while participating in Model United Nations, which was ran by the political science program coordinator at the time. We took trips to Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC to attend conferences which quite literally changed the direction of my life. Had I not participated in these trips, I wouldn’t have realized that I wanted to continue my education beyond undergrad and move to DC to study public policy.

Was there a particular course, project, or faculty interaction that influenced how you think about politics, policy, or public life?

All of the above. I cannot speak highly enough about the political science faculty at TAMUSA. In my sophomore year I became especially interested in political theory and policy research. While the University offered excellent courses in these areas, I spoke to my professors about specific subjects I was interested in learning more about. Two of my professors offered to provide me with directed-study courses, where I could learn with them 1-on-1 about more niche subjects I wanted to continue studying. It was these two directed-study courses that helped me decide to attend graduate school. I think the best way to put it would be to say that the faculty at TAMUSA made the idea that I could use my education to do something meaningful, tangible, and they gave me the skills to turn my education into action.

What were your career or educational goals when you began college, and how did your experience in the political science program shape or refine those goals?

It was not a straight line by any means. I started as a psychology major at TAMUSA because I wasn’t exactly sure about a major just yet, so I picked one I suspected I might enjoy. I switched to political science at the beginning of my second semester after realizing I wasn’t passionate about psychology at all. Political science was a passing interest of mine at that point, but I realized it as a passion as I engaged with the program. In the beginning of the program, I really didn’t think grad school was in the cards for me. It sounds cheesy, but I really did have so much fun in my Poli-Sci courses. We got to dabble in designing a political campaign in my Mass Media and Politics course, and we got to write a profile on a Judge during my American Judicial System course. I used the assignment to get to know a local Judge in San Antonio, who ended up writing me a letter of recommendation for a scholarship later on! On a more serious note, each of my courses diligently exposed me to the reality of the world we live in and how it got to be this way, and they provided an open forum to discuss these issues and philosophize about causes, effects, and potential fixes in a way I had never done before.

How did the political science program help you to pursue your personal and professional goals after graduation?

In addition to the directed-study courses I mentioned, there were several paid job opportunities available at TAMUSA that helped me gain valuable experience I would use later on. I worked as a supplemental instructor for Texas Government courses, as well as a research assistant on a criminal justice policy study for one of my professors. It was these experiences that helped me get into Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy on an academic scholarship, where I continued studying public policy through a STEM lens. My professors from the TAMUSA Poli-Sci program have helped me several times since graduation with letters of recommendation and career advice. It is because of the experience I had with the program that I was able to succeed in a very rigorous graduate program and go on to achieve my dream job with the Department of Justice.

What advice would you give to current or prospective political science students at A&M-SA?

If you want to change something about the world we live in and you have the slightest inkling a political science degree is going to help you do that, just do it. I’ve personally experienced the doors this program can open for you when you engage with it, and it can get you where you want to be. I very nearly failed out of high school. No college would accept me, so the military was my next choice. To be honest, I did not think I would be successful in college at all. It was the enthusiasm and willingness to help by my peers and professors at TAMUSA that made me want more and they gave me the tools to achieve it. It’s a very “come as you are” type of program, and there are no limits. Also, take Professor Beaumont’s upper-level political theory courses (mind blowing).