Knox College students explored potential career paths, distinctive educational programs, and other learning experiences at the 2016 Fall Institute.

During Knox's annual Fall Institute, regular classes are canceled for a day, and students are free to attend presentations on a wide range of topics. A few of the topics this year included the process of applying to medical school, research and internship opportunities in Germany, and Knox's study abroad programs in Spain, Argentina, and France.

The 2016 Fall Institute got under way on the evening of October 18, with a discussion on political engagement that featured two Knox alumni, Brad Middleton '08 and Elaine Wilson Stern '09. (Photo at top of page.)

Middleton and Stern, both former Student Senate presidents at Knox, work in Washington, D.C. Middleton currently serves as education policy advisor to United States Senator and Assistant Democratic Leader Richard J. Durbin of Illinois. Stern currently serves as director of government relations for the Foreign Policy Initiative, and she previously served as legislative advisor to United States Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas.

"Every aspect of a liberal arts education has helped with what I do now," Stern said. As specific examples, she cited the importance of critical thinking and good writing.

While a Knox student, Middleton participated in the Washington Semester Program, which he credits with helping him develop a network of contacts.

Students said they benefited from what Middleton and Stern had to say.

"I've always been really interested in politics," said Mark Voreis '18, an international relations major. "They answered a lot of questions I had about how to get involved in Washington working with politicians, which is something I've always wanted to do."

Zooey Brewer '17, a political science major who completed the Washington Semester Program, said she was interested by the different perspectives that Middleton and Stern provided.

Additional Fall Institute sessions that took place the next day were helpful, students said.

For example, Leela Yeleswarapu '19 and Akashi Perera '19 participated in a session about StartUp Term, an immersive experience in which students learn about all aspects of entrepreneurship.

"I'm a business minor and economics major," said Perera. "I think StartUp Term is a way I can apply the skills I've learned in class so far and also gain more knowledge where I'm immersed in the work."

Yeleswarapu said StartUp Term would help her better understand the realities of working in an entrepreneurial environment.

Yeleswarapu and Perera agreed that Fall Institute is valuable.

The sessions help students decide "where you want to take your Knox education and how you can take it forward," said Yeleswarapu.

Perera added: "It makes you stop in the middle of the term and think about where you're going and reassess your goals."