Senior Stories: History, Global & Political Studies

Taylor wouldn't be Taylor without amazing students. Developing servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ's redemptive love is why we are here. Students seeking to serve through many different fields and careers are participating in this Senior Stories series to share how God has used Taylor in their lives. 

Taylor’s History, Global & Political Studies program envelops several different career fields. Majors in this program include Global Studies, Political Science, Philosophy & Economics (PPE), and more. Through internships, mission trips, and study abroad programs, students are able to travel to serve and learn. They are well-rounded academically and gain experience so they can go on to serve as lawyers, government officials, and more.  

Meet Erin Drummy, a senior graduating from the History, Global & Political Studies program:

Name: Erin Drummy, '20 Major: Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (minors: Communication Studies, Legal Studies) Hometown: Longmont, Colorado, IN

What are the most important things you've learned in your major classes?

The most important thing I have learned in my major classes is how to think critically, which I know is one of the most cliché responses in existence. But seriously, PPE has given me the knowledge to be able to view issues from a multitude of different perspectives including economically, philosophically, and internationally. As part of this, I have developed very strong writing and verbal communication skills because something that is SO important in politics is how well we are expressing our ideas.

Can you give an example of an impactful class?

One of the most impactful classes I had was Western Political Thought, i.e. notoriously the hardest class in the major. Not only did this class whip me into shape academically, but it made me think harder about political philosophy than I thought was possible. The looming question in this class is what makes a flourishing society, which ultimately got me thinking outside our American view of what power in society looks like and expanded it toward other systems of governance.

What people have had the greatest impact on you during your time at Taylor?

There have been so many influential people during my time at Taylor, and each one has helped guide me to seek God’s calling on my life so I can live a faithful response to that calling. 

Dr. Kerton-Johnson has been the biggest influence in developing my love for politics and the ways that this interacts with our faith. The entire HGPS department has always been so supportive of all of the student endeavors and continues to provide a phenomenal environment for learning and growth. Dr. Todd Ream has given me the opportunity to work alongside him on an intensive research project that has not only helped me hone my skills, but has also expanded my view of the purpose of higher education.

Lastly, Jeff Aupperle and Amber Stanley in the CCO have been foundational in helping me process through what vocation is and what life might look like after graduation. Those who I have lived with on Fourth Berg, ridden ponies with on the Equestrian Team, and danced in the freezing weather with on the POMS Team will always hold a special place in my heart because they have supported me throughout this journey and always provide tremendous insight and wisdom.

What advice would you give a high school student who is considering Taylor?

Don’t worry! I know college and choosing a major can seem incredibly overwhelming, but the reality is God will use you wherever He thinks you will fit best, and it very well could be totally unrelated to your major! Don’t be too concerned about what job you might get after you graduate, that is a ways off and a little secret: a lot of seniors are so tired of their major by the time they graduate that they want to take a year or two off doing something different.

So, while getting a college degree is important, especially in our economy, don’t stress about what you major in just yet, please. Take the first semester, or honestly the first year to take classes in a few different areas of interest so you can narrow down what is or isn’t interesting. Everything will be okay, I promise; don’t let the stress of the future get you down—enjoy your senior year!