Student Profiles
James Lord
 James
Lord had been working as a scientist - doing well, but
looking to make some changes. He was considering a new job
as well as a return to school, when he looked into SCS.
JL: When I saw the MALS
offerings, I definitely wanted to apply. The mission of the
program, it seems to me, is one of broadening horizons. They
do that by creating a very diverse learning environment, which
allows students to intellectually challenge each other in
a way that deepens the experience and allows for much broader
perspectives of study.
Q: Do you find the instructors to be
equally engaging and approachable?
JL: Yes. They have provided
so much incredible feedback to me - that alone has strengthened
my writing skills. I think if someone's really paying
attention and listening to the constructive feedback they're
going to get in this program, then they not only will improve
their writing, but their skills with logic and debate as well
- that is, their ability to communicate better.
Q: How has the MALS program exceeded
your expectations?
JL: I would have to say
that this whole program has broadened my sense of thinking
more than I ever imagined it would. It has allowed me not
only to see a more complete picture of the world through the
study of literature, but also to understand the various different
perspectives that other people possess.
Cathy Houdek
 Cathy
Houdek believes that there are a lot of people who think about
taking classes or who talk about furthering or changing their
careers, but who always find excuses that stop them.
CH: You have to stop
saying
"I don't have the money," or "the
time,"or this or that. Instead, you have to say, "What
baby steps can I start taking today to lead me down that
path?"
Q: What was the path that led you to
that point?
CH: I originally came
to Chicago to study interior design, and I ended up in computers,
something that seemed more practical. But after nearly 20
years in high-tech-for everyone from IBM to an Internet
startup-I started feeling that I was doing the same
things over and over again. I wanted something more flexible
and creative. Eventually, I got to the point of asking myself,
"If not now, when?" So I quit my job as VP of
marketing for the startup, did some consulting, and was accepted
to the MALS program.
Q: You didn't have a clear goal
in mind when you enrolled?
CH: No, it was part of
a process of self-discovery. And I would say this program
is all about self-discovery. It's about realizing what
going back to school can do for you. It opens up your possibilities
and gives you a sense of confidence that you can, for example,
get off the corporate track and still be okay. I think the
program helped me to see that I had options. It helped me
understand that I can explore other things, and that was really
liberating.
Q: What are you planning to do once
you graduate?
CH: My sister and I are
starting our own business in children's apparel. We
will be marketing and wholesaling a line of children's
apparel, as well as publishing storybooks for preschoolers.
Q: What was most rewarding about study
at SCS?
CH: Well, it's a
lot of writing. Thinking of your arguments, presenting them
and defending them-that was really hard work. But that
critical thinking-writing aspect was probably the best learning
experience of all. Even in business-so many times you
need to be able to present an argument for a course of action,
and I think the writing was great experience for that.
Mary Smessaert
Twenty-two years after earning a bachelor's degree
in history and psychology, Mary Smessaert opted to return
to school for Northwestern's Master of Arts in Liberal
Studies program.
Q: What made you decide to go
back to school?
MS: I had been interested
in doing it for many years. Then I realized if I didn't do
it right away, I wouldn't
do it at all. I really craved intellectual stimulation.
Being back in school is exciting. It's wonderful
to be exploring areas I wouldn't have on my own.
Even the most widely read reader is challenged here.
Q: You work full time. Does
that make it hard to attend classes?
MS: I worked before and
during college, too, so I'm used to that. You learn to
structure your time more effectively - when
you're motivated you manage to make the time. I really
look forward to class nights.
Q: What are MALS classes like?
MS: One of my favorites
was a class on Plato and Thucydides, led by Sara Monoson.
By drawing parallels between ancient
times and today's events, she made the whole text
come alive. All my professors in the program have been
extremely approachable and supportive. It's been
a thrill to work with topnotch scholars who have a passion
for learning and for teaching.
Q: What's your capstone
project?
MS: I'm focusing on the
Progressive Era, which began in the late 1880s, and exploring
the role of women in reforming
the corporate sector. Doing the research and articulating
my ideas is exciting as well as demanding. Q:
You've recommended the program to others. Why?
MS: In today's culture
there's so much emphasis on monetary wealth. We forget about
the wealth of the mind.
It's wonderful to be in a program that supports that.
I feel I've grown intellectually and personally. Going
to SCS has added color to my world.
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