Cameron Tiefenthaler '24
Cameron Tiefenthaler '24
- Hometown: Mechanicsburg, OH
- Class: 2024
- Majors: Political Science; Business Analytics
- Out-of-Classroom Experiences/Interests:
- Winter 2023 Menard Family Center Civic Intern in London
- Harry S. Truman Scholar
- Secretary of Governmental Relations in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's Associated Student Government (ASG)
- President of JANUS Forum 2023-2024
- Alpha Omicron Pi
- VP of programming in a pre-law org
Why ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?
It ultimately came down to finances for me, being an in-state student and wanting to save money for law school after graduating. My mom attended ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, so I was already familiar with the campus, the incredible programs especially in political science and business, and I liked the size. I have great access to resources (like that of a large institution) but the campus is small enough that I know people when walking to class and have found a solid community.
How did you choose your major?
I've been interested in law and politics for many years, so naturally a political science major and pursuing the pre-law track made sense. Because I had space in my schedule and I wanted to diversify my skills, I chose to add a double major in Business Analytics. This major taps into my interest in collecting, manipulating, and interpreting data, which is frequently misconstrued in the political world. Understanding data is vital to making smart policy decisions and measuring the impact of laws.
Key Moment at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
I've had many professors who have shaped my life, but one in particular is Dr. Monica Schneider in the Political Science department. I've taken several of her classes, including Gender Politics and U.S. Campaigns and Elections. Outside of the classroom, she helped me prepare my application and candidacy for the Truman Scholarship, which I received in the spring of 2023 and prepare my application to study women's political representation in the EU with a Fulbright research grant.
Favorite ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Memory
It’s impossible to pick just one, but the most memorable experiences I’ve had were made on adventures outside of Ohio. I've participated in technically four study abroad/away programs: a semester in Luxembourg at MUDEC, J-term in Paris with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's "Paris Cultural Capital" program, J-term in London with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's Menard Center for Democracy, and a summer in DC through ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's "Inside Washington" program. I spent 3 years in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's Associated Student Government (2 years as a senator, 1 year as the Secretary of Governmental Relations, and ran for Student Body President). I am the president of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's Amicus Curiae pre-law society, a tour guide, a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, a member of the Lecture Series committee, and an Andrew Goodman Foundation Ambassador through the Wilks Center for ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúhip and Service.
Advice to Prospective Students
Take every opportunity you can to make the most of your college time! These are the days to join the Pickleball club your senior year if you want, go on all of the study abroad programs you can afford, and soak up all of the knowledge and memories possible.
What are your career goals?
I am currently applying for a Fulbright-Schuman grant to study in the EU for a gap year before attending law school. I hope to practice civil rights or Constitutional law in D.C. after obtaining my J.D.
Other Notable Experience
My time in Luxembourg for a semester was the most formative part of my time at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. I traveled every weekend, stayed with a host family, and took classes such as European comparative politics with a Luxembourgish diplomat at the Lux Ministry of Foreign Affairs.