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Growing up, Carmen Mancuso admired Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt—two trailblazers who ignored society’s conventions and followed their heart.

Cut from the same adventurous cloth as her heroes, Carmen is carving her own path for the future, starting at ��«Ӱҵ.

In order to explore different possible tracks toward a career in art conservation, she’s changed her major several times.

Although she has settled on a double major in political science and Spanish, with minors in pre-law, studio art, and public history/museum studies, she remains unapologetically committed to doing college—and life—on her terms.

“I’ve had a hundred different dreams over my lifetime thus far; and just because I selected a major doesn’t mean I’m done dreaming,” she said. “How often does your career or life follow a linear path? I would answer very rarely; these major changes are just part of the process. Through my explorations, I’ve met amazing people and gained an appreciation of fields outside of mine.”

At ��«Ӱҵ, Carmen participates in the Institute for Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP) where she co-hosts un-CAPP it!, a non-partisan Gen Z podcast that discusses political issues.

“The communication experience I’ve gained in this role is priceless,” she says. “Every new guest and topic provide a learning opportunity.”

She takes a dance class every other semester and stops by Presser Hall between classes to practice piano. And, she can often be found enjoying nature and running or walking on the Green Monster to unwind after a busy day.

Serving on the student advisory board for the Getty College of Arts & Sciences is her favorite activity, she says. “There are so many ways I can effect change at the university in this role. My voice serves as a bridge by honoring the past and present students.”

After graduation, Carmen plans to attend graduate school in preparation for a career in “conserving and restoring works of art and preserving them for generations to come.”

“My core passion is for education,” she says. “Everything I do is a quest for knowledge.”