Written by Daniel E. Mann

I simply cannot believe that I’m finished with my undergraduate career. It seems like yesterday that I was a freshman here at Suffolk, having just graduated from high school, and ready to make my time at college an overall terrific experience. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has changed, how much I have accomplished, and yet how much has stayed the same. Graduating from high school in Plainview, a medium-sized inner suburb of New York, I knew I wanted to go to a university in a city, preferably at a school that was urban; and did not have an enclosed campus. I knew of schools like BU and my top choice George Washington, but I’d never heard of Suffolk. To me, Suffolk was Suffolk County Community College, a school in the next county over from my home town. Suffolk University was the right fit for me – a medium sized university right near the State House – perfect for government majors and poly science nerds. Majoring in International Relations, I had a relatively decent idea of what I wanted to do with my life. Throughout the first part of my freshman year, my goal was to go to law school. I saw myself pursuing a Juris Doctor, and eventually doing something with international law. I soon realized that this was really not what I wanted, and for a short period of time, wasn’t entirel sure what my next step was. Eventually, a someone from the CAS Dean’s Office said to me jokingly, “You might make a good academic”. At first, I didn’t really give the idea much consideration because I thought that this was not something that I could aspire to, let alone achieve. Having come from a family of teachers and educators, I knew that I really wanted nothing to do with education, at least at the primary and secondary levels. I continued staying very involved in student organizations, such as SGA and the Suffolk Democrats, as well as being very active in Massachusetts Democratic politics. I’ve worked on numerous campaigns, and have become somewhat involved in the College Democrats of Massachusetts. I also interned at the State House and am a member of the Cambridge Democratic City Committee.

I ultimately decided that I wanted to do two things-live on my own and study abroad.  Fortunately I was able to do both. It also helped me to solidify my academic interests, and I began to seriously consider pursuing an advanced degree in political science. While studying abroad in London and working for a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons, I got the idea that perhaps I’d like to go to graduate school in the UK. Thanks to several faculty members in the Government Department – Ken Cosgrove, Rachael Cobb and Brian Conley just to name a few – I was also able to strengthen my research skills ,and, as a result figured out what my research interests were in  Canadian politics and history. here? Well, in addition to living the dream, I’m getting ready for what is perhaps one of the biggest changes in my life. I am graduating a year early, thanks to AP credits and my time in London. I’m happy to be moving on to the next chapter in my life even though it is a bit bizarre that all this is happening so soon. I am moving to Manchester, UK in September, as I will be attending The University of Manchester for an MSc (Master of Science) in Social Change. To say that I am proud of this would be an understatement; Manchester is one of the top universities in the UK, and in Europe as well, in addition to being a member of the Russell Group, the UK’s equivalent of the Ivy League. What does this mean to me? Well, for a start, it is a sign that all my hard work is finally starting to pay off. Secondly, it is living a dream. I’ve always wanted to pursue some kind of advanced degree in political science, and social change is exactly what my research focuses on. That being said, I’ve always wanted to live in another country and experience day-to-day life in a new environment. Moving to the UK also presents many other new opportunities academically, as the UK higher education system is radically different to the US. It encourages postgraduate research to a much larger extent than at home. This will put me in a good position to pursue a PhD, which has long been a dream of mine and is something which I intend to do once I have finished my Masters.

If I had to finish off with some advice, here it is. First of all, be yourself. You don’t have anyone to impress. Be who you are, because being yourself will get you the farthest. Don’t be afraid to be outgoing and don’t be afraid to get involved. Participating in student organizations is the best thing that you can do, but don’t feel limited to activities on campus. Secondly, think for yourself. For new freshman, don’t be afraid to take chances and calculated risks. During orientation, a lot of things will be glossed over, avoided and in many cases, outright wrong. Another important piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask for help. One of Suffolk’s major flaws is the fact that the small stuff is made into a big deal, but when a major issue comes around, nobody is willing to step up to the plate. If you have a problem, reach out and get help.

So, with this, one chapter is almost closed, and another is about to open. Goodbye Boston. I’ll miss you, but I’ll probably be back. Hello there Manchester, nice to meet you (said in my 100% authentic British accent, which is totally not authentic at all).