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Ian Candy’s First Year: Combining Politics, Neuroscience, and Forensics—to Help Others

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:00:36 +0000

Ian Candy’s First Year: Combining Politics, Neuroscience, and Forensics—to Help Others Andrew J Schappert Wed, 08/14/2024 - 10:00

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Ian Candy’s interest in politics developed early, at age 10, when he found he enjoyed watching political news shows with his parents instead of cartoons.

“My parents love watching the news,” he said. “And oddly enough, I enjoyed it. I ended up becoming very invested with the political side of the news…. This love for democracy that was planted in me as a child has only grown. The roots of this seed have cemented, making the study of government and international politics dear to my heart.”

Ian Candy: ‘It is no secret that our democracy can light up a room in a second, but just as quickly cover it in shadows.’

As a first-year student at the Schar School of Policy and Government at ��AV, Candy will major in government and international politics at a Carnegie Research 1 institution that happens to be located just a few miles from Washington, D.C. Both of those were “huge check marks on my list” of potential schools, he said.

“It is no secret that our democracy can light up a room in a second, but just as quickly cover it in shadows,” he said. “No stranger to governmental legislation targeting my communities, I have and will continue to advocate for anyone facing those shadows.”

The South Dakota native will double major in neuroscience at George Mason’s College of Science, a program that prepares students for medical and health-related fields.

“I truly believe that the breadth of both fields lends themselves to a great deal of intersectionality not seen in many other double majors,” he said. “Neuroscience captivates me, but imperatively, I feel a duty to study this field.”

Candy said that “the people in my life that are closest to me have and continue to struggle with mental illness and brain function disorders. Researching the causes and solutions to ‘give back’ [to those in need] would be incredibly fulfilling.”

Candy is convinced that he can overcome what he calls “the ambiguous intersectionality between neuroscience and government” with a third interest of his: storytelling. In fact, the University Scholar and Honors College student will hone his storytelling skills as a member of George Mason’s forensics team, which placed second in the nation in 2024.

“What I found most remarkable about him was that he is very engaging and likeable,” said forensics director Dawn Lowry, who recruited Candy at the National Speech and Debate Association’s high school expo in Des Moines, Iowa. “He has a great energy and when he is into something, he wants to know everything about that subject.”

Meeting Lowry and other members of the team made Candy feel “welcomed and at home, just from the few conversations I had,” he said.

While a career path is still uncertain for the new college student, “I hope to achieve what 10-year-old me envisioned: to help other people.

“Whether that looks like a career defending others in the courtroom, providing psychiatric assistance to patients, drafting science and technology-based policy, or working on something that doesn’t even exist yet, helping others—while hearing and advocating for their stories—is my main goal.”

Topics

Government and International Politics

Schar School of Policy and Government

Schar School News for August 2024

Schar School Student Spotlight

College of Science

Forensics Team

Lifelong learning turns into a bachelor’s degree for this first-year Mason student

first year students

For this University Scholar, the choice was always Mason

Colleen Rich — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 19:57:24 +0000

For this University Scholar, the choice was always Mason Colleen Rich Fri, 10/13/2023 - 15:57

Spogmai Ahmadzai’s life changed with a single question from her middle school English teacher.

The teacher asked if anyone in Ahmadzai’s family attended college. The answer was no for the girl born in Kabul, Afghanistan, who immigrated with her family to the United States at age 9 and had to learn English while repeating fourth grade.

“I had no idea that question would pertain to my future,” said Ahmadzai, now a biology major at ��AV. “I never would have guessed that there was such a thing as [the Early Identification Program (EIP)].”

EIP is Mason’s college preparatory program for first-generation students. Working with seven school systems in Northern Virginia, the program provides college-bound middle and high school students with year-round opportunities in academic enrichment, leadership training, and college and career exploration.

Ahmadzai joined EIP in 7th grade and took advantage of all the resources it has to offer. “EIP really helped me with the transition to college.”

She said assistance with the application process, college essays, and “the support of all the mentors” helped her avoid some of the difficulties her friends encountered. It also helped her realize that Mason was the school for her.

“I chose Mason because of the diversity,” she said. “I thought that I wouldn't feel like an outsider here. I will feel comfortable, and I can be myself. I can feel at home here.”

When Ahmadzai received the letter inviting her to be a University Scholar, she said she didn’t quite believe it. As she told friends and family about the four-year scholarship, they all told her they thought she deserved it. Now she sees it as a testament to all her hard work.

“[The scholarship] represents all the hardship and hard work that I put in all those years,” she said. “It is a wonderful opportunity.”

Through EIP, Ahmadzai also had the opportunity to participate in the social sciences research through the Youth Research Council [YRC], a partnership of the Sociology and Anthropology Department’s Center for Social Science Research and EIP.

“As a member of the Youth Research Council, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the experiences of students who were subjected to racism and discrimination,” said Ahmadzai, who helped conduct surveys and interviews with area high school students.

Admadzai was surprised at the survey results. She said their work also helped raise awareness. They found that some students were so accustomed to what they were experiencing that they didn’t recognize racism when they experienced it.

“I definitely am glad that I was part of something like [YRC],” she said. “You might think that, ‘Oh, I'm just so different,’ or think ‘I'm alone.’ But in reality, there's always somebody who is also struggling, just like you.”

Admadzai aspires to a career in dentistry. She said she realizes that there were many different majors she could have chosen to prepare for dental school, but selected biology because of her interest in the environment and the “world of living things.”

As a member of the Honors College, Admadzai gets immersed in research her first year. As she tries to decide on a topic for her research project, she said she hopes to grow as a researcher and leader during her time at Mason.

Learn more about Mason's EIP

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Topics

Early Identification Program (EIP)

College of Science

Strategic Direction

Internships helped this Mason grad hone in on her career goals

Colleen Rich — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 17:25:23 +0000

Internships helped this Mason grad hone in on her career goals Colleen Rich Thu, 12/08/2022 - 12:25

Aloana Hall knew she wanted to study and practice law. She also knew she did not want to work in juvenile defense because, as she thought, “It’s going to be so emotionally taxing.”

University Scholar Aloana Hall. Photo by Creative Services

But after her experience as a legal intern at the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project, the government and international politics major at ��AV changed her mind. Yes, working with juveniles was emotional, as she feared. “But it also is so rewarding,” she said, “and so I feel like I’m doing something good.”

Hall, a member of the Honors College and a University Scholar, added to her résumé with an internship at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Her Honors College research project, examining the drought and climate change in the West, was an eye-opener as well.

“I know a bit about climate change and rising sea levels because I’m from Virginia Beach, and it’s a problem,” Hall said. “It’s so strange the idea of not enough water in the West, and I’m worrying about too much water.”

What is your best memory of Mason?
One of my favorite memories from my time at Mason is the Spring 2022 Homecoming. Despite being in the middle of winter, it was a beautiful, warm day. I usually do not stay outside much during the winter, but I participated in the outdoor tailgate. It was great to see so many people showing school spirit and see some of my older friends who returned as alumni.

How have you grown while at Mason?
I have grown by challenging myself. I pushed myself to stay engaged and take on leadership positions in various organizations on campus. I also pushed myself to apply for internships, fellowships, and jobs despite feeling inadequate and underqualified. I have grown into someone who is not afraid to go outside their comfort zone and fail at times.

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
I encourage incoming students to not let their college years pass them by. Most people are in college for only a few years. So, do not let great memories, relationships, and opportunities get away from you. Reach out to professors who are researching what you are interested in, start a conversation with the person sitting beside you in class, and go to the club-interest meeting even though you do not know anyone. It is easy to keep your head down, but try to push yourself.

What’s next for you?
I am in the process of applying to law school for fall 2023.

Topics

Mason was the university next door, now it’s this freshman’s home

Colleen Rich — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:52:55 +0000

Mason was the university next door, now it’s this freshman’s home Colleen Rich Thu, 09/15/2022 - 14:52

Meet the Class of 2026

Freshman Joshua Dias has long been a part of the Mason Nation
October 13, 2022
Mason was the university next door, now it’s this freshman’s home
September 15, 2022
Incoming Patriot leaps from high school to her sophomore year of college
August 31, 2022
Another chance to lead for Mason volleyball star
August 30, 2022
Incoming freshman is determined to be heard
August 23, 2022

University Scholar Sophia Ramirez got to know Mason as a participant in the Early Identification Program. Photo by Ashlen Renner/Strategic Communications

Sophia Ramirez woke up on the first day of March at 6 a.m. and quickly checked her email. She knew the selections for the ��AV Scholars program had gone out at midnight. Before she could start her day, she needed to know if she had made the cut.

“I didn’t think I got it at first, but then I kept reading and realized I got in,” Ramirez said. “I was going to Mason.”

A 2022 graduate of Manassas Park High School, Ramirez grew up with Mason practically in her backyard. Going to Mason was always a distant goal, but now it was a reality with her inclusion in Mason’s Honors College and as a University Scholar, which means her tuition is paid for.

“There was a lot of excitement,” Ramirez said. “I told my mom and she started crying. And then I waited to tell my teachers in person, and then they started crying.”

Ramirez lives with her parents who are immigrants—her father from El Salvador, and her mother from Honduras. News of her acceptance at Mason traveled far and fast.

“My mom told all her family back home,” said Ramirez. “Any child of an immigrant family knows what I’m talking about. Anything that’s worth celebrating, they tell everyone.”

Ramirez was a part of Mason’s Early Identification Program, which provides access to educational resources for middle and high school students who will be the first in their families to attend a college or university. So when Ramirez first stepped on campus for her first day of classes, she did so with confidence. Mason was a familiar place.

Now Ramirez is a history major with a special interest in U.S. history.

“I was always really good at history and I always found it interesting,” she said. “A lot of people, like my friends, will say history is really boring, but I was always the opposite. You can really see the history tie into today, especially in modern politics.”

Eva Bramesco, associate director of Honors College admissions and director of the University Scholars Program, said Ramirez stands out in the program because of her “ability to convey history narratively” and her passion for “interpreting painful history and ensuring uncomfortable history isn’t written over for the comfort of modern audiences.”

That sensibility coincides with the broader goals of the Honors College and of Mason, which believes in examining full truths no matter how complicated.

“The Honors College emphasizes the value of considering questions and issues from multiple perspectives,” said Richard Stafford, the Honors College’s director of communications. “And it helps students like Sophia learn to collaborate with others who have very different backgrounds, experiences, and training from their own.”

When she isn’t studying, Ramirez works at a community center in Manassas Park and enjoys lifting weights at the gym. She also loves to read, her favorite book being “The Secret History,” a novel by Donna Tartt.

Ramirez said she hopes to eventually attend law school or work in a government agency.

“I feel like I really lucked out with Mason,” she said. “I’m grateful for all the opportunities it has given me.”

Topics

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Meet the Class of 2026

Early Identification Program (EIP)

first-generation

Incoming freshman is determined to be heard

Colleen Rich — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:38:25 +0000

Incoming freshman is determined to be heard Colleen Rich Tue, 08/23/2022 - 11:38

Meet the Class of 2026

Freshman Joshua Dias has long been a part of the Mason Nation
October 13, 2022
Mason was the university next door, now it’s this freshman’s home
September 15, 2022
Incoming Patriot leaps from high school to her sophomore year of college
August 31, 2022
Another chance to lead for Mason volleyball star
August 30, 2022
Incoming freshman is determined to be heard
August 23, 2022

Charly Dutton had a decision to make, and it would depend as much on her emotions as her determination.

The incoming freshman at ��AV and member of Mason’s Honors College was on campus competing to become a University Scholar, which would pay her tuition.

Charly Dutton. Photo provided

But the day before her session, Dutton got word that the dog she had for 10 years, a Maltese/Yorkie mix named Brenna, had died.

Eva Bramseco, associate director for undergraduate admissions at the Honors College, gave Dutton the option of going home and continuing the intensive competition virtually. But Dutton, who will major in government and international politics, was steadfast and earned her scholarship.

“In the moment, I was just numb,” Dutton said. “But I took it, like, she made it this far, because had she died before I left, I wouldn’t have been able to make it. So I did the competition with the feeling that I did it for her. She made sure I got down [to Mason].”

“Competing for a full scholarship and the death of a pet are big life events for any of us,” Bramesco said. “That she was able to carry all the emotions and still be a full participant during our group challenge certainly stood out to me.”

Dutton, from Sicklerville, New Jersey, about 25 miles southeast of Philadelphia, definitely stands out.

She was student body president at her high school. When the school’s principal was asked about students who might be interested in joining the NAACP East Camden County Youth, he immediately thought of her. And when Sicklerville had this summer’s Juneteenth celebration, Dutton, a part of the Black Lives Matter movement, was the host on stage.

She plans to one day be on an even bigger stage when she runs for office, maybe to be a senator from New Jersey.

“Since I want to run for office, I need to help the driving force of my generation,” Dutton said. “It seems like everyone wants to be involved. I just want to be part of that and inspire others to get involved as well.”

Dutton, who also wants to be a lawyer, got a taste of that involvement when she spoke in front of the New Jersey Apportionment Committee, which is in charge of drawing the lines of the state’s 40 legislative districts.

“When they gerrymander the map, they break up the communities and suppress the minority vote,” Dutton said. “I did not want that to happen to my community.”

“When I spoke, they really took time to listen,” she added. “They actually emailed me later and told me ‘great job and we’re really going to look into it.’ I really did feel heard.”

Dutton feels as enthusiastic about Mason, even though it wasn’t originally on her radar. During a trip to the area to visit colleges, she and her mother drove by a Mason sign on the highway.

“And when we toured, I just loved it,” Dutton said. “It felt so right.”

It helped when a current student with whom Dutton was on line at a campus coffeehouse talked Mason up as well.

“She just told me how much fun she was having and how many opportunities she had,” Dutton said. “She wasn’t my major, but she sounded like she was going far. I want to go far like her.”

Topics

Meet the Class of 2026

Schar School News August 2022

Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Schar School Student Spotlight

This first-gen student plans to give back in a unique way

Colleen Rich — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:47:33 +0000

This first-gen student plans to give back in a unique way Colleen Rich Tue, 08/16/2022 - 13:47

Meet the Class of 2026

Freshman Joshua Dias has long been a part of the Mason Nation
October 13, 2022
Mason was the university next door, now it’s this freshman’s home
September 15, 2022
Incoming Patriot leaps from high school to her sophomore year of college
August 31, 2022
Another chance to lead for Mason volleyball star
August 30, 2022
Incoming freshman is determined to be heard
August 23, 2022

Dayana Cespedes-Mendoza. Photo provided

For as long as she can remember, Dayana Cespedes-Mendoza has had an interest in architecture.

“Whenever my family would go on drives, I’d look at different houses, buildings and bridges, just to admire them,” she said. “I was always intrigued with how those things were built.”

Add her skills in math and physics, and the incoming freshman at ��AV said she could not imagine majoring in anything other than civil, environmental and infrastructure engineering.

Especially considering her goal of building houses for her mother and father in their home countries of Peru and Bolivia, respectively.

“If I become a civil engineer or an architect, I can do that,” Cespedes-Mendoza said.

Cespedes-Mendoza has been familiar with Mason for more than five years through her participation in Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) for first-generation college-bound students. Her mother urged Cespedes-Mendoza to join the program as an eighth grader at Williamsburg Middle School in Arlington, Virginia.

“Thanks to EIP, I had a smoother process when it came to college applications,” said Cespedes-Mendoza, who is a member of Mason’s Honors College and a University Scholar. “The program has helped me with things that my parents wouldn’t have known, so I’m extremely grateful.”

Keiry Chicas, an academic success coach and senior transition specialist for EIP, praised Cespedes-Mendoza’s hard work and dedication.

“Since the first day I met her, she was always attentive and persistent with her work, which has allowed her to keep moving beyond what is expected,” Chicas said. “I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.”

In high school, Cespedes-Mendoza completed an internship with a house remodeling company in Arlington.

“I got to go onto an actual house site and talk to the workers, and they would teach me what they were doing,” she said. “This opportunity allowed me to have more insight into construction and the environment it holds.”

Her father, who works in construction, also taught her how to fix things around the house while growing up, she said. “I loved to help him out.”

Cespedes-Mendoza said she’s ready to embark on this next stage of her academic journey—and she's sure Mason is the place to do it.

An informal campus tour she took in April, led by an older student who’s also a University Scholar, solidified that decision.

“I remember campus was so lively, everyone was really happy, and there was just a lot of movement going on,” she said.

Another notable benefit, Cespedes-Mendoza said, is the diversity she saw while walking around campus—something she said was missing at her high school.

“Mason looked like a school I wanted to go to,” she said. “I felt like Mason could be home.”

Cespedes-Mendoza said she’s excited to join Mason’s Society of Women Engineers and get involved with any Peruvian or Bolivian-oriented student organizations.

“I know I’ll love it at Mason,” she said.

Topics

Early Identification Program (EIP)