Elise Ran

SFS ’17
Age: 19
Hometown: Bainbridge Island, Wash.
Major: International Politics

What do you like most about Georgetown?
I really like the structure of the SFS, and that’s really why I came here. I like how close it is to the city. I like all the prominent people who come through, and I really like the sense of community and school spirit. People had told me before sometimes that Georgetown was an unfriendly, rich, white school and I definitely haven’t found that. 

What do you find most frustrating about Georgetown?
It’s hard when you find a club you want to do and get rejected, so that’s kind of frustrating. 

Do you feel obliged to be busy at Georgetown?
Somewhat, but I want to busy just for myself anyways. I feel obliged to be busy but not overworked or anything like that. 

What are your plans after Georgetown? Does this question annoy you?
It doesn’t annoy me now, but it might if I’m a senior. I’m not really sure, maybe something with nonprofits and maybe public health. 

What do you hope Georgetown will help you accomplish?
I hope it will show me what I’d like to do. In work in the classroom, work outside the classroom and with the people I meet — I hope it directs me toward what I want to do. 

What’s your favorite class you’ve taken at Georgetown?
I really like my “Political and Social Thought” class, which is really surprising because I didn’t really think I was going to like it. 

Where are you from? Compare and contrast it to Georgetown. Where are you most comfortable?
Bainbridge Island, Wash., a 30-minute ferry ride away from Seattle, Wash. They’re both relatively well-off communities and a lot of smart people live there who have good educations, but there’s zero diversity on Bainbridge. I think people there are a little more slow-paced. I feel more comfortable at home, but that’s probably because it’s my first year here. I’m definitely not uncomfortable here. 

What do you do for me time?
I love watching “Parks and Rec”!

What would you change about yourself? What’s the biggest change you’ve consciously made in your life and why?
I would be more comfortable with new people and more outgoing — to focus less on perfection and to focus more on the whole college experience. 

If you could lead a protest on one thing, what would it be?
After going on an Alternative Spring Break in D.C. this year, definitely worker justice.

Interview by Madeline Auerbach