Jackson Erpenbach

SFS ’16
Age: 20
Hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.
Major: International Politics

How does being at Georgetown compare to where you’re from in Sioux Falls?
It’s a lot busier. It’s not quite a small town but a lot less going on, a lot more spread out, just sort of a lot of driving and suburban life. A lot more diversity here in terms of ideas, people.

Where at Georgetown or with whom do you feel most comfortable?
Probably here with the debate team. It’s just sort of shared experiences, personalities, just a lot of time spent together so you have to grow close.

What drew you to debate at Georgetown?
I did it for four years in high school and wanted to continue it, and Georgetown had one of the best teams in the country. And then that also aligned with what I wanted to do with my major, so that worked out.

What goes into being a good debater?
Hard work. Research, practice and then making sure you think on your feet and don’t forget being smart. But mostly work.

What’s something you would change about Georgetown?
Probably increase integration between the four different schools so it’s possible to minor in a College minor while in the SFS or make it easier to do a business minor while in the College.

Do you think there’s a stereotype of Georgetown students?
There’s sort of a stereotype of more the bro-y, party people, but really once you get to know people no one fits that stereotype exactly, and there are large swaths of people that don’t get close to fitting it. I feel like I do fit in. No one person sort of exemplifies the character of Georgetown.

Interview by Emma Hinchliffe