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Anna Mathews '25 - PAC Captain

Major: Education Studies and Religious Studies  Minor: Studio art 

³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Me: I am a Religious Studies Major and an Education Major on the certification track. I am a studio art minor because I am interested in becoming an art teacher after ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ. I chose to be a Religious Studies major because I took American Gods (RE 103) my Freshman fall and fell in love with the study of religion. I work a few jobs on campus beyond PAC, including Research Assistant in the Education Department, Community Assistant for ResLife, and a Tour Guide!

Why PAC?: I have found that going to PAC is a great resource to gain confidence in your classes, as a place to either get work done, or get additional support. I was extremely excited to have a Religious Studies PAC and am excited to continue growing the department community through PAC.

Fav Class: My favorite class that I took in the Religious Studies Department was American Gods with Xander Prince (RE105). This was the class that made me decide to become a religious studies major. It is such a great class to learn about the positionality of religion in America. I loved the conversations that started from this class, and I have taken what I have learned in this class into other classes, in and out of the Religious Studies Department.

Academic Advice: My biggest piece of advice is to write everything down. I find that at college I always am taking in a great deal of information and have a lot to remember to do. Writing things down, like task lists, reminders, and notes in class, allows me to not get overwhelmed and have confidence that I am not forgetting things I need to do or know.

Ruth Leech '25

Major: Sociology and Religious Studies 

³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ me: I started out as a sociology major and added on religious studies when I started taking RE classes that helped me realize they are two essential lenses for looking at the human world. I love how different the two disciplines are, and how well they complement each other. I’m from northern Vermont and I love sci-fi, biking, and cooking. 

Why PAC? PAC has been such a great resource for me – whether it be specific help with a tricky concept or skill, learning about professors or classes I should be excited for, or just a relaxed, focused environment to finish my own work or a group project, PAC has always been a place I can go if I need that extra push in the right direction. 

Favorite Class: [for religious studies] It would have to be religion and society. We had such lively conversations, and the professor was so enthusiastic. It felt like essential theory without being dense or impossible. I still use what I learned in that class almost every day.  [for sociology] In retrospect, I really enjoyed and sincerely appreciate Contemporary Social Theory. It was a real marathon of a class, but I appreciated how much of our own thinking we had to do and the classroom discussions were an essential part of that. Some of the craziest papers I’ve ever written, but I look back on them fondly. 

Academic Advice: Talk in class! Even if you don’t know the right answer, even if there’s other, louder people, even if you think your question isn’t worth asking. Participate because you will be more present and engaged. Speaking in draft helps you figure out what you really think: an invaluable asset in the humanities. 

Callahan Mainzer 

³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Me: I am a Religious Studies major and Media and Film Studies minor, and I’m mostly interested in Documentary work that bridges the gap between my two interests. I am from San Francisco, CA, and I have loved being out here to experience real seasons. I love reading, cooking, and getting outdoors.

Why PAC? I have been to PAC many times for many different subjects, and I have always had a good experience. I’ve been helped out quite a bit by my peers, and it is always less intimidating than going to a Professor for help. PAC is great because the Coaches are literally there to help you, so you don’t have to be nervous or weirded out. I love Religious Studies and I have had some great experiences in the classes I’ve taken, so I want to help out other students!

Favorite Class: This is a tough one. So far, my favorite class has been American Gods with Professor Prince, because we learned so much about historical and modern understandings of religion. America is usually perceived as a relatively secular society, but that understanding is quickly changing and beginning to be challenged. Super valuable class, and I would highly recommend it for anyone regardless of their major.

Academic Avice: I have a few techniques that help me; planning out when you’re going to work on homework and setting small, achievable goals for those sessions; being attentive and inquisitive in class; asking peers and/or your Professors specific questions you have as well as just general self-advocacy.