Loren Walter is a sophomore from Chicago, a great person, and a (disclaimer!) close friend. This interview was conducted while I drove her to get her eyebrows threaded, a strange trip that nevertheless proved fruitful with information. We started off the conversation the same way almost every class has started this week: stating majors.
HC: So, tell me about your major.
LW: I’m majoring in political science with a minor in Spanish.
HC: And was that always the plan?
LW: My parents and family wanted me to become like a doctor or nurse or something, like that’s all women can do, you know how parents are, especially minority parents. I’d always liked watching the news, but I took AP Gov in high school and really fell in love with it. I love talking about public policy and current events.
HC: What about the Spanish minor?
LW: My mom is from Spain, and my dad is black but he speaks Spanish. Don’t ask me why.
HC: To get with your mom, right?!
LW: No, he spoke Spanish before he met her!
HC: Do you consider yourself to be a minority?
LW: Wait, has the interview started?
HC: Yes!
LW: Oh!! I was wondering why you were asking these questions so specifically. Yes, I am biracial so I am a minority, but I’m also aware of the privilege I have by having lighter skin.
HC: You’re very tan right now. (Loren just got back from spending a month in Spain.)
LW: Yeah, I am in the summer but in the winter, I get pale.
HC: Speaking of winter, do you miss Chicago?
LW: Yes and no. It’s my hometown, where I was born and raised, so even though it has some terrible parts, I’ll always love it. I mainly miss it because that’s where my family is, but I think it’s easier for me because I have family here as well. Plus you guys (meaning her friends, not Her Campus, sorry!) are my family.
The formal interview took a brief break here to discuss what a nice thing that was to say. When we resumed the Q&A, we pivoted to campus involvement.
HC: What types of activities are you involved in on campus?
LW: So far, only Ignite (an organization focused on getting young women involved in politics). I’m on the exec board as the event coordinator, and this summer they sent me to D.C. for a conference. This semester I’d like to get more engaged.
HC: Any interest in joining Her Campus?
LW: Ha! No…
HC: I think we’re done here. Thanks for your time and have a great semester!
All photos courtesy of Loren Walter