Jewell Burke ’05

Current Student

Hometown: Brockton, Mass.
Major: Social & Political Systems

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Why did you come to Pine Manor College?

It was a small liberal arts college for women. Plus, they offered the best financial aid package amongst all the colleges I applied to.

How did you decide on your major?

I decided on being a Social and Political Systems major because of how much I loved the introductory class co-taught by Professor Shea and Professor Vogel. I felt comfortable with the sociological theories that each author presented. I also gained a good perspective on how the social world worked. Each professor brought a different viewpoint to the table, both social and political. Shea and Vogel were comfortable teaching together and it was a nice and equal balance between the two.

How do you spend your time outside of the classroom?

I work many hours as a jewelry and bridal associate. I also have an internship as the assistant to Cambridge District Councilor Denise Simmons. I develop events for her and organize her calendar and schedule appointments. Overall, I work behind the scenes for the councilor to make sure that she is ready for all her political engagements. I was lucky enough to get this internship through my Research and Methods class, also taught by Professor Shea. While I am not out working for the Councilor or future brides, I am a resident assistant and spend much of my remaining time with my residents.

What is your best Pine Manor memory?

One of my fondest memories is that of my first midnight breakfast. During the Midnight Breakfast, professors, students and staff were together in a setting geared towards having a good time. I saw a lot of students who I hadn’t seen in a while and I got to see my professors in a different light. It was definitely a night to remember!

What has been your favorite class at Pine Manor?

Cynthia Miller, Professor of Anthropology, taught Local and Global Changes when I was a sophomore. This class taught me the fundamentals for working with impoverished groups and how the problems affected people outside of the US as well as those within. She was so compassionate about her work that it made the class so much more fulfilling.

What are your plans for after graduation?

My ideal plan is to work with a non profit organization that focuses on disadvantaged youth and work to help them achieve their goals both academic and lifelong. I want to help them experience life in a different way—the way I have been able to here at Pine Manor.

Is there anything else about Pine Manor or your experience that you would like prospective students to know?

PMC has a lot of opportunities but you have to search for them because they don’t always come to you. Being here I have gained a more worldly view. Before I came to Pine Manor I had a more sheltered view of the world and PMC has opened my eyes to different aspects of life.