Meet Jana Hulsey ’25

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
October 29, 2024

Jana Hulsey '25

Hometown: Haines City, Florida
Majors/minors: Economics major; poverty and human capability studies minor

Why did you choose to come to W&L?
Attending Washington and Lee University as a QuestBridge match scholar, I initially ranked the school for its small class sizes and the opportunity to participate in the Spring Term Abroad program. While I didn't fully grasp the impact of small class sizes at first, they have been invaluable in fostering meaningful connections with my professors. These relationships have opened doors to experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise. For instance, a conversation with professor Howard Pickett about my SHECP internship at a public defender's office inspired me to join Blue Ridge Mile, a student organization committed to helping community members secure or regain their driver's licenses.

I've also gained valuable insights from professors like Jamie Casey, Chantal Smith and Art Goldsmith who encourage a thoughtful approach to economics that prioritizes helping marginalized and underserved populations. In professor Casey's Development Economics course, we delved into issues facing marginalized and often overlooked communities around the world, engaging in discussions about potential solutions to poverty-related challenges.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn't expect to study when you first came to W&L?

One topic I did not expect to study is classics. In high school, I was completely unaware of the subject; however, I decided to take professor Laughy's Greek Art and Archaeology class as a way to fulfill my FDR (Foundation and Distribution Requirements). I never would have guessed that a few months later, I'd find myself in Washington, D.C., chatting with other summer associates during my internship about the differences between Ionic, Doric and Corinthian columns as we passed by them. Even more surprising, I actually enjoyed memorizing 96 images of Greek art and archaeology (and countless terms) while juggling econometrics and my minor capstone. Not only was the content unfamiliar compared to my other courses, but that unfamiliarity made the learning process exciting. It felt incredibly rewarding to see my study efforts pay off when I scored well on quizzes and exams. By the end of the course, I was telling myself that I would've been a classics minor if I'd taken the class a semester earlier.

Where is your "home" on campus?

The Mattingly House is my home on campus. The staff in the Shepherd Program are some of the most knowledgeable people I've encountered, and they genuinely care about the well-being of everyone, especially their students. I often find myself in the Mattingly living room between classes because it is where I feel most at ease. Professor Pickett, Fran Elrod and Jenny Davidson are probably tired of me by now because of how often I go to them for guidance.

Have you found a mentor on campus? Who is it, and how have they helped you develop as a student?
Professor Pickett has undoubtedly been my mentor on campus. Before taking his poverty courses, I thought I had a solid understanding of poverty-related issues, but the insight I've gained has exceeded my expectations. His approach to teaching challenges students to think critically about complex topics and has fundamentally transformed the way I engage in difficult conversations. I can confidently say I am a better person because of him. To be honest, I don't think I've even fully grasped the impact his teaching has had on my life just yet.

What was your favorite class and why?
Currently, my favorite course is Advanced U.S. Economic History with professor Shester. For the past several weeks, we've replicated studies such as "After the Burning: The Economic Effects of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre" and "Tuskegee and the Health of Black Men" using Stata (a statistical software for data science). For the remainder of the semester, each student is writing their own empirical research paper. I am still working on my research proposal, but I plan on writing about the effect of popular media, "The Birth of a Nation," on racial hate and economic outcomes of Black Americans in the 21st century. Understanding econometrics does not come naturally to me, and professor Shester has instilled confidence in me this term that I am capable of doing the work, however difficult!

Another one of my favorite courses is professor Pickett's Spring Term course, Hope, Justice and Social Change. This unique class allowed 10 Washington and Lee students to travel to the Augusta Correctional Center to discuss important concepts with 10 Augusta students. For four weeks, we read works from Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer and Audre Lorde, among others. We talked about the limitations of hope, what justice looks like and how we can keep going when things seem discouraging. This experience truly furthered my interest in advocating for reform within the carceral system.

What are your hobbies/interests? How has W&L helped you develop and pursue them?
At Washington and Lee University, I have extensively explored my interests in criminal justice and poverty-related issues. As the service chair for Blue Ridge Mile, I gain practical experience in the legal field while making a meaningful impact on community members. Additionally, I have further pursued this interest through various internships with SHECP, including a position at a public defender's office in Brunswick, Georgia, and an internship at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. In both experiences, I witnessed firsthand how social structures affect disadvantaged groups.

Additionally, Dr. Loar, the director of fellowships, has played a crucial role in shaping my career goals and interests. I've met with him over 20 times to discuss various scholarships and fellowships, and each conversation has allowed me to refine my aspirations. Whether it is articulating my desire to practice law in D.C. or focusing on reforming the carceral system, I consistently gain new insights about myself. This strong appreciation for his mentorship inspired me to become a Career Fellow in the Career and Professional Development Office, where I aim to provide similar guidance to fellow students.

Have you studied abroad during your time at W&L? Where did you go, and how was your experience?

Last spring term, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad through the Black Writers and the Allure of Paris course with professor Hill and provost Hill. This was my first experience abroad, and I feel unbelievably lucky to have been part of it. Not only did I get to read authors I've been wanting to learn more about, but I got to do it while eating crepes and croissants all over Paris. Hopefully, I'll be studying abroad again this spring term in Rome - fingers crossed!

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