Bright Future: Student Spotlight on Chase Bell

It's looking like a great year for Chase Bell. For one thing, he's in the home stretch of earning a degree in political science. And for another, he's taking on leadership roles in a number of different campus organizations that are close to his heart. For starters, he's President of both the Black Student Union and Men of Honor. He's also a Senator in TLU's Student Government. In addition to all of that, he's a Peer Mentor, an Admissions Ambassador, and a Democracy Fellow.

Those kinds of opportunities are part of what Bell loves about TLU-"just being able to be in so many different leadership roles and gain experiences that I probably would not have had at another university," he says.

"Chase has taken advantage of many opportunities at TLU, both in and out of the classroom," says Dr. William O'Brochta, Assistant Professor of Political Science. "A particularly memorable example was Chase's role representing China in the Model United Nations simulation that we conduct as part of my Comparative Politics course. Chase managed to form an alliance with all manner of other member states to pass resolutions, often keeping the conversation going with students after class. By the end of the semester, students were calling each other by their delegation names when they saw each other around campus. That illustrates how Chase helps contribute to TLU being a community of learning."

Bell chose TLU in part because of its small class sizes, as well as the chance to forge connections with his professors. "Being able to create relationships and build connections with your professors is great and not something that you see anywhere else," he says. "I have all my professors' numbers and go out to eat with them regularly. They have even offered me jobs." Another advantage of a small school: "The family feel that I get when I am on campus. Knowing everyone and being able to have that community bond is unmatched."

What would Bell's advice be to an up-and-coming Bulldog interested in pursuing a degree in Political Science at TLU? "Understand that it is a lot of hard work and comes with a lot of reading (trust me when I say a lot)." But he tempers that reality with a bit of wisdom he's gained along the way. "The biggest thing is to not stress and to know that you have a great support system that is willing to help, and to know that you are not alone."

After graduation next year, he's headed for law school-preferably in Houston. "After that, I would love to have a career in international law. I can see myself making global policy."

Yep, it's shaping up to be a great year for Chase Bell. After that, the world awaits-and the best is yet to come.