Majoring in economics was the perfect way for Eileen Gallagher to prepare for a career in social justice. "I can assess a situation and come up with various solutions as a result of the practice gained doing this with economic models or problems during my time at Allegheny," she says. "I want to use the foundation that I gained in my economics major to create change in the world."

Eileen—who minored in English—serves as an AmeriCorps VISTA leader and coordinates a variety of projects, including a local literacy program and trips focused on community service. It's a two-year position, after which she plans to pursue an MBA with a concentration in social enterprise.

Eileen says her extracurricular activities, like membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, playing on the tennis team, and participating in Alternative Spring Break trips, helped to shape her plans for the future. Following graduation, she combined her interests in service and sports, raising $3,500 as part of a half marathon she competed in to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"Allegheny taught me that stepping outside of my comfort zone is the key to having a significant learning experience," says Eileen. "I learned about the world and its people in so many different and meaningful ways."

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It's our students who make Allegheny College the unique and special place that it is. Allegheny students have such a variety of interests and passions and skills that after a while unusual combinations don't seem so unusual at all. Will Allegheny fit your interests, skills and talents?

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