Div II Profile: JOE NEWLIN 15F

ANY SURPRISES OR PIVOTS DURING DIV II?

I started out my Div with a heavy focus on political philosophy, but I pretty quickly realized that wasn’t the path I wanted to take. While I often enjoyed the arguments, the philosophical discussions of politics were usually too abstract for me. I’ve always been a solution-oriented person, which doesn’t always lend itself to extended philosophical musings. However, through a class at Mount Holyoke I discovered constitutional law, which has given me a practical application for philosophical arguments. Decisions by the court often rely on the same tools as philosophy but have real-world implications. I’ve been able to combine this new-found interest with my practical “American Gov” aspect, which has enabled me to achieve the balance and direction I wanted in my Div.

THE PLAN

• Extract and explore many of the key elements of a traditional American government major that one may find at one of
the Five Colleges, complemented by policy-based studies (econ, education) and a philosophical footing (Con Law)
   
• Internship with Maine Senator Angus King in Washington, D.C.
   
• Understanding the multiple approaches to this country’s political system, with a heavy focus on past and present disagreements on the Supreme Court
   
• For CEL-2 I plan to coach the Northampton Rec Department’s Middle School Ultimate Frisbee team.

HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE PASSING DIV II?

By starting Div III! To be honest, I don’t have any particular celebratory plans, but I’m excited about this summer. I’ll be continuing my work with Angus King on his reelection campaign and operating my ice-cream boat for its fourth season on Little Sebago Lake, in Maine.