Join us in recognizing some of the top Kennedy Center students of the class of 2025. We'll be highlighting some of our valedictorians to hear about their experiences at BYU.
Alyse Erekson, our 2025 valedictorian for the International Relations program, grew up across several states, but calls El Paso, Texas home. She was the first student at BYU to double major in economics and international relations—a path she worked with faculty and staff to open. She also minored in international development and sociology. She plans to pursue a PhD in economics and work on international development research; she's especially interested in global inequality and girls’ education.
What drew you to your program?
Many things drew me to my program, but a few stand out. Growing up on the U.S.–Mexico border sparked my curiosity about how policy and poverty intersect across countries. Since elementary school, I’ve followed Malala Yousafzai’s story, which inspired my interest in girls’ education and equity. And throughout high school, having close friends who were foreign exchange students helped me grow deeply interested in international issues.
What were your favorite classes?
ECON 388 helped solidify my decision to add economics as a second major and strengthened my interest in research. I also loved International Political Economy of Women and Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, which deepened my understanding of how global systems shape lived experiences across gender and race.
Were there any professors that made an impact on you?
Dr. Olga Stoddard has been an incredible mentor throughout my time here. Working on her research about women in economics has been incredibly insightful to the research process, and I've gained a deeper understanding of the power of data-driven change.
Did you participate in any study abroad programs?
I studied abroad in Malaysia and Singapore, where I conducted research on the intersection of ethnicity and politics and had the opportunity to stay with an Iban tribe. I also worked on research in Tanzania, which focused on women in local leadership and provided valuable experience in conducting experiments developing countries. Additionally, I participated in a program in Europe that explored the portrayal of race and world religions in the media.
To those who are considering your program, what would you say?
Even if you don’t plan on grad school, try to get involved in research early on, and focus on taking courses that will help you become a valuable research assistant. Ask A LOT of questions—I found myself emailing faculty, staff, and departments almost every week, which opened doors to research and international experiences I never expected!