Student Perspective: Emma Soderstrom

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

Name: Emma Soderstrom

Year: Senior

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Major: Political Science, Criminal Justice & Criminology

Minor: Chinese Language, Philosophy

How has The Honors College impacted your time at WSU?

Being a student in the WSU Honors College has truly shaped my experience in Pullman. The close-knit community of Honors has allowed me to be supported by both faculty and peers, shaping my sense of belonging at WSU. Through getting involved in undergraduate research and embracing the study of foreign languages, The Honors College has pushed me to become a better student, and I am incredibly grateful.

Most impactful Involvement/Leadership/Research you have engaged in and what each entail:

The most impactful involvement I have engaged in was being an Honors 198 facilitator. There, a co-facilitator and I led weekly class meetings of a dozen Honors first-year students. It was incredibly meaningful helping support the newest members of our community navigate the transition to university life in the same way I was supported by those before me.

One of my favorites leadership positions I held at WSU was being the Vice President of Inclusion for my sorority. There, I helped ensure member well-being and advocated for the interests and belonging of all our members. It was a great experience leading our group of over 100 women.

The summer following my junior year, I worked with an REU, a National Science Foundation funded summer research experience for undergraduates. I was fortunate enough to be accepted to an REU hosted by WSU’s Department of Criminal Justice, where we analyzed police body worn camera footage of intimate partner violence. An entirely self-directed project, I focused on how police decision making changes, if at all, when children are present for such violence. Motivated by my work that summer and the impact research has on communities, I expanded on this research for my Honors Thesis.

Career Goal/ Future education plans:

After graduating this spring, I intend to attend law school starting in the Fall of 2026. I am currently in the process of deciding which school to attend, though I am very fortunate to have already been admitted to several incredible schools that will set myself up well following law school. As an attorney, I intend to work in public service.

Favorite Honors Course and why?

My favorite Honors Course was Honors 370: Global Issues in the Social Sciences. This was one of my first classes I took at WSU and was an incredible introduction to the Honors curriculum. The focus of the class this semester was on global poverty. I learned so much about interdisciplinary approaches in the social sciences and truly developed a great foundation of knowledge for the remained of my courses.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

Get involved! The value of having a community to support you and learn from cannot be understated.

Lastly, what are some things outside of your academic journey you enjoy doing?

Outside of classes, I love playing volleyball. Recently, I even started coaching WSU’s club volleyball team.