Minor in Leadership

Jordan Rizzo, 2025

What was the most impactful class you took in your major?  

While many of the classes I took at George Mason had a significant impact on me, INTS 434: Research for Social Change, stands out as the course that first introduced me to the world of research and sparked my curiosity to explore it for myself. Under the guidance of Professor Powers Corwin, I was pushed to grow as a writer and a student. They encouraged me to think critically and to ask meaningful questions about the world around me. Before taking the class, I had little to no experience with research—especially qualitative research—which made it feel daunting in the beginning. But as the semester progressed, I found myself genuinely excited to come to class and learn how to turn my own questions and curiosities into real research projects. Professor Powers Corwin inspired me to become the student I am today and helped me realize that it’s okay to ask questions and to stumble along the way—because that’s how learning happens. 

What activities were you involved in during your time at George Mason that impacted you?  

While at George Mason I participated in many different activities, clubs, and organizations, and have even been part of a research team. The first club that I joined was Women’s Club Volleyball, which I was a member of for three years and learned invaluable lessons from such as time management, communication, and teamwork. I was able to form bonds with my teammates and to travel all around the state of Virginia to play at different schools and tournaments. One of my favorite traditions on the team was going to University Mall with teammates after practice to grab food and get to know one another. We would often end up sitting there while talking and laughing for hours on end.   

Another one of the most influential activities I was a part of was being the Project Manager for the AR Campus Tour research project that was started by Professor Schrum and Professor McCarron in the Higher Education Program. The project was focused on how augmented reality could foster a sense of belonging among first-generation transfer students (FGTS) at George Mason. Our dream for the project was to create a world where FGTS could navigate campus resources and feel at home on campus from day one. I am incredibly proud of our research team and the work that we did, and I love to brag and say that we were an all-female research team navigating the STEM world, which is pretty cool if you ask me.   

Lastly, a highlight from my time at George Mason was working as an undergraduate TA for two classes: Women and Leadership with Professor Owen and Leadership and Organizational Management with Professor McCarron. Having the opportunity to work with both of these amazing professors helped to confirm my desire to continue with higher education and to pursue my dream of becoming a professor myself. I loved getting to know each and everyone of the students I worked with and helping teach them was one of my favorite parts of my week. I’ll always carry with me Professor Owen’s advice, that teaching is like planting seeds—you might not see it grow right away, but you never know when the lessons you taught will make an impact one day. 

What is your most memorable moment at George Mason inside or outside of the classroom?  

My most memorable moment at George Mason was actually one of my first experiences in college. During my freshman move-in I introduced myself to the girls who lived right next to me and right across the hall from me. What I didn’t know at the time is that they would become some of my closest friends and like family to me. They have been there to support me every step of the way throughout college, and I can genuinely say that my experience at George Mason would not have been the same without them. I am forever grateful to have met them and to have them be a part of my life. What might have seemed like a casual hello on my first day of school, is now a friendship that will last a lifetime. 

As you are reflecting on your time at George Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their George Mason journey?  

My advice for any student who is just starting at George Mason is that you will get out what you put into George Mason. Try to participate in as many activities as you can and take advantage of the resources that George Mason offers. You will find that the more you are an active participant in your own education, the more you will learn and the more connections you will make along the way. 

What is your next step after graduation? What are your future plans?

After graduation I will continue my studies at George Mason and plan to start my masters in higher education and eventually I hope to earn my PhD and become a professor of women and gender studies.