Agent of Change

In the fall of 2022, political science and philosophy major Kyrie Fairbairn served as a legislative intern in the Washington D.C. office of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington. The experience confirmed her interest in politics as she aims to establish a career in the field after graduating from California Lutheran University this spring.

“I am passionate about political science because it is the route that I see as a way I can improve our society for the better,” Fairbairn said. “Not just better legislation, but also more tangible and effective enactment of policy is necessary to address issues like voter rights and gender compensation gaps.”

An interdisciplinary approach to studies and life

Growing up in rural Washington state with a twin brother, Fairbairn encountered the different -- and often unfair -– ways others would treat her and her sibling. This included teachers calling her brother a leader and her bossy for the same behavior. It meant people insinuated she cheated by referencing her brother’s work to get good grades, despite consistently getting good grades on her own. 

These experiences led her to pursue a minor in gender and women’s studies.

“My minor has allowed me to dive deeper into my passion for women’s rights,” said Fairbairn. “This minor has allowed me to take what I learn and apply it to both my political science classes and research on Title IX and the Equal Rights Amendment.”

Fairbairn related her coursework in gender and women’s studies to research she conducted last summer as a Culver Behavioral Science Research Fellow, the program that funds undergraduate research in the social and behavioral sciences. She investigated the evolving Title IX regulations during the past three presidential administrations and presented how this law could be better enacted, so women, particularly first-year students or those who identify as LGBTQI+, don’t experience sexual misconduct in a university setting. 

Her two majors augment her affinity with women’s rights and gender parity. During Fairbairn's fellowship, she studied under the tutelage of Political Science Professor Haco Hoang, PhD. Fairbairn praises Hoang for encouraging her interest in political science.

“There is no doubt that I would not be where I am today without Dr. Hoang’s guidance. She has helped push me through summer research, taught me how to effectively analyze policy, and has been a constant source of support. On another level, she has been an excellent mentor on how to navigate the professional world as a woman in a male-dominated field like politics," Fairbairn said. "I cannot express enough how much I appreciate her and the way she cares about me as a person first and foremost and as a student second.”

Fairbairn says her experiences in the political science department and her semester abroad as an intern in the nation’s capital have had a tremendous impact on her career-wise during her time at Cal Lutheran. 

“The internship was really special as Washington is my home state, and Senator Murray was our first female Senator,” Fairbairn said. “I have admired her for as long as I can remember.” Through her internship, Fairbairn learned about the needs of constituents in Washington, efficient communication, how proceedings occur in a legislative office, and the research and drafting process for new bills.

During Fairbairn’s time on campus, she discovered how the field of philosophy aligns with the issues that drive her, which also include conserving and protecting the earth’s ecosystem and Indigenous rights. She acknowledges Brian Collins, PhD, associate professor of philosophy, for inspiring her to study the discipline.

“I would not have taken more philosophy classes without Dr. Collins pushing me to add a minor in the field, and then eventually add the major. He makes learning and questions seem so important. He has helped me frame my philosophical thoughts and question things that I thought I knew," Fairbairn said. "Philosophy has made me a better thinker, a more loving human, and it has helped me understand how to see an issue as multifaceted and from multiple perspectives.”

States of interdependence

Gaining a sense of various perspectives through her coursework has shown Fairbairn the value of relationships, and how one’s choices can affect the greater world and the events that happen in it.

“My studies at Cal Lutheran have reiterated over and over how interconnected everything is AND how important that is for how I see myself in the world,” Fairbairn said. “I think my classes have made it increasingly apparent that my individual decisions play out on a local, state, national, and global scale. It has made me aware of the ways we all can help those around us, and the importance of accepting that same kind of help.” 

Through her internship, Fairbairn received the Nancy D. Joyner Spirit Award from Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS).  This award recognizes students who exemplify positivity and enthusiasm for those who participated in the semester-long internship experience, traits that LCWS’ founding dean Nancy D. Joyner epitomized. Fairbairn expressed humility about receiving this honor. 

“Knowing that the people around me, my professors, advisors, and fellow cohort members nominated me for this award was super touching. It really made me feel loved and confident that the relationships made there, in DC, will be lifelong ones," Fairbairn said.

These enduring connections continue to prepare her for the workplace after Fairbairn finishes her studies in May.

“Senator Murray’s staff was, and of course, I’m biased, the absolute best place to start forming professional relationships and experiencing what working on the Hill is like,” said Fairbairn. “They made me feel supported and valued day in and day out, all while nurturing my research and legislative skills. Even now, they are helping me find my way to a career post-graduation.”

Fairbairn’s campus ties have emboldened her to join various groups. She is involved in the University Honors Program, served as a peer advisor for two years, joined the political science honors society Pi Sigma Alpha and is president of Lord of Life, Cal Lutheran’s campus ministry group.  

 “All of these organizations have been impactful in building meaningful connections that nourish my spirit and my brain,” Fairbairn said. “Throughout these activities, the importance of effective communication has been necessary for sustaining relationships.”

Fairbairn’s relationship with members of the Cal Lutheran Women’s Swimming and Diving team has been the centerpiece of her extracurricular activities. She has been on the team for the past four years and served as its captain for the last two seasons. 

“The swim team has been the absolute best part of Cal Lutheran for my heart: The team is so incredibly hype and the best family a girl could ask for. They have taught me so much about support and helped me love my time here,” Fairbairn said.

Although she does not plan on returning to the Evergreen State after graduating, Fairbairn does intend to continue her career in government.

“As I want to work in politics, it seems most roads are pointing me back to the ‘other’ Washington -– Washington, D.C. I would love to go back there and work in a legislative office, particularly on a policy-focused team," Fairbairn said. "If I could eventually gain a portfolio that covers the policy areas of gender and women’s rights, Indigenous rights, and public land protection, I would be over the moon!”