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What brought you to CPS and what were you hoping the experience would give you?

I entered CPS through its partnership with Boston Ballet. What initially attracted me was the flexibility to complete a degree while performing professionally full time. But as I immersed myself in the program, I came to relish the ways each course challenged me to think differently. Studying law and policy in this particularly charged moment in history helped me develop a more critical eye for what’s happening around me, and a clearer sense of how I can make an impact.

What is the moment, class, conversation, or experience that stands out most from your time at CPS?

Constructing my capstone project felt like the fullest expression of everything the degree had given me. I had initially chosen Interdisciplinary Studies because CPS didn’t offer a Public Policy major but in researching my capstone, which examined the effect of political rhetoric on public response to emerging health crises, I finally understood the power of an interdisciplinary education. Drawing on linguistic, legal, sociological, and feminist thinkers, I built an argument that situated these issues in their full context and offered a more culturally conscious response. That’s not something any single discipline could have produced.

How has being part of CPS changed you — professionally, personally, or both?

Since graduating, I find myself drawn to greater opportunities for learning. Having gained a broad grounding in public health, business ethics, and the law, I’m eager to deepen that knowledge and apply it to the world’s emerging challenges. That desire was ignited at CPS. The freedom to learn across disciplines taught me to value the opportunity for growth at my fingertips.

Is there a person — student, faculty member, advisor, or colleague — who made a meaningful difference for you at CPS? Tell us about them.

Ari Schaaff, without question. As the Boston Ballet partnership liaison, she has been the face of Northeastern throughout my time in the program. Her approachability and advocacy empowered me to strive for everything CPS had to offer and to take on challenging courses and trust in my ability to excel. Having graduated, she was also instrumental in encouraging me to pursue a Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations. She didn’t just support me through a degree; she helped shape what comes after it.

CPS offered me the ability to learn deeply and connect that scholarship to real-world experience. Walking out of this degree, you’ll feel ready to bring your education into the world ahead of you.

Schuyler Wijsen

What do you want the Class of 2026 to know as they step forward from here?

CPS offered me the ability to learn deeply and connect that scholarship to real-world experience. Walking out of this degree, you’ll feel ready to bring your education into the world ahead of you. Take the opportunity to explore across Northeastern’s many disciplines and discover interests you never knew you had.