Joy Rhodes

Joy Rhodes is a PhD student in Political Science who studies political parties and participation in social movements.

I was told that this was going to change my life, and to be honest it has, and then some. I wanted to perfect my skills within the quantitative area of my research, and there are some classes here that my home institution doesn't specialize in. I'm almost speechless because it's been such a great experience. [My instructors] made me feel very welcome, and also helped me build confidence.

I got the opportunity to come in as a Diversity Scholar in the First Session, and that was really helpful to be able to build community. And I was very surprised because most of the time when you come into settings like this, it seems like you feel a little bit awkward or you don't know what to expect. Building community here was very easy, and it happened very quickly, and that was something I've never experienced before.

On the interdisciplinary nature of the ICPSR Summer Program

There were a handful of political scientists, but then there were some people who specialized in psychology and sociology; it was a broad spectrum. The community was able to build, even though we had different research backgrounds, to the point where we were sitting down trying to brainstorm how we could write a paper together because of how well our interests overlap with one another. So it was very helpful to get their insight.

Staying in on-campus housing

I went with staying on campus, and I believe that made the biggest difference because... as a group, it was about nine of us consistently who would go to the gym, eat together, go to classes together, and then afterwards go off campus and find stuff to do. Being on campus helped foster that engagement very early on, and then helped it stay consistent throughout.

Advice for someone considering the ICPSR Summer Program

Do it. Don't think about it, do it. And take advantage of any scholarship opportunities. And also just don't be afraid, because that was one of the biggest things I got [from] myself and from the people that I talked with. We all kind of felt this imposter syndrome, where we don't feel like we're qualified to be here or even be in a research program. And I had to quickly shut that down within myself so I could help somebody else recognize that we deserve to be here just like everybody else. This is the place where we become researchers. So don't be intimidated or afraid to take that step, because this place is really what makes us.

"I was told that this was going to change my life, and to be honest it has, and then some."