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Bela grew up in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and came to DU thanks to the Colorado Women’s College Leadership program! She is an Economics-Political Science double-major with a Leadership minor. According to Bela, “the department’s approach to Economics has opened my mind to different perspectives and I learned to embrace the pluralism of the field.” What’s next for Bela? Graduate school! Bela is hoping to advance research on Latin America but isn’t sure whether her path will lead to staying in academia or into the policy world. When she is not studying, Bela loves playing her guitar and getting in touch with her roots through Bossa Nova, which she describes as “the serenity of Brazilian rhythms that move [her] soul.”

Sarah grew up in Highland Ranch, CO, and decided DU was her top choice – in part, because it kept her close to home in the midst of the pandemic. She is an Economics and Math double-major with a Physics minor. “With exposure to both heterodox and orthodox perspectives, I have learned to think critically about economic issues and consider their broader societal implications.” Sarah is not entirely sure what comes next, but she is interested in monetary policy and would love to work for the Federal Reserve some day. She is also a member of DU’s women’s rugby team.

Zecheng grew up in Sichiuan, China, and moved to Shanghai for school and eventually to Colorado Springs for High School. He wanted to stay in CO for college and so he ended up at DU. Zecheng is in our 4+1 program and a triple-major in math, physics, and economics. He says he has “really enjoyed the camaraderie within the Econ department, because every student helps each other and the professors are always willing to offer help as well. The core courses including micro, macro, and origins of modern economics are very illuminating because they gave a very comprehensive explanation of how to develop economic theories.” Zecheng is headed to a PhD program in physics at the university of Michigan, but he plans to keep up with economics on the side.

Mario grew up in El Chiquihuitero, Calvillo, Aguascalientes, and came to Avon, CO, with the plan to save money to afford law school in Mexico. Plans changed and he ended up enrolling in community college and earning an associate’s degree before transferring to the University of Denver. He was always interested in law school and economics, so becoming an economics major only made sense. He also added a Business Analytics minor. His “experience studying economics at DU has surpassed [his] expectations because of the heterodox approach … that incites critical thinking.” Mario plans to work for nonprofits that aid first generation immigrants and is still planning to go to law school, where he will specialize in immigration law to “provide immigrants the services needed to maneuver their way into their new home country like [he] once did.” Outside of school, he likes running and finding new places to hike near Denver.

Sam was born in London (UK) and grew up in Chicago. He was specifically attracted to DU because of the study abroad program. DU’s location and promise of small classes also helped. What he “enjoyed most about studying economics at DU was the chance to apply economic theory to real-world examples. It was enlightening to be able to view real-world events from a more critical economic perspective.” He is an Economics-International Studies double-major with a minor in Japanese. Sam is not sure where he is headed next but thinks it might be good to gather some work experience before starting graduate school. He is looking for a job that allows him to travel or maybe even live abroad for a while.