Hi, my name is Diya Nalla and I am so excited to be taking this course about our political parties and campaigns. I am a senior at Notre Dame De Namur University located in Belmont, CA. My major is Sociology with a minor in Psychology. I am on track to graduate in Fall 2020. I have always been fascinated with the study of people, society, behavior, relationships and everything to do with human interactions. I believe the mind is a very powerful thing and if put to good use, we can accomplish wonders, but the same mind can be very destructive and ruin the entire human race if it wanders in the wrong direction. Understanding human behaviors and calming the mind is the first step to achieve peace. As his Holiness Dalai Lama once said, “If every eight year old in the world is taught mediation you will eliminate violence from the world within one generation”.

I am taking this course to learn more about our political system, the two party system, the lengthy election cycles, primaries and campaigns. With the Presidential election around the corner I expect to learn a lot about the overall system both from our course and the live campaign as it happens. I would also like to understand how to motivate the younger generations to take an active role. There are many issues that effect them for the rest of their life, and the only way to effect positive change is by getting involved.

I also enjoy volunteering with social organizations. This year during Spring break, I went on an alternative spring break where we devoted our time and energy to different social organizations. I am also eagerly looking forward to learning more about my peers in this class and get to know more about their interests.