Caleb Gustavson
Georgia State sophomore Caleb Gustavson, a double major in public policy and philosophy, is a busy guy. While taking advantage of opportunities to serve in the Student Government Association and working to help other students get civically engaged, he still finds time to pursue his creative side through art.
Interview by Zohra Basmadjian
Tell me about yourself and why you chose your majors?
I am a second-year student double majoring in public policy and philosophy. I chose those majors because I think it’s tough to look at issues of the economy, politics or philosophy without considering the three of them together. I believe politics is formed from a philosophy and economics is the output of that political process. I think it is wise to study all three together to get a true sense of the field.
What organizations are you involved in at Georgia State?
I founded the Student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) chapter here at Georgia State. I also intern with the organization. We work on various things, such as making greener, cleaner energy more available to students and the public and ensuring students are registered to vote. I’m working to build other chapters at other universities in Georgia. I’m also involved with the Student Government Association here at Georgia State as a senator. I work to make sure that bills are equitable and are being ethically mandated.
What are some of your academic and personal goals?
One, finish both of my degrees. I hope to live life to its fullest. There’s so much of the world to see. I hope to always learn, experience new things and visit and live in different places. I haven’t been out of the United States, so I’d like to get more of a worldly perspective. Especially in public policy, when you’re trying to figure out the best solution, it’s limiting to only have one window of experience.
What are some of your hobbies?
I like to draw. When deciding on colleges, I had to choose whether to attend art school or study public policy. I decided to keep art more as a hobby, but I always try to set aside time on the weekends to draw and enjoy art. It’s my creative outlet. I am also active in the art scene at Georgia State and I have submitted pieces to The Underground Journal, the student-led art and literary journal, and won some of their competitions.
What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard. Some things may be hard to accomplish, but it’s better to give it your all instead of instantly giving up.
