Claire Azordegan, a junior at Millsaps College, may seem to have interests scattered in many different directions, but for her, it all fits together seamlessly.
For starters, she is majoring in both Spanish and anthropology while also pursuing a minor in biology. She is a member of the Rotaract Club and the Millsaps chapter of Chi Omega sorority. She is also a performer with the college’s theatre program, the Millsaps Players.
However, when she looks back, the combination of her majors and minor along with her study-abroad and campus experiences all come to the same conclusion: it makes sense for her.
Azordegan, who grew up in nearby Madison, Mississippi and graduated from St. Andrew’s Episcopal High School, was fascinated by the Spanish language and culture before she came to Millsaps.
“I love connecting with people, and I wanted to be able to communicate with them in their native language,” she explained. “Learning a language is a skill that opens so many doors. Even though it can be challenging, it’s completely worthwhile.”
With her passion for Spanish, Azordegan was drawn to Millsaps’ robust study-abroad program. “During my college search, I learned that Millsaps has its own house and biocultural reserve in Mexico,” she said. “I found that so unique and special.”
Upon discovering Millsaps during her college search, she realized that the college offered her more opportunities than anywhere else. “People pay attention to you at Millsaps, and your professors want to help you accomplish big things,” she noted.
While her peers at larger colleges tackled general courses of study, Azordegan spent her first two years pursuing her interests in classes that ignited her passions. She also delved into the Compass Curriculum, eventually reaching the point where she needed to fulfill the social world component.
She enrolled in Dr. George Bey’s forensic anthropology course in her sophomore year. By March, she knew she had found another passion — and a second major.
“When I was introduced to the world of anthropology, it was something I couldn’t get enough of,” she said.
Azordegan also pursued her interest in biology while studying under the Compass Curriculum. Her interest in biology predated her arrival at Millsaps, and she found herself taking courses like zoology and botany for her enjoyment.
On Major Declaration Day, Azordegan combined all her passions. She also applied for and was accepted into the Millsaps Honors Program, which requires an intensive research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
“Each of the subjects I’m studying started out as ‘random’ passions of mine, and now they all work together perfectly for my honors project!”
Her project focuses on the efforts of conservation organizations and how their efforts affect local communities. Answering questions like, “Is organization X in Alaska having a positive effect on the environment and the people who live there?”
“I want my project to shed light on the successes and shortcomings of conservation efforts and suggest how to make conservation a mutually beneficial endeavor.”
In addition to her time on campus at Millsaps, Azordegan has studied abroad. In 2023, she spent five weeks in Mérida, Mexico studying under Dr. Judith Caballero.
“Dr. Caballero planned an amazing trip where we were able to have fun and grow our appreciation for Yucatecan culture,” Azordegan said of her experience.
“We took a course with local professors and traveled around the state of Yucatán on the weekends. My friends and I took salsa classes and went ziplining. We made lifelong connections with our host families. It was an incredible experience.”
As a junior, Azordegan is still in the planning stages of what her future will be after graduation. Since adding anthropology as a major, she has become interested in anthropology graduate programs.
No matter what, Azordegan knows her time at Millsaps is giving her the tools she needs to be successful in her career and life.
“I feel really prepared for whatever opportunities come my way after college.”