Thomas (Tom) Beaubien was a linebacker on the Kalamazoo College football team the past four seasons. After graduating in June with degrees in business and political science, Thomas plans to attend law school next year. Currently, he is working at the City of Flint as an election inspector for the upcoming election.
While at K, Thomas interned in the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill. He was in charge of policy being presented to Congressman Dan Kildee, the representative from his home district.
Thomas studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, and his SIP (Senior Individualized Project) in political science studied term limits and how they could improve American democracy.
"My internship taught me a volume of things in various ways I could only gain through experience," Thomas said. "Study abroad was an amazing experience. You learn so much about European culture over there and I would recommend that to anyone."
Thomas described his first fall on campus as his most valuable experience at K.
"I have no shame in admitting that I struggled that trimester," he said. "Through those challenges, I began to learn and enhance my critical thinking and time management skills. These skills helped me evolve as a student and allowed me to move forward and be successful."
Athletics was also an important part of growing at K.
"You have school work, a social life, and future planning," he said. "Despite the fact that Kalamazoo will challenge you, I learned that you can handle everything that comes your way and have fun if you make priorities."
Thomas remains grateful for supportive faculty and coaches.
"I want to thank all of the business department and political science department for putting up with me the past four years," he said. "I also thank our coaches because they truly care about the success of their players on and off the field."