Monmouth College Senior Profile: Anna Brunner
Decatur-area student is embracing change in college
Monmouth, Ill. (10/23/2024) — Monmouth College has long been known for its close-knit community and academic rigor, and senior Anna Brunner's journey is a testament to both. From her initial decision to attend Monmouth, to the broad academic and professional experiences she's gained, Brunner's story is one of growth, discovery and ambition.
The right fit
Brunner's decision to attend Monmouth College was primarily driven by a solid academic program.
"I was looking for a strong public relations program, and Monmouth delivered," she said.
The blend of theory and hands-on internships offered her exactly what she was looking for. Another key factor was the financial aid package she received, making the college an affordable option that didn't compromise on quality.
"Monmouth offered a generous scholarship, which was incredibly important to me," she said.
A change of plans
When Brunner arrived on campus, she had a clear vision - to major in public relations and one day work for a PR firm. However, as with many college journeys, her plan evolved.
"Since I've arrived at Monmouth, I think my future plans have definitely become more fleshed out," she said.
Now Brunner is a double major, adding English to her studies while also minoring in political science. The freedom to explore and the encouragement she found at Monmouth allowed her to broaden her academic horizon and tailor her education to her passions.
She credits several professors and classes for shaping her academic path, particularly professor David Wright from the English department.
"I've been in one of his classes every year," she said.
Professor Wright's support, both academically and personally, played a significant role in her growth. His connection to her hometown, Decatur, Illinois, added a personal touch to their relationship, as Wright attended the city's Millikin University.
Brunner said a political science course, "Africa in World Politics," also had a lasting impact on her.
"This class helped me understand how large and complex politics can be, especially when pertaining to international relations," she said, noting that it especially opened her eyes to the complexities of Africa's role in global politics, an area she had not previously considered.
Beyond the classroom
Brunner's involvement outside of her coursework is equally impressive. She works as a writing tutor, serves as the lead editor for the college's Midwest Journal of Undergraduate Research and represents Monmouth as a Scot Ambassador. On top of her campus commitments, she's held an off-campus internship in Decatur, further enhancing her real-world experience. She's also been inducted into several honor societies.
Among Brunner's proudest accomplishments is her semester abroad in Greece, another way she broadened her worldview and learned valuable lessons while also gaining a confidence boost.
"I was able to continue working on my degree while 5,000 miles from home," she said. "I traveled across Europe, met a lot of new people and made a lot of great memories."
Advice for the Class of 2029
Reflecting on her time as a student, Brunner has witnessed significant changes at the college, from remodeling the Stockdale Center to hiring a new president.
"Monmouth is constantly changing and evolving," she said.
As she approaches graduation, Brunner's future is full of possibilities. She's applied for a Fulbright English teaching assistant position and hopes to work in public relations within the nonprofit sector. Her ultimate dream, she said, is "to work for an international nonprofit like Amnesty International or Doctors Without Borders, where I can use my skills to make a global impact."
For incoming students, Brunner has one key piece of advice: "Keep yourself open to new possibilities."
She encourages new students to embrace the changes that college life inevitably brings.
"You're changing, your goals are changing, and what you want for the future is also changing," she said. "That's okay, embrace the change."
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