An interview with Madd Witaconis ’25.
Who was your most inspirational Simmons professor/mentor and why?
Without a doubt, Courtney Kramer, Associate Director of the Stephen D. London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice and Director of the Bonner Community Leaders Program, has been the most inspiring and supportive mentor during my time at Simmons. She has seen me at both my best and my worst, always meeting me with patience, understanding, and unwavering kindness.
Kramer leads with a rare combination of compassion and strength, creating a space where I have felt truly seen and supported. I don’t think I could have navigated these past few years without her. Beyond being an incredible leader, Kramer is one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever met, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my corner.
What drew you to the 3+1 program, and why do you think this accelerated course of study will be helpful for your professional aspirations?
The Political Science and Public Policy (3+1) program at Simmons immediately stood out to me during my college search, especially among schools in the Boston area. Not only was it a smart financial decision, but it also aligned perfectly with my goal of building a career in politics and policy.
While my interests have since expanded to include international relations, the program has provided me with a strong foundation in public policy that will be invaluable as I continue my education. By the time I pursue a second master’s degree, I will be well-equipped with the critical knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex policy environments.
What was your favorite Simmons course and why?
“Terrorism” (POLS 248) with Associate Professor of Politics and Policy Abel Djassi Amado was incredibly nuanced and thought-provoking, challenging me to think critically about complex global issues. The class sparked many of my academic interests and deepened my understanding of political violence and international relations. I highly recommend taking any course with Professor Amado — his teaching is engaging, insightful, and always pushes you to think beyond the surface.
Did your course of study entail any internships or travel/study abroad opportunities?
As a McGrath Global Research Grant recipient, I had the opportunity to travel abroad for the first time. I chose a program in South Africa because I wanted to explore perspectives from the Global South, and the experience was truly transformative. While I faced moments of culture shock, the challenges shaped me in ways I never expected.
My internship abroad was based in Durban, South Africa, within the eThekwini Municipality. This region includes many coastal cities in the KwaZulu-Natal province. As part of the International Relations Department, my responsibilities included researching international opportunities for young professionals in South Africa, transcribing a large art installation of letters addressed to the President, and attending various meetings and conferences to gain firsthand insight into the daily operations of public officials. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to intern with local government officials, which deepened my interest in international politics and my understanding of international affairs while reinforcing my passion for global policy work.
How did you find your community at Simmons?
My first experience with the Simmons community was during summer orientation. Finding my place here came naturally — group chats formed, cliques took shape, and awkward small talk filled the first semester. As time went on, it became easier to distinguish genuine connections from those that were fleeting.
I’m especially grateful for the campus groups and programs I’ve been part of, like Bonner Community Leaders, Alternative Spring Break, Orientation Leaders, Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), and others. They pushed me out of my social comfort zone and introduced me to people I might never have met otherwise, shaping my experience in ways I never expected.
What advice do you have for current and incoming Simmons students?
The best advice I received as an incoming first-year student was that your college experience is entirely what you make of it — you get out of it what you put in. Take advantage of every resource and opportunity because they won’t always be as easily accessible. The more you invest in your time here, the more rewarding it will be.
What is your favorite Simmons memory?
It’s hard to choose just one favorite memory from my time here, but the first thing that comes to mind is the start of spring each year. Those first warm days, when people bring their blankets out onto the residence quad, always fill me with so much joy. The birds start chirping, the sky turns blue again, and after a long, cold winter, it feels like the best possible reward. It’s a reminder that the end of the semester is in sight and always gives me that extra push to finish strongly.