Lorin Utsch

Name: Lorin Utsch
Major: Political Science
Minor: International Development, Communications
Graduation: April 2024

I grew up in Oklahoma, but I also claim some other boring Midwest states like Nebraska and Arkansas as home. I am double majoring in Journalism and Political Science, with a goal to go to law school to become an immigration lawyer. I served my mission in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where I learned that I have a passion for international affairs, hot chocolate, and Slavic languages. I love the world of social impact, and I am constantly inspired by the altruism that people exhibit, and I hope that I can be a good example of that to others. I love writing and research and audiobooks, and I feel like my only existing hobby right now is studying.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“These are the days that must happen to you.” - Walt Whitman. This quote is a comforting reminder that each moment of life serves a purpose, and that whether it is a good or bad moment, they all combine to make the life you get to experience. This quote helps me stay mindful of the present, while also being patient with the passage of time. As part of a larger poem, this line reminds the reader that each moment is fleeting, for better or for worse.

What are your favorite books?

My favorite book is “A Path Appears” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, and it talks about the power that an individual has to change the world. It helped me see that perhaps we cannot individually change the whole world, but we can at least change someone's world, and that is a worthwhile feat. I am currently listening to a book called, “Human Rights After Hitler” by Daniel Plesch and it is about the United Nations War Crimes Council following WWII and it discusses the importance of the jurisprudence that court established. It is actually a fascinating book, and it is hopeful to know how many people have worked together to right the wrongs of the past. I highly recommend both books.

What is something you can never be found without?

So freshman year at BYU I became very passionate about the outrageous sprinkle prices at all the nearby ice cream stores, so I had a phase where I would just carry my own sprinkles with me in my purse everywhere I went so I could save some money but not have to lose out on the happiness that comes from adding sprinkles. Don’t worry though, I haven’t restocked my sprinkle supply… yet.

Why did you decide to join the Honors Program?

I entered BYU as a journalism student, and I knew that would mean that I would be reporting on various issues across all academic fields. I was really drawn in by the interdisciplinary approach of the Honors Program, and it has helped expose me to other valuable ways of viewing the world that have greatly influenced me as a writer. I also love that we have the opportunity to write a thesis and make a genuine contribution to our field, even while we are still in our undergrad.

What has been your favorite Honors experience?

My favorite experience was probably my first Unexpected Connections class, where we focused on answering the question of "What does it mean to live a meaningful life.?" We synthesized topics from biology and chemistry, alongside Shakespeare plays and Frankenstein to create the most interesting and engaging classroom experience I've ever had.

What is your next step in Honors?

I will be starting my thesis in the fall, and I am so pumped! I am currently in the Great Questions course where I am studying the question "What cultivates compassion?"