Every university attracts certain types of students who complement its general mission. As for Clark University, the mission is "Challenge conviction, change our world"; and this provides us with hints to what a basic Clarkie looks like.

1. Clarkies are passionate about changing the world.

Clark’s motto was a major factor in my college decision! And I bet many other Clarkies had a similar experience too. A basic Clarkie is an activist, a member or a leader in a social change club, and a volunteer at a nearby organization. I, myself have been involved since I came to Clark and I am becoming even more involved now as I adjust to the surrounding area. The high level of awareness that Clark raises in its students about the world we live in and all its tragedies, motivates us to be action-oriented.

2. Clarkies are natural born politicians.

If you ever engage in a conversation with a Clarkie for more than 20 minutes, chances are, you will find yourself talking politics! It makes perfect sense for students who are passionate about social change to become passionate about politics too, in hopes of changing the system. As a Clarkie myself, I have never thought about politics before and never even bothered. However, since I came here, I began developing a gradual interest in politics and I had even signed up for a political science course!

3. Clarkies are hardcore liberals.

I must say, Clark students are among the most liberal human beings I have ever encountered. If you spend more than three consecutive days on campus, you will probably witness some type of activity that is dedicated to promoting human rights, planned parenthood, LGBT rights, etc. These types of activities are likely to increase in the near future after the recent presidential election. Clarkies are not only passionate about creating a liberal world but are very serious about it too!

4. A Clarkie is not a typical college student.

Typical college students as portrayed in American movies and indicated by the media, party often, drink a little too much, and are generally careless. However, the situation is different at Clark. Clark University is known as not being a “party school," which means that its students are as well not “party students." This doesn’t mean that some students don’t party or don’t drink but partying is generally not included on our to-do list.

5. Clarkies are friendly and straightforward human beings.

Clark students smile at you even if they don’t know you. Some of them may even start a random conversation with you as you’re walking or sitting near them. Many Clarkies are pretty much straightforward, they say what is on their minds and are honest about everything. Communicating with a Clarkie is also straightforward as most of them share similar visions and goals of becoming change makers.

These are only a fewcharacteristics of a basic passionate Clarkie. If you are a Clarkie yourself, take your time to relate to the points mentioned above. If you are a professor, a visitor, or just a random person that is curious to know more about Clark students; I encourage you to speak to Clarkies more often, get to know them, and enjoy delving into a rosy world full of hopes and dreams!