Elliot Jackson-Ontkush '24 - PAC Captain

Major: Economics

About me: I am from Arlington, MA. I love playing guitar, reading, skiing, and hiking.

Why PAC:I think it is essential at a liberal arts college that we help each other as students. PAC gives me an outlet to help peers academically, and it gives me an opportunity to improve my communication skills.

Favorite class and why: Macroeconomic Theory with Professor Wolfe. I thoroughly enjoyed the extensive research project during that class. What sealed my interest in economics though was the passionate discussions we had during class time.

Academic Advice: Perserverance! Be confident in yourself as a learner. I believe that this is the biggest battle for every student. Struggling with a concept gets us so caught up in thinking that we just can't do something. But we forget that everyone struggles. It is a part of most learning processes, and it is our choice to give up or keep learning and getting better.

Daniel Aybar '24 

Major: Economics   

Minors: Statistics, International Affairs

About Me: I am from Concord, New Hampshire. I enjoy sports, watching movies, and reading. I play soccer here at Skidmore.

Why PAC: PAC gives me an opportunity to develop my own understanding of economics while helping other people.

Favorite Class: My favorite class was macroeconomic theory because the semester long project really helped my understanding of the causes and solutions to real world economic problems.

Academic Advice: Make sure to plan out your week in advance to ensure that you have time to complete all your assignments while also being able to have a social life.

Arjun B K '25

Majors: Economics and Mathematics        

About me: I’m from Kathmandu, Nepal. I love one piece, chess, music, comedy, and movies. 

Why PAC: I have found PAC very helpful and I would love to do the same for other students. 

Favorite class and why: I loved Economics of Latin America (EC 282) with Professor Schneider. This course had an engaging application of theoretical economics concepts from Micro and Macro theory classes, and I enjoyed that a lot. 

Academic Advice: I have realized that there are no shortcuts to learning; therefore, be consistent and give yourself sufficient time to learn. Don't rush the learning process.

Kaity Chen '24

Major: Economics 

About Me: I am from both Malaysia and Westchester, New York.  I am fluent in Chinese, Cantonese, Malay, and have studied Spanish and Japanese in school.  I enjoy reading, puzzles, and food.

Why PAC?  Helping others with a subject allows me to apply and gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

Favorite Class and Why: Microeconomics Theory with Professor Reilly because it demonstrated the significance of Economics in my daily life.

Academic Advice: Ask for help when you need it; you'll be surprised by how much people are willing to help.

An Tran '26

Major: Economics      

About me: I am from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. I enjoy taking film photographs, watching films and k-dramas.

Why PAC? PAC provides an opportunity to solidify my understand of the materials by actively engaging in teaching and explaining the concepts to other people.

Favorite class and why: Statistical Methods with Professor Tiwari because it provided foundation tools and practical application for data analysis in economics.

 Academic Advice: It’s important to plan and organize ahead to stay on track with the course load to have a balanced academic experience.

Kartik Vaish '25

Major: Economics and Philosophy    

About me: I am from New Delhi, India. I love doing standup comedy, playing music with my friends and playing football (soccer).

Why PAC?: PAC helped me so many times when I was struggling in classes and I think it does the same for a lot of students, so I would love to help with that.

Favorite class and why?: My favorite class was Macroeconomic Theory with Prof. Sanchit as we had extensive discussions about world economies, especially developing nations and how they are affected by western macroeconomies.

Academic Advice: Try a wide variety of classes! You'll be surprised to see how classes in fields you thought would never intersect enable you to think curiously about other things you learn. Just be curious, take your time and ask for help and you'll do great.

Sissi Wu '25

Major: Economics and History

About me: I am a Junior from both Shenzhen, China and Newton, Massachusetts. I play harp, and my favorite show is My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.  

Why PAC?: PAC was a significant source of support mentally and academically during my sophomore year. It provided me with a conducive environment for connection and a sense of belonging within the academic community. 

Favorite class and why?: Economics of Latin America is my favorite class for two main reasons. First, it seamlessly integrates with my second major in history, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on the region's economic evolution. Second, it allows me to analyze and comprehend the enduring economic challenges faced by Latin American nations.

Academic Advice: You are all good. Organize your schedule and leave time to do your homework and sleep. Do not study too hard. Do not play too hard. If you encounter trouble, just ask and there is no dump question.