Everyone has a story about that one class that changed their life. Maybe it was the way the instructor taught the class – giving good constructive feedback, for example, or inspiring you to go beyond what you thought you were capable of. Maybe the course content inspired you to change something about yourself or challenged you in another way. This is my story about the class that changed my life.

It should be no surprise that the class that changed me was in my major, political science. That class was Dr. Cox’s POL 235. The course title, “How Wars End: Civil Wars and International Responses,” sounds like it would immediately strike boredom in the hearts of any non-political science or international relations major, but this class was far from boring.

POL 235 is seminar-based, which means that while there are lectures (that you are expected to attend), most of your work will come from your own research. This isn’t to say you’re on your own; others in the course will do all they can to support you. Dr. Cox presents most of the theory behind your study. You’re then expected to take the concepts presented in class and apply them to a case study. This gives you a sense of “getting it.” You’re showing the class that you have learned from the theory and can recognize its applications in your respective case.

Furthermore, when essays are returned to you, they’re covered with carefully crafted and commending comments. Throughout the course, I felt empowered to adapt my work and use the words of encouragement Dr. Cox provided me to continue to improve. I struggle with academic confidence (which is a bold thing for an Oxbridge kid to say), but there’s nothing quite like knowing you’ve got it right. Iteration is the key to perfection, after all.

Dr. Cox is also a phenomenal instructor with hands-on experience in peace and conflict research. Before his time at Jewell, he worked with the humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse to aid and support those affected by the end of Sudan’s second civil war in 2006. He is not merely presenting theory – he’s had boots on the ground and knows how rough war can be.

Before taking this course, I was considering the “standard” political science graduate program. I wanted to go to law school to become a corporate lawyer, argue a case, make money and repeat steps two through four. After taking this course, I’ve realized that money isn’t everything. I’ve been inspired to take the course content and make it my own. I want to use what I learned in this class to lift the downtrodden. I want to challenge the status quo of war, helping to bring it to an end. 

In all aspects of the course, one message stood out: war is devastating. It devastates all the militant actors. It destroys civilian well-being. Quite frankly, war destroys my hope in humanity.

But Dr. Cox’s other message – that war is not the default, and there is a way out – stood out more.

The course inspired me to change my career path. Even more, it poured into me as a person, enabling me to build confidence in my own work, to research complicated cases and to analyze complex situations. How Wars End is not easy. As any political science major will tell you, no course taught by Dr. Cox is. But the work is well worth the undertaking.

By some miracle, this coming Sunday will be the third time Patrick Mahomes has played with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. It is hard to believe that there has only been one Spring in my time at Jewell that we did not witness our team go all the way. However, Jalen Hurts and Travis Kelce’s bulkier brother, Jason, should prove to be a worthy opponent in the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chiefs have a powerful offense that is spearheaded by Mahomes. Mahomes is one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the league and is able to make plays with both his arm and feet. Despite a recent ankle injury, Mahomes was seen walking without assistance in press conference interviews, so he should be good to go for the game.

Mahomes is backed by a team of skilled players including JuJu Smith-Schuster and Travis Kelce. Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon strengthen the team as a strong running back duo. The Chiefs’ defense has been strong this season. They were able to shut down opposing teams with their stout front four including Chris Jones and Frank Clark.

Meanwhile, the Eagles have their own dynamic quarterback in Hurts. Hurts has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting players and is able to make big plays with his feet. The Eagle’s offensive line has been solid this season, led by Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce, who will have a tough time going against Chris Jones and the Chiefs’ Defensive front.

Hurts will also have a talented group of receivers to throw to, including A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Compared to the Chiefs, the Eagles’ defense has been inconsistent this season. This inconsistency is due mainly to the injuries of Fletcher Cox, Jalen Mills, and Rodney McLeod. 

The game is sure to be a close one, and it could come down to which team can capitalize on the other’s weaknesses. Mahomes and Hurts are both able to make big plays. The outcome of the game could depend on which quarterback can make the fewest mistakes. The Chiefs’ defense can be deadly with their potential to create a wide margin. However, their lethality depends on their ability to shut down the Eagles’ offense early. The Eagles, on the other hand, can be just as dangerous if Hurts makes the most of his running skills. 

Regardless of who wins, the 2023 Super Bowl is sure to be an exciting game and one that will be talked about for years to come, with major implications on the legacy of Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs’ players on the line. Find a place to live stream the Super Bowl at 5:30 on Sunday, Feb. 12 so that you do not miss the big game.