Annika is a student at the University of Michigan double majoring in International Studies and Asian Studies with a focus on Korean and Chinese studies. In Summer 2024, Annika founded Roundtable, an organization that aims to decrease political polarization and increase critical thinking on college campuses. Members of Roundtable learn about America’s most evergreen political questions through scholarly studies and arguments from across the political spectrum. Taking lessons from psychologists and studies on polarization, Roundtable creates a space where students are encouraged to approach ideas with curiosity, compassion, and rigor. Annika joined the Impact Public Service Fund’s University Fellowship Program because she believes Roundtable’s mission is incredibly important but difficult to actualize. Fortunately, Impact Public Service Fund provides resources, advice, and a network of inspiring peers and mentors who can guide her in creating the most effective student organization possible. With the support of Impact Public Service Fund, Annika hopes to build an organization that will leave a long-lasting impact on the student community at the University of Michigan and sustain itself even after she graduates. Outside of Roundtable and the Fellowship, Annika is Co-president of the Effective Altruism club, a club sports athlete on the Ballroom Dance Team, and a member of the Alexander Hamilton Society. In her free time, she enjoys songwriting, social dancing, reading, and studying foreign languages.
What causes are you most passionate about?
Loneliness. Time and time again, happiness studies show that the quality of our close relationships is the biggest determiner of our happiness. People with strong relationships live longer, healthier, happier lives. However, many highly-developed countries are facing loneliness epidemics, and my generation is turning away from the traditional paths of marriage and childbirth, weakening our social networks even further. I am passionate about exploring the effects of this trend on mental health and loneliness rates, as well as finding community-wide solutions to decrease loneliness.
I am also passionate about electoral reform! Most people have heard of Ranked-Choice Voting, but have you heard of the far-superior STAR voting?
If you could make one improvement in the world, what would it be?
Increase human connection. Decrease loneliness.
What ideas or efforts do you think will or have changed the world the most?
Capitalism and Artificial Intelligence.
