BIS in Individualized Study

Dylan Hayes, 2025

Dylan is from Manassas, VA, and is majoring in the Bachelor of Individualized Study with a concentration in International Political Economy.

What has been your favorite BIS course, and why?
It’s a difficult choice between BIS 301 and BIS 490. BIS 301 was important because it helped me realize it’s okay to come back to school as an adult, that I belong here, and that I can do it. It helped me to grow as a student and as a person. BIS 490 has also been really wonderful and important because it pushed me to really focus on my goals for after graduation and take real steps toward the career I want. That course helped me land job offers and build a strong plan for my future, so it made a huge impact on me.

What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at Mason?
I’m most proud of finishing my degree and setting myself up for the next chapter of my life. Graduating from college has been a lifelong goal of mine, and there’s been a lot of hard to make it happen. Taking classes while in the Navy and then coming back to school after coming home has been challenging but ultimately very rewarding. This experience changed how I see myself and helped me believe I can really live up to my potential. Winning the BIS Outstanding Graduate award on top of that has just made everything even more meaningful and wonderful!