Self-Designed Major

Paris Burton ’19

Class Year

2019

Area(s) of Study

Majors in Theater and Arts Administration (Self-Designed Major); Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Hometown

St. Clair Shores, Michigan

Internships

Field operations at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Paris isn’t content to settle for one interest or idea, and it’s evident in how thoroughly she has immersed herself into her studies at Lake Forest.

The double major in theater and arts administration (a program of study she designed with help from Professor of Art History Ann Roberts) is involved in all aspects of the theater, from set design to acting to stage-managing shows. It also allows her to pull in some other business classes into the mix as well, such as Digital Media Design and history. She is also one of more than 60 Foresters minoring in entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Paris thought about minoring in business, but decided it didn’t quite fit her expansive interests. She found a natural home in entrepreneurship and innovation. “I want to learn how a business is run, from the marketing to the planning to the costs. The entrepreneurship and innovation minor lets me learn it all.”

This semester Paris is at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Chicago assisting with marketing, project development, and event organizing. She’s also involved in several co-curricular activities, including: Tri Delta, Garrick Players, the Equestrian Club, and she is a student ambassador for the admissions office. 

“If I don’t like something, I’m not going to do it,” says Paris. “My intention is to be well rounded.” She can see herself “running a theater or some type of business or event. I just want whatever I choose to do to make me happy and that I enjoy my job.”