Where Conversations Begin: Inside Paul Scholars Discussion Circles

One of the most meaningful experiences for first-year Paul Scholars happens during the spring semester, when students step out of the classroom and into small, faculty-led discussion circles. These circles are designed to create space for connection, curiosity, and conversation—giving students the opportunity to engage more personally with faculty.

This year, we were fortunate to have a group of faculty who generously gave their time and energy to lead these discussions.  Check out the unique discussion circles they created below:

"The Happiness Advantage" led by Associate Dean Luciana Echazu.In this discussion circle, students explored The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor and its central idea: that happiness fuels success, not the other way around. Through engaging conversations, reflection, and interactive activities, scholars examined how positive psychology can enhance performance, resilience, and creativity. Students also practiced building habits that support well-being and motivation — skills that extend far beyond their first year.

"How to think clearly in a world full of bad data and social influence" led by Assistant Professor Burcu Eke Rubini. In this discussion circle, students explored how data, numbers, and social influence shape the way they form opinions and make decisions in everyday life and in business. Using real-world examples from media, technology, and organizations, they talked about how data and AI claims can sometimes mislead, and how to think more clearly and critically in a world full of information. The focus was on developing good judgment: learning how to ask the right questions, recognize misleading claims, and make more informed decisions as future business leaders.

"How Data Happened: A History from the Age of Reason to the Age of Algorithms" led by Associate Professor, Business & Economics Librarian Wendy Pothier. Where did today’s data-driven decision-making practices come from — and how did they become so central to organizations? In this discussion circle, students explored How Data Happened by Chris Wiggins and Matthew L. Jones to trace the evolution of data from early record-keeping and statistics to modern dashboards, algorithms, and AI-driven analytics.

Through engaging conversations and real-world examples, scholars examined how data is never truly neutral — it reflects social values, institutional priorities, and power structures. The group also considered how data shapes business strategy, labor, and markets today. By the end of the experience, students were challenged to think critically about how data is used, misused, and governed, and what it means to be a thoughtful, data-literate leader in an increasingly information-driven world.

"Career and Personal Development" led by Visiting Assistant Professor Callie MacGowan. This discussion circle created space for students to explore their personal and professional growth as they begin navigating their career journeys.  
Through conversations centered on research, case studies, and shared interests, scholars engaged with topics that mattered most to them.

By connecting academic insights with real-world perspectives, students practiced applying what they learned to their own goals and experiences. The circle encouraged thoughtful reflection, helping scholars build a strong foundation for continued growth, decision-making, and success both during their time at Paul College and beyond.

Interested in Leading a Discussion Circle?
We are always excited to bring new ideas and perspectives into this experience. Faculty who are interested in leading a discussion circle for Spring 2027 are encouraged to reach out. Whether you have a favorite topic, book, or question to explore, this is a meaningful opportunity to connect with first-year Paul Scholars and support their growth. Please reach out to Rachel Kim (rachel.kim@unh.edu).