Alumni Individual Stories

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I chose Seattle University because of its location. Also, it is ranked among top national universities. The classes are small, and you are provided with a variety of study abroad programs, internships, and interesting courses in different disciplines to choose from.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• Majoring in International Studies at SU made me feel confident enough to apply for a few prestigious universities in the UK immediately after the graduation. My INST degree helped me to gain an in-depth understanding of the working knowledge of different research methods and improve my writing and analytical skills which have been critical to my success in grad school. I was trained to synthesize primary and secondary sources to make and sustain an argument that addresses the intersections between gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, ability, and national status. I also learned a lot about the political and social forces, including colonialism, imperialism, and nationalism, that have shaped people’s lives in the Global South and specifically in the Middle East.

What was your favorite place on campus? 

• The atrium inside the College of Arts and Sciences

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle? 

• Seattle is surrounded on all sides by mountains, and it has abundant green spaces. The summers are glorious. Seattle is so politically progressive, and Seattleites are passionate about politics. I think Seattle is the best bike city in the states, and it is full of vegan-friendly cafes and restaurants.

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• I always wanted to have an in-depth understanding of the main historical events, processes and actors that have shaped the political dynamics of the Middle East as well as the history of women’s movements in the region. Seattle University’s International Studies curriculum not only provided me with the opportunity to learn about the international relations and gender politics of the Middle East but also to improve my Arabic language skills and become familiar with different IR theories such as feminist security studies which has been the main theoretical framework of my research in grad school.

What was your favorite course? 

• Women and Gender in the Middle East

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I chose Seattle University because I resonated with the Jesuit values of educating the whole person. I saw Seattle University as a place where I could grow professionally and personally; where knowledge and relationships could be fostered.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• The INST Capstone course was vital in shaping my academic interests because it allowed me to explore a niche topic which has become the primary focus of my graduate education. My professors at SU continuously encouraged me to pursue my academic interests which led me to find the intersection between my studies in Latin America and China. Through the capstone project, I was able to conduct independent research on China-Latin American relations and learn about the major trends and scholars in the field. During graduate school at Johns Hopkins SAIS I had the opportunity to conduct research with the scholars I had cited in my undergraduate capstone research. It was a full circle experience for me where I got to work with the academic scholars who inspired me through literature on China-Latin American relations I was exposed to during my capstone research.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• During my time at SU, I had several internships, but the most transformative experience was my internship with Senator Patty Murray’s Seattle Office. This was my first undergraduate internship where I developed a strong interest in public service. Since then, I’ve completed internships with other government entities and committed to developing academic skills that would be applicable to the federal government. I have also been given the opportunity to pursue a career in civil service as a Presidential Management Fellowship finalist. This would not have been possible without the initial exposure provided through my first internship with Senator Patty Murray.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience.

• During my time at Seattle University, I was a Student Alumni Ambassador, where I served as Marketing Chair during my junior year. This experience allowed me to work closely with the SU Alumni Association, where I was able to connect students with unique opportunities to connect with alumni. I was also able to welcome SU alumni back to campus through events such as reunions and various Homecoming events.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• I studied abroad in Puebla, Mexico where I had the opportunity to live with a host family for six months. The most challenging aspect of this experience was the intensive language study which required a lot of work at first, but due to the immersive atmosphere, I was able to adapt quickly. The most rewarding part of this experience was being able to travel to various parts of the country to create memories with my Seattle University classmates. Together, we improved our language skills to be able to navigate independent travels from Oaxaca to Mexico City. It was rewarding to see my language develop and improve significantly during my time in Mexico.  

What was your favorite place on campus? / What was your favorite thing to do on campus?

• My favorite place on campus was the Byte Café on the second floor of the library. This was a perfect study and hang out spot between classes. With many students grabbing coffee or snacks between classes, it was the perfect place ot catch up with friends. It was also a great late night study spot because the café seating area would be open all night making it ideal place for to write papers after the main floors of the library closed.  

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle? 

• I loved that while on campus, there was a serene and tranquil atmosphere, but steps away from campus you could be in the hustle and bustle of the city. While living in Seattle I loved going downtown to explore new restaurants and enjoy the oceanfront views.

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• My interest in history, particularly my AP European History and World History classes in high school, naturally transitioned in a desire to work on global issues. I still debated between International Studies and Political Science as a major, but Seattle University’s International Studies curriculum and the opportunity to learn about different regions of the world ultimately made the decision for me. I will always credit the International Studies program with providing me the tools to succeed in graduate school and my work in international security.

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I chose to go to Seattle University because of its close proximity to my hometown in Portland Oregon. It was important for me to be close to home but far enough away for me to be able to grow. Additionally, the small class sizes and ability to easily connect with professors made the school very attractive to me.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career?

• I think the interdisciplinary nature of International Studies helped form my own interests and allowed me to test the waters of many different fields. In addition to that, learning a language has made me eligible for many other experiences and jobs as well. My degree and experiences abroad in Mexico and then Guatemala helped me build strong applications for different opportunities upon graduation.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it?

• I had an internship with One Equal Heart Foundation. This internship was really important to me as someone interested in the inner workings of the nonprofit field. I worked as a development intern and managed grant applications and information. This was essential in giving me a perspective of what nonprofit work could look like. This experience helped prepare me for my current job as a program coordinator for a major nonprofit in Oregon.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience.

• I was a Connections Leadership Program Mentor for students of color (CLP) during my first year and again my junior year. This program is really close to my heart as it formulated how I experienced community on campus and how I used my own experiences to accompany and assist others living through the same experiences I had as a student of color.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• The most rewarding aspect of studying abroad in Mexico was the confidence it gave me to continue to improve in my language study and to actually use the language in a practical setting. Normally, most students do not have the time, space, or means, to actively use the language they are learning, so it was very helpful for me. The most challenging part was adapting to the different pacing of life in Mexico. In many ways it was slower paced and as a student that was a big change for me.

What was your favorite place on campus?

• My favorite place on campus would be the Casey Atrium. I practically lived in that building toward the end of my senior year, as it held my job, my professors, as well as many friends who worked there. My favorite thing to do on campus was sitting around the fountain and checking in on my CLP mentees. Even as the program ended, I kept in touch with many mentees, so maintaining those relationships between classes was great.

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

• I really appreciated the proximity to the International District. There are a lot of great things in that community that I personally had never experienced in my hometown. I also really enjoyed the diversity of food present in the Capitol Hill area. There were many opportunities to try new things!

How did Seattle University form your vision for the future?

• During university, I did not deeply reflect on the mission of Seattle University. As an alumnus, though, I find that the mission of the university has played a huge role in the work that I want to do and the people I want to support. The idea of educating the whole person continues to be a personal value of mine and it drives me to continually be open to new ideas and experiences.

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• Originally, I wanted to be a linguistics major, but there was not a direct program for that at Seattle University. I saw the word international and from there I met with advisors and professors to craft an approach that would give me many of the things that I wanted to learn from economics to gender studies.

Who was your mentor on campus? How did they mentor you?

• I had many mentors during my time at Seattle University. One of these was Dr. Serena Cosgrove. She was my academic advisor, but beyond that she was a professor, a supervisor, and a friend. I worked with her at the Central American Initiative. She provided consistent support, and even when I didn’t believe I could accomplish something, she met me where I was and helped me get on a path to reach my goals. She helped me with my application to be an English Teaching Assistant in Mexico through the Fulbright program, which I was awarded!

What was your favorite course? Why?

• One of my favorite courses during my time at Seattle University was a class called Reconciliation After Conflict, which really stoked my interest in peace work and transitional justice. Classes like that one played a huge role in formulating my future career interests. Additionally, upper-level Spanish courses that focused on literature were really important for me. These classes challenged me to grow quickly and they have left me with a desire to continue reading and learning in Spanish.

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• Seattle’s location on the coast and its reputation as an “international” and diverse city, as well as the International Studies program curriculum and the university’s Jesuit mission to educate the whole self, made Seattle University my dream school. As soon as I visited the campus, I knew that I wanted to spend the next four years there.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• The INST program’s study abroad requirement and the encouragement to expand my language skills, which led to me adding French as a second major, have been critical to building my career thus far. The INST program more than prepared me to apply for a Master of Arts program immediately after graduation, where I was able to share my own international experiences with individuals who have been in the field for years. My French language skills have also opened me up to numerous opportunities, such as expanding the resources I had access to in graduate school and allowing me to confidently interact with French-speaking individuals in my current role. Finally, my research trip to Washington, DC to conduct research for my INST Honors thesis and interview a Pentagon official was instrumental in preparing for graduate school and my career, where research and networking are part of my everyday work.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• The INST faculty and staff greatly facilitated the process of getting an internship. I was able to intern with Days for Girls International. I am proud of the work that I did with Days for Girls and felt I was able to make real contributions to the organization’s mission to provide menstrual care products and resources to individuals around the world by writing grant proposals and tracking donations. This internship exposed me to the development work required for successful international non-profits. This work also inspired me to approach all research questions and my current work in international security with a focus on gender.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience.

• During my sophomore year, as part of the Introduction to International Politics class, I volunteered with the United Nations Association—Greater Seattle Chapter. This was one of my favorite parts of the INST program because, through this volunteer position, I gained professional research experience and realized my interests in arms control and international security. The opportunity to write a formal white paper to advocate for the United States’ ratification of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty prepared me for the policy and persuasive writing I would do in graduate school and in my career.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• The most rewarding part of studying abroad with the French-in-France program was traveling to Morocco at the end of the semester. This experience was truly life changing. We met Moroccan students in Fes and Agadir and bonded over discussions about culture, food, religion, politics, and sports that I will remember for the rest of my life. I am grateful to still be in contact with some of the students I met in Morocco and my fellow SU travelers.

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• My interest in history, particularly my AP European History and World History classes in high school, naturally transitioned in a desire to work on global issues. I still debated between International Studies and Political Science as a major, but Seattle University’s International Studies curriculum and the opportunity to learn about different regions of the world ultimately made the decision for me. I will always credit the International Studies program with providing me the tools to succeed in graduate school and my work in international security.

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I chose to come to Seattle University because when I visited the school during my senior year of high school, I felt a sense of community that I didn’t feel at many other schools. I think the school actually follows through on providing a supportive atmosphere for students. I also think that I was drawn to International Studies at Seattle University because they offer a variety of interesting courses in different disciplines.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• I am wrapping up my first year in law school, and I have been somewhat surprised to see how much International Studies prepared me for this experience. People from all walks of life and expertise come to law school with their own perspectives on the world, and I think INST helps me to both bring my own perspective and to reconcile those of other people. In INST, people study all sorts of different disciplines from history to politics to culture to economics and bring them all into a global framework. I think having the ability to do that type of analysis while still appreciating the value of each individual person’s viewpoint is incredibly helpful in any career.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• I interned at Mona Foundation, a non-profit that is working to provide funding for education programs around the world, especially those that support women’s and girls’ education. The employees at the non-profit place a significant weight on the importance of listening to the needs of those they are serving rather than providing a paternalistic view of what education should look like. Because of this, the actual measurable benefits of the foundation’s funding were markedly better than those of their counterparts.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience.

• During my sophomore year, as part of the Introduction to International Politics class, I volunteered with the United Nations Association—Greater Seattle Chapter. This was one of my favorite parts of the INST program because, through this volunteer position, I gained professional research experience and realized my interests in arms control and international security. The opportunity to write a formal white paper to advocate for the United States’ ratification of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty prepared me for the policy and persuasive writing I would do in graduate school and in my career.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• My answer for this is probably the same for both rewarding and challenging. I decided to study abroad in Spain after studying Arabic for two years. I went to Spain without any knowledge of the language aside from what I could glean from products labeled in Spanish and English. I believed that my host family would be able to speak some English so I would have a comfortable place where I could communicate, so I was surprised to find myself in a situation where the people in charge of making sure I had a roof over my head and food in my stomach couldn’t communicate with me other than through hand gestures and facial expressions. This served as an excellent motivator and made it all the more rewarding as I began to grow more comfortable with both the Spanish language and people

What was your favorite place on campus? / What was your favorite thing to do on campus?

• I don’t know that I have a single favorite place on campus, but for a few weeks in late April to early May campus becomes one of the most beautiful places in the world. The flowers all bloom at once, the skies clear up, and it is so satisfying to just go on a walk around to see all the trees and bushes come to life.

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle? 

• One of the best things about living in Seattle was people’s appreciation for nature and the outdoors. When it is rainy and dreary people are less likely to use it as an excuse to stay indoors all the time, and when it is beautiful people really get excited.

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University? 

• I have always wanted to attend college in Seattle. I chose Seattle University because of its small campus and location in the heart of Capitol Hill. In addition, I was interested in Seattle U’s many volunteering and study abroad opportunities. I wanted a college experience that allowed me to expand my view of the world, and I was able to find that at Seattle U through both academic and extra-curricular opportunities. 

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school? 

• My INST degree has helped me gain a critical understanding of the world through history, economics and politics. Over the course of my undergraduate studies, I have gained writing and analytical skills that have been critical to my success in law school. Further, my background in International Studies has provided me with the necessary skills to understand international law and different countries’ legal systems.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career? 

• I worked at Sahar Education, an educational NGO that operates in Afghanistan, and Tara Expeditions, an environmental NGO based in Paris. Both countries operate on an international level, and often have to reconcile different sets of laws and regulations. I learned that a combined background in law and international studies is extremely valuable in this field, as it requires a specified set of skills to bridge the gap in understanding different societies and legal systems.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience. 

• While at Seattle U, I volunteered and worked as a tutor at Bailey Gatzert Elementary School through the Center for Community Engagement (CCE). For four years, I worked with first graders, both during the day and in after-school or summer programs. Through this experience, I was able to build community with students, parents, and learn about the history of the Central District and Yesler Terrace. Getting involved with the CCE has been an amazing opportunity that I would recommend to all Seattle U students. 

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)? 

• Studying abroad was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had at SU. While I have lived and traveled outside the United States before, studying abroad was a unique experience because I was able to have that experience by myself. I learned to respectfully relate with people from other cultures, while adapting to their social norms. Overall, it was an incredibly insightful and valuable experience I would recommend to everyone to take advantage of if possible! 

What was your favorite place on campus? / What was your favorite thing to do on campus? 

• My favorite place on campus was the atrium inside the College of Arts and Sciences (Casey). It is a beautiful place filled with natural light and a view of a garden, perfect for a quiet afternoon read or school work away from the more crowded areas of the campus. 

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle? 

• I really enjoyed being in the middle of the Capitol Hill and Central District neighborhood. Both neighborhoods have a rich history that I enjoyed learning about in my four years at Seattle U. Also, there is a nice range of small businesses, coffee shops and parks within walking or biking distance!

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• I chose international studies because I wanted to understand the world from an interdisciplinary perspective. It provides a strong foundation for those who are interested in working in various fields (Law, Business, Non-profit etc.) on an international level. I wanted my career in international law to be informed by a solid understanding of the economic, political and historical factors that shape the world as it is today.

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• My brother went to college in the Pacific Northwest. When we dropped him off it was my first time outside the East Coast. I was blown away by how beautiful it was, and I thought if there was ever going to be a time to live somewhere new, it was now. I also chose Seattle University because of its proximity to a Japanese American community I did not have at home in New Jersey, its study abroad program with Sophia, and the music program which let a non-music major participate alongside music majors.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career?

• The research and writing skills I learned starting from Introduction to International Studies through my Honors Capstone course have all been extremely useful in my law school career. Naturally, legal writing is a different beast, but the foundation for research and writing that the International Studies courses build has been invaluable. I have also found that studying Japanese and studying abroad in Japan has opened doors to cross-border transactional legal work for me that I might not have otherwise had.

Why your career is interesting? What do you like the most about it?

• Law school at Penn has challenged my intuitions in so many ways, and I love that it does. For example, my criminal law professor sometimes prefaces his questions by saying, “Before your mind was poisoned by law school….” The legal researching, writing, and more generally thinking process is completely different from anything I’ve ever done before, but it doesn’t mean that what I’ve done before isn’t useful. I’ve been able to adapt what I learned at Seattle University to my work in law school and that has helped me tremendously.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it?

• I had an internship with the Japan Society in New York, a non-profit that works to bring together Japanese and Americans through culture. There I learned how a non-profit operates and how to do professional research and writing on a team. 
• It helped me with my research and writing skills and gave me perspectives on what work is like in both the private and public sector thus helping inform my decision to do transactional work after I graduate from law school.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• The most rewarding aspect was being able to see my family in Japan for the first time in nearly eight years and to be able to speak to them and be understood. Since half of my family lives in Japan, I would only see them on the rare occasion that my dad needed to go to Japan, and I didn’t know a lick of Japanese any of the times he took me. Because I took intensive-level Japanese classes at Sophia University, I was able to connect with my family in a new way that helped support me through that year abroad and beyond. The most challenging aspect was that no matter how much Japanese I learned and no matter how much I practiced, I could never convey what I wanted to say 100%. The language barrier didn’t stop me from doing anything, but it made things more frustrating than they normally would be.

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

• I can say that having Uwajimaya Asian Market nearby was my favorite thing since I miss it the most. I was spoiled having such easy access to basic Japanese groceries, and now I have to Instacart everything from an H-Mart in West Philly.

With on-campus or off-campus jobs during your time at SU, how did these employment experiences prepare you for your current career?

• When you are looking for internships in your first year in Law school, employers are looking for research and writing experience. My work at Japan Society let me practice these skills as a part of a team. At NJSCA I researched and wrote alone. At Seattle University, I was able to do both these things as well in teams and alone. I think taking advantage of the Honors Capstone course in the International Studies program helped me hone my research and writing skills as well (I even referred back to my thesis for sources for a seminar paper I’m writing this semester).

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• I knew I wanted a career that reflected who I am, and that meant being able to work internationally between Japan and the US. I didn’t know that I wanted to go to law school until partway through my junior year, so until then I was headed towards diplomatic work. Either way, what I learned from my International Studies courses and my study abroad experience set me up to succeed in any international career I might have chosen.

What was your favorite course? Why?

• Both parts of the Honors Research Capstone were my favorite. I loved being able to shape the course to what I wanted to learn about, but I also really enjoyed hearing about what my classmates were passionate about. It reminded me that International Studies is such a flexible major and that you can shape it into whatever you want it to be.

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I knew I wanted to move away from my home city for school in order to learn to be more independent. I picked Seattle because I still wanted to be in a city, just one with better weather than Chicago. I picked Seattle U because of its location, and because of the variety of degrees it offered—it seemed to be a well-rounded school with a lot of opportunity for discovery and exploration. And I was proven right about that!

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• My INST degree instilled in me a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to constantly learn more; receiving that degree from Seattle U specifically inspired in me a desire to be of service to my community. I currently work as a bookseller at a non-profit independent bookstore in Chicago, as well as a freelance editor. These two jobs – bookselling and editing – both combine inquisitiveness, my love for reading and writing, and my love for helping people. Although I certainly did not predict my post-graduate life leading me to working in a bookstore that I grew up visiting myself, I feel that it was an almost natural progression, especially given my new-found interest in the non-profit world.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• My internship experience helped me to realize just how important it is for me to work in an environment that is community-oriented and compassionate. It also introduced me into the non-profit world, giving me an interest in further pursuing work in that sector.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• I studied abroad in Puebla, México. The most obvious challenge was learning to live in my second language in a new country, especially as a young person who was still figuring out how to live in their first language in their home country. I had to quickly harness a maturity and independence that would allow me to embrace being in such an unfamiliar situation. This challenge consequently became the most rewarding aspect, because once I found comfort in making mistakes and asking questions, I was able to fully lean into being curious and exploring. Academics aside, the personal growth I did during my study abroad experience was truly the basis for finding my voice and confidence when I got back home.

Why your job/career is interesting? What do you like the most about it?

• I love my job because I get to be of service to my community by connecting them with books! Through my coworkers and our customers, I am discovering genres of literature and discourse I had never been exposed to before. I am especially proud to work at this particular bookstore because it is the country’s first not-for-profit bookstore whose mission is bookselling. We prioritize the cultural value of bookstores rather than their financial relevance. We exist for, with, and because of our community, and it is an absolute pleasure to go into work every day knowing that!

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• Originally, I was an Environmental Science major, but I wanted to switch to a humanities degree. I chose International Studies because I wanted a major with a broad focus that would allow specialization based on my own interests, and I already knew I loved international politics and history. I also really liked that studying abroad and learning a language was a requirement for completing the degree! I felt that this major would push me to explore and expand my scope while allowing me to study and write about what I was interested in.

Who was your mentor on campus? How did they mentor you?

• All of the professors in the International Studies and Spanish departments were mentors to me at one time or another, but by far my biggest influence, ally, and inspiration has been (and continues to be) Dr. Serena Cosgrove. She gave me the blueprint on what kind of academic – and person –  I want to be: curious, dedicated, and empathetic. Dr. Cosgrove opened up so many opportunities for me, continually challenged me and my way of thinking, and always supported me as I figured out what path I wanted to pursue for myself. I owe so much of my personal and academic success to her, and I’m grateful to still have the chance to work with her on post-grad projects!

What was your favorite course? Why?

• I legitimately had so much fun in all of my major and minor courses because I genuinely enjoyed the material, the challenging assignments, my classmates, and my professors. But if I had to choose one, it would be Global Histories with Dr. Nova Robinson. That course really tied together all of the knowledge I had gained and all of the skills I had learned throughout my degree, and I came away from that class with some of my absolute best written work. Dr. Robinson taught with a dedication that encouraged improvement, and I came away from that class a notably better scholar, researcher, and writer. The material itself was robust and demanded the students to truly think globally, and keep a keen eye out for the hidden context that surrounds different histories.

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I knew that I wanted to go to college in Seattle. SU edged out UW with its small class sizes and student/faculty ratio. I wanted a more personal learning experience and the opportunity to build close ties with my professors and classmates. On my first tour during my junior year of high school, I was able to explore the campus and the neighborhood. I don’t know if it was the general feel of the campus itself, the vibe of Capitol Hill, or just the Seattle springtime atmosphere, but I was sold.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• As a financial analyst, I didn’t take the most conventional post-graduate route for INST students, but my educational background has definitely helped me in my career thus far. As part of my job, I need to be able to synthesize vast amounts of information from different sources into a cohesive picture. Being able to communicate effectively is a vital skill in any career, and the courses in the INST program gave me plenty of opportunities to hone that skill.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• My first internship was with the Office of Senator Maria Cantwell, working with her immigration casework staff. One of my core duties was liaising with visa applicants, their families, and embassy staff. This was a role in which my INST background was directly applicable. My second internship was at a real estate investment firm, where I still work to this day. I started out doing a lot of data entry and investor relations work. Over time, I shifted into a more analytical role and was hired as a full-time financial analyst upon my graduation from SU. While cap rates and equity multiples may not directly relate to my educational background, I tap into many of the skills I learned in my course work every day.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience.

• I was heavily involved in the SU Men’s Rugby Club. I had played sports my entire life and I knew that I needed some sort of physical and athletic outlet when I got to college. I had never played rugby before, but I knew a few people from my dorm who had joined the club and had positive experiences. I went out for my first practice expecting a good workout and to learn a new sport. What I found was a close-knit group of people who became a core part of my life for the next few years. I fell in love with the sport, and I even played in England during my study-abroad.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• My study abroad experience was perhaps the most exciting and rewarding time in my life. While, at times, it was challenging adapting to life in a megalopolis like London, I enjoyed every single day I spent there. Even though I was in the country for less than four months, I made some incredibly meaningful friendships that continue to this day.

What was your favorite place on campus? / What was your favorite thing to do on campus?

• The SU campus has so many great spots that it is hard to pick my favorite. I spent a lot of late nights studying in the Lemieux Library and many Spring afternoons on the Union Green. The Grounds Department does an incredible job with the campus landscaping.

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

• I moved to Seattle as an 18-year-old after having lived my entire life in my hometown. Seven years later, I still live in Seattle and have no plans to move any time soon. There isn’t one specific aspect that makes Seattle such a great city. It’s a combination of the unique neighborhood identities, the diverse communities, incredible food scene, and proximity to nature. In one day, you can ski or hike in the Cascades, hit up a farmer’s market, get dinner in the ID, and go out on Capitol Hill.

Who was your mentor on campus? How did they mentor you?

• I don’t think I could label any one professor as my mentor. Instead, I benefited from each of my professors’ unique perspectives and vast experiences. I have a long list of faculty to thank for my educational development and positive experiences SU including Dr. Taylor, Dr. Cosgrove, Dr. Andolina, Dr. Robinson, both Dr. Kidders, Dr. McLeod, and Dr. Murtinho. I think one of the great things about SU is the opportunities students have to build close relationships with their professors and classmates due to the small class sizes. 

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I chose to come to Seattle University because I had previously lived in the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Oregon) so I knew I would be somewhat familiar with the area. I knew some people who were current students at the school, and I really appreciated how small the class sizes were and the location of the school--being in the middle of a city.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• The International Studies degree first gave me the realistic vision and idea to apply for the Peace Corps. I was accepted and worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Indonesia. It has also helped me with being a top candidate for the job that I hold today. I am the Fiscal Supervisor for Rental Relief and Utilities Program for Hawaii--Catholic Charities Hawaii. It has helped in giving me a diverse background in my knowledge and has helped me bring a more open outlook to everything that I look at day to day.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• The best thing about the short internship I did while studying abroad was to be able to experience what it is like to work in the international world while using my International Studies background. I enjoyed my internship abroad it allowed me to work with people from different cultures, live in a different country than my own, and work with a sensitive sector (human trafficking in the Balkans). I learned quickly that you have to be flexible, willing to adapt, and dependable. In my current job, I have to hold confidential information and I have to work with people from different backgrounds/cultures/upbringings.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• The hardest part was finding the right program for me and my educational interests. There are so many different programs that sound and look amazing, and it did take me awhile to find the right one for me. I chose a program that was based in Tanzania, Africa and then a week and half into the program, I figured it out it was definitely not the right program for me and my interests! I was fortunate enough to be able to switch programs to a much better fit which landed me in Belgrade, Serbia learning about Peace and Conflict in the Balkans. My main goal going into studying abroad was studying somewhere I had never been before--Tanzania and Belgrade covered that requirement. The most rewarding part of being in Belgrade was being able to learn about history that happened quite recently. It deepened my understanding of human trafficking and more importantly allowed me to see the bigger picture on situations like that and how organizations can help victims of human trafficking build a life after experiencing something so horrific.

What was your favorite place on campus? / What was your favorite thing to do on campus?

• My favorite place on campus and probably the place where I ended up spending the most time was either the Pigott building or the student center (affectionately known as C Street). I loved those places because you would always run into people either going to class, a meeting, office hours, or coming back from one of those things. It was great to be able to see so many familiar faces and build professional relationships with professors as well which I think is due to the small size of Seattle University.

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

• I loved how everything was either within walking distance or a quick drive away! There are so many different people and communities you can immerse yourself in and that is something that can really help shape your university experience in a positive way. 

Why your job/career is interesting? What do you like the most about it?

• The job that I am currently in, I would have never imagined was even a job, and would not necessarily be a job if Covid-19 had not been as impactful as it is. In the past I have always tried to travel abroad to help communities or to try to do impactful work, but processing rent and utility payments to families and individuals in my local community has been incredible. Being able to see exactly where and who your hard work is going hits you a little bit differently.

 Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I chose to come to Seattle University in order to receive a more personable liberal arts education. The small campus and class sizes meant that I could develop meaningful relationships with both my fellow students and my professors. Since the campus was located in downtown Seattle, there were also plenty of opportunities to go explore, get involved in activities, and do fun things.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• The INST undergraduate degree helped me develop a more worldly perspective. Learning more about different cultures, societies, and international systems led me to appreciate the similarities and differences between people throughout the world. Understanding more about how these similarities and differences came to exist has helped highlight various systemic inequalities and injustices around the world. This perspective is immensely useful when analyzing perceived differences in treatment and outcomes in legal systems around the world.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• I was an intern with the City of Seattle Legislative Department during my undergraduate years. Part of my responsibilities was helping to manage the Legislative Department’s work-study internship program. What I liked most about it was that I got to work with and advocate on behalf of underrepresented students. It was also an absolute pleasure to watch as these students eventually went on into public service careers or graduate programs. Working with these students made me realize that I enjoyed advocating on behalf of others. This internship experience partially motivated me to apply and attend law school. In fact, during the end of my law school experience, I once again had the opportunity to advocate on behalf of students through my work with student legal services.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience.

• I was a member of the Shorinji Kempo martial arts club at Seattle University. It was a great physical and mental experience. Not only did I learn self-defense techniques, but I also developed lasting bonds with my fellow practitioners. I realized that my participation in this activity was an entryway into a much large community, since the martial arts experience extends beyond just the confines of the local club or organization.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• The most rewarding aspects of my study abroad experience was the opportunity to immerse and live in a different culture and society other than the one I grew up in. I appreciated the differences in mentalities, way of life, and social interactions. The experience really emphasized the idea that the human experience was not singular, but instead, is varied and multifaceted.
  The most challenging aspects of my study abroad experience was living in a different cultural and social setting than I was accustomed. Thankfully, sharing this experience with friends who were also studying abroad helped alleviate these concerns. Since we all were climbing an unfamiliar mountain together (both metaphorically and literally, as we did in fact summit a mountain (Mt. Fuji, in fact)), it was much easier to hold each other accountable and check in to make sure we were all doing okay.

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

• My favorite thing was probably all the food options! I love food, and being located so close to great food options both at Pike Place Market, the International District, or in the University District was definitely awesome. 

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• I was always interested in international relations. My family emigrated to the United States from Vietnam, and I would often hear stories about what life was like for them before they emigrated. This piqued my curiosity about other cultures and societies. My natural curiosity led me to learn and inquire all that I could about our world.

Who was your mentor on campus? How did they mentor you?

• I would not say that I had just one mentor. Since Seattle University’s class sizes were small, I had the chance to really develop relationships with multiple professors, such as Dr. Zhang and Professor Suenaga. They were both encouraging figures as I pursued my honors thesis, and pursued my plans to apply to law school. They both provided me with necessary feedback on my academic work, and they also gave me great advice on my career options post-grad.

What was your favorite course? Why?

• I think that the course that I can still remember most vividly to this day would have to be my East Asian Security course with Dr. Zhang. One of my longstanding dreams has been to become a diplomat. So, having the chance to act as a negotiator and diplomat of a country in a simulated negotiation regarding North Korean denuclearization was definitely one of the most unique and interesting experiences that I had at Seattle University!

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• Growing up in the heart of the NW Portland suburbs, I always loved visiting downtown Portland. When I started to contemplate where I might want to go to college, I saw it as my chance to live in a big city. After making a list of smaller universities in larger cities, my dad and I visited SU on a quintessential rainy fall day. Nearly immediately, SU felt like the right fit because it tucked into downtown seamlessly, but also had a close-knit and inviting environment.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• My International Studies degree taught me countless lessons, both academic and personal, but I think the one that has helped me most in my career is my understanding that everyone has a different lens through which they view and interact with the world. I owe this understanding to my peers, professors, curriculum, and time abroad because for four years I was constantly being introduced to new people, cultures, and histories. Keeping this in mind has helped me work better with diverse teams and to be a stronger communicator and problem solver.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• During my junior and senior year at SU, I interned at a local organization called Global Washington. Global Washington is unique because they strive to bring internationally working organizations that are headquartered in Washington together to amplify their impact. Global Washington was my first step into the nonprofit sector, which I still work in today. It also exposed me to member organization, Awamki. Following graduation from SU, I worked for Awamki in Ollantaytambo, Peru for six months.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience.

• Because SU is a Jesuit university, volunteering was encouraged and easily accessible. I volunteered at several locations, but enjoyed working at Casa Latina the most. Weekly, I helped teach a computer literacy course to individuals with English as their second language. Attendance was usually low, which selfishly I enjoyed because it meant I got to work closely with the same people each week. These one-on-one interactions made the experience really enjoyable and once again exposed me to new viewpoints and experiences.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• Making friends in another country. For my senior thesis, I conducted research in Nicaragua about the effects of outbound migration. I did my research with a few other students from SU and the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Managua. Working alongside the students at the UCA was significant to me because they gave me a unique insight into our research, provided important cultural context, and made the whole process of writing a daunting senior thesis a lot more enjoyable.

What was your favorite place on campus? / What was your favorite thing to do on campus?

• I’m sure I am not the first one to say this, but I loved the Union Green. Especially in the springtime! I loved laying in the grass and attempting to read as local dogs ran around. I now have my own dog, Fiona, and I would love to take her to the Union Green next time I visit!

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

• In order to keep myself healthy and centered, my activity of choice has always been running. I loved being able to run in any direction from campus and find water. The views on my runs were always beautiful, rain or shine.

Why your job/career is interesting? What do you like the most about it?

• Currently I work as a Bilingual Review Program Specialist at the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). My favorite part of my job is that I get to communicate with applicants from all over the world, including Latin America, which means I regularly use my Spanish.

With on-campus or off-campus jobs during your time at SU, how did these employment experiences prepare you for your current job?

• Because both my on-campus and off-campus jobs were in the realm of customer service, they prepared me to be a good listener and communicator.

Who was your mentor on campus? How did they mentor you?

• My senior year, Dr. Serena Cosgrove told me to “always be curious.” This mantra frequently comes to mind when I face new and unfamiliar challenges. I first employed this mantra during my time in Nicaragua with Dr. Cosgrove where I faced challenges my younger self had never encountered. Now today in my daily life, this phrase still pops regularly into my head and I believe it has allowed me to engage more intentionally with those around me. I have Professor Cosgrove to thank for planting this seed.

What was your favorite course? Why?

• East Meets West. At the time, this course was definitely not my favorite because it was one of the more challenging courses. However, I think it was a catalyst for me prioritizing the perspectives of historical figures who typically are not the ones emphasized in textbooks. It helped me to think, who’s perspective am I not considering when hearing a story?

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I came to Seattle University not only to play on the SeattleU volleyball team, but also because I was able to see that it holds high academic standards which were very important to me as a prospective student. Additionally, I had found a major that I was genuinely interested in, which combined my experience of being an international student and the interest to gain knowledge from different fields of social sciences.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career?

•  Considering that my whole academic career revolves around international studies/relations, I can safely say that my INST undergraduate degree prepared me for it all by strengthening my knowledge and skills in terms of focusing my interests, research, expanding my vocabulary, really everything that a young person needs to possess in order to have strong basis for future endeavors, professional or academic. Most classes within the INST program sharpened my research skills which are invaluable now that I’m a Ph.D. candidate at University of Ljubljana. I built skills to efficiently navigate the sea of online journals seeking relevant information as well as make the most of the materials in front of me to build my own research work. These are extremely useful skills in social sciences that, as far as my experience goes, not everyone has developed  and  this can sometimes be an obstacle to being a successful researcher. I often think of the research I did at Seattle University and how much it still impacts my work today.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• As an international student, studying at Seattle University was, in a way, a study abroad experience in itself. While at Seattle University, I have learned so many things. I quite appreciated the open-mindedness and understanding of my professors. The INST department has many professors who have lived or worked in other countries prior to coming to SeattleU. This offers a form of a shared experience with their students as well; an additional dimension of understanding of their foreign students’ possible struggles. The most challenging thing that I can recall would be the cultural adjustment, but I think I have grown to be a somewhat multicultural person because of that experience. I think every student leaving their home country experiences remarkable cultural and personal growth that they carry through life. 

What was your favorite place on campus?

• My favorite place on campus was the Bistro at the Student Center. For some reason, the Bistro become a place where I spent most of my time with teammates and other students. It just had that ‘hangout spot’ atmosphere that I enjoyed very much. And their NY cheesecake was amazing! My favorite thing to do on campus was fetching coffee before class in different locations on campus, from the Bistro to the Pigott Building or even Starbucks from time to time. Coffee holds a special place in my heart. I just loved our campus, especially in the autumn, when the trees around the Quad become those beautiful yellows, reds and greens that are just mesmerizing.

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

• The city itself, I think it breathes a special kind of energy. I do not think I can put it into words, but I had a special kind of attachment to Seattle, and I still do. Every season, every part of the city seemed almost magical to me. None of the other cities I have visited compared to that. Seattle is a beautiful city that will always be one of my favorite places in the world.

Why your job/career is interesting? What do you like the most about it?

• I would say my job at the EUTOPIA European University project is interesting because it gives me the opportunity to work directly with international partners across Europe and create long-lasting relationships with my colleagues. It also offers cross-cultural exchanges that expand my personal and professional understanding of societal, academic and national differences when it comes to various issues, from sustainability to student and on-campus cultures. It forces me to think outside of the box and think on my feet, constantly challenging my understanding of the world.

How did Seattle University form your vision for the future?

• Something that was positively surprising to me while at Seattle University was such strong emphasis on sustainability. I became and have remained much more aware of these issues and I do my best to transfer that to the people around me.  Sustainability is finally getting the attention it deserves among people everywhere. I think sustainability is the future that we need to strive for constantly and seek new ways of contributing to as much as possible.

What was your favorite course? Why?

• Some of my favorite courses were East Asian Security and Women and Gender in the Middle East. Not only were both courses taught by amazing professors, but I have gained most research and scientific writing skills in these classes. I was certainly pushed out of my comfort zone by having to research topics that I knew relatively little about prior to both classes and gained novel understanding of histories, experiences, politics and societies from different points of view. I still sometimes look at my old research papers from Seattle University when I need ‘a refresher course’ on the topics I had written about.

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• I chose Seattle University because its mission and vision of social justice, global engagement, and community service resonated with my values. I was equally impressed by the on-campus visit I took before making my final decision - the quiet and lush campus, its surrounding neighborhoods, and its proximity to downtown Seattle. I was also very appreciative of the generous scholarship I was offered to attend.

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school? 

• One of the benefits of earning an INST degree is its interdisciplinary approach and focus – I appreciated the possibility of earning INST credit by taking classes in other disciplines such as Political Science, History, Economics, Women & Gender Studies (just to name a few!). Ultimately, my training in Modern languages led me to the career path I’m currently pursuing in International Education and Affairs. I have served as an English Language Teaching Assistant in France (through TAPIF), in Colombia (with the Fulbright Program), and now remotely as a Tutor for an international startup, and as a Teacher Assistant for an education non-profit. 

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• I completed an INST internship for NPH USA, which is dedicated to serving abandoned and orphaned children in Latin American and the Caribbean by providing them with homes, healthcare and education. What I liked most about this internship was that I got direct insight into NPH’s work through a volunteer opportunity with Seattle U’s Professionals Without Borders team over winter break in 2014. 

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience. 

• During my freshman year, I volunteered as an After-School tutor with Seattle U’s Youth Initiative (SUYI), part of the Center for Service and Community Engagement. This experience, coupled with my interest in learning and teaching languages, is what ultimately inspired me to apply to two different teaching programs after graduating, with TAPIF and Fulbright. 

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)? 

• The most rewarding aspect of studying abroad in France and Senegal was honing my French language skills. Living with a host family and attending a French university forced me to use the language every day for six months. Adapting to life in an unfamiliar country and foreign culture were simultaneously the most challenging and rewarding aspects of this experience.  Another more challenging aspect of my study abroad experience was feeling as though I was missing out on a lot of critical events and moments back at home, especially on-campus. I was abroad when students, mostly who identified as queer, women of color, and friends were organizing on campus for a more inclusive education at SeattleU. 

Why is your job/career interesting? What do you like the most about it? 

• What I like most about my current job is that I get to work with and support students, professionals, and educators from around the world. As a private tutor, I assist working professionals and university students from around the world master their English communication and cultural adaptation skills as they pursue academic and professional opportunities in anglophone countries, or in other international settings.  My job is interesting because I am learning new ideas and skills every day, while getting to help others accomplish their academic and professional goals. 

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major? 

• I was having a difficult time making a final decision, especially given that I didn’t have an exact/defined career path in mind. Ultimately, I think the fact that INST is interdisciplinary in nature, requiring at least two years of studying a modern language and at least one semester abroad, is what excited me most and convinced me to declare it as my major. Additionally, I felt that this major could offer a foundation for a number of different career paths in my future. 

With on-campus or off-campus jobs during your time at SU, how did these employment experiences prepare you for your current job? 

• I had a number of part-time jobs on and off-campus during my four years at SeattleU. However, my on-campus job as a I also gained more insight into what challenges students/participants face, such as navigating applications, making pre-departure plans (interviews, VISA appointments), adapting to the host country/experiencing culture shock, and returning home (experiencing reverse culture shock). 

What was your favorite course? Why? 

• My favorite course was the INST course called “East Meets West,” taught by Dr. Nova Robinson. I not only found the lectures to be engaging and class discussions insightful, but I loved examining and engaging with primary texts and other historical documents. It was especially interesting to learn and read about a variety of writers and historical figures’ encounters with other people and places across time and in different corners of the world. Dr. Robinson helped me conceptualize and organize my understanding of global history, but she also challenged my notions and understanding of East versus West and other false dichotomies. 

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• Entering college, I was uncertain what exactly I wanted to study, but was really interested in Seattle University’s International Studies program.  I felt like Seattle University was truly living their mission of educating the whole person and empowering leaders for a just and humane world, and I wanted to be a part of that. 

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• My degree provided me with lots of creative options for discovery, awareness, and connections. It helped me understand complex issues from a variety of angles, but reinforced equity as centering the perspectives of those being most impacted. This past year especially, as the world got small due to quarantine and isolation, and social injustices came to the forefront, I was able to approach problems thoughtfully and holistically, and figure out ways to make connections in a constantly changing environment.
  One aspect of the INST program that has been especially helpful in my current job was our final thesis project, which gave me the skills and confidence to be a strong researcher, speak on different topics publicly, and answer questions thoughtfully in an engaging and compassionate way.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• I interned at the Frye Art Museum as a Gallery Guide and I loved being able to spend time with people facilitating discussions about the different art pieces and exhibitions. I was able to practice and strengthen my facilitation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills which I continue to use today. Being able facilitate discussions that result in deeper learning, understanding, and engagement on all sides is a huge aspect of my job as a Development Director.
  I also interned with Shelley Morrison Associates, a consulting and training firm specializing in intercultural and cross-cultural relations. I helped run and build trainings on topics ranging from ‘Millennials in the Workforce’ to ‘Engaging with the Muslim Community.’ This really strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills, which is crucial as I work with folks from diverse backgrounds and identities.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• Studying abroad allowed me to strengthen my Arabic and deepen my understanding of Jordanian culture and history. My time in Amman, Jordan, was an amazing experience. The rate at which my Arabic improved was incredibly rewarding, but the most rewarding part was the friendships I made with Jordanians and students within my program. I even went back to Jordan several years later with a friend I made in my program to work with organizations serving Syrian refugees.
  It was challenging to so openly and publicly struggle with my Arabic, but it was effective in helping me learn. That anxiety around not knowing, slowly figuring out, and then responding in broken Arabic was challenging to overcome. While I experienced some homesickness, we stayed busy with school, studying, sightseeing, and exploring. I am so grateful for the opportunity to study abroad, and for the level of support SU staff provided me throughout the process.

Why your job/career is interesting? What do you like the most about it?

• I get to share all the amazing things my organization is doing with our community, and through that build relationships and bring resources to my organization. It’s a great mix of independent research, collaborative projects, and relationship building. I get to contribute my skills, knowledge, and experiences into building a more just and equitable world, which is exciting and energizing.  

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• Entering college, I was torn between several different potential majors. As a Lebanese-American growing up in post 9/11 United States, I wanted a major that would lead to a job where I could support immigrants and refugees in the United States and work to dispel many of the negative stereotypes we face. After lots of research and discussions with the professors, I chose International Studies because I felt it would provide me with a broad base of knowledge and skills that were applicable to a wide range of professions in the private, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. Looking at the requirements, there were so many interesting classes being offered and I liked that study abroad was mandatory. I was able to choose classes that fit with my focus on the Middle East and even ended up adding an International Economic Development minor to complement my major.

Who was your mentor on campus? How did they mentor you?

• While every professor I had provided a certain level of mentorship, Professor Andolina and Professor Robinson were both incredibly supportive mentors throughout my time at Seattle University. Professor Andolina offered holistic support around the International Studies program as well as connecting me with opportunities to further deepen my knowledge. He was always there to help me, to push me, and to advocate for me. Professor Robinson was my go-to for all things Middle East – I think I took every class she offered! Even after I graduated, Professor Robinson was my Faculty Mentor as I worked to get my paper published in SUURJ. She provided support, feedback, and encouragement throughout my time on campus and after. I am very grateful for the time and care they invested in me.  

Why did you choose to come to Seattle University?

• Being from New Mexico where the sun is always shining, I was drawn to the Northwest for the weather (I now appreciate sunshine). I had never heard of the Jesuits before visiting Seattle University, but when I heard about their approach to education it checked all of my boxes in terms of intellectual, spiritual, and service opportunities. That the Jesuits were part of a larger international network of universities and organizations has also ended up being an important piece of why Seattle University was a good choice, which I knew might be useful when I applied but didn’t fully appreciate until I left Seattle U and saw what opportunities and collaborations that that network could provide.

How has your International Studies undergraduate degree helped you build your career?

• The interdisciplinary nature of International Studies was what I found most appealing. It was fun to be able to take courses from economics, Spanish literature/culture, history, and international development. Seattle also has so many organizations that do interesting work abroad and International Studies helped me to connect to those organizations. That interdisciplinary background has proved very helpful now that I am in graduate school. I chose to study anthropology in part because of its wide scope of inquiry, and you can do economic, cultural, historical, and political analysis in anthropology. Furthermore, when I was working abroad in Nicaragua, my International Studies background with a focus in Latin America gave me a great foundation for understanding and navigating the complexities of being a US citizen working in Nicaragua given the history between the two countries.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it?

• I participated in the International Development Internship Program during my senior year and interned with an NGO in India called the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. That experience has served me in subsequent work primarily because it gave me a healthy dose of humility when working in cross-cultural contexts. It was overwhelming to adjust to life in India and I struggled, but it taught me the importance of patience, reaching out to others to ask for help, and also about taking risks. My task was to assess the scalability of a seed distribution system they were implementing. I interviewed farmers, activists, and policy makers and wrote a report of findings. That applied research experience was fantastic and laid the groundwork for my studying anthropology in graduate school.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• I was fortunate to do multiple study abroad programs, and each offered something different. The research trips with Serena Cosgrove, Ben Curtis, Kristi Lee, and Claire Garoutte to Guatemala, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Nicaragua were probably the most influential on my life in terms of creating relationships with professors and classmates and seeing the power of field research and university partnerships with other universities, NGOs, and activist organizations.

  Studying in Chile made me appreciate that it’s not easy to operate every day in another language, no matter how many Spanish classes you have taken. But learning another language well has been a significant part of how I have gotten most of my jobs after college.

What was your favorite place on campus?

• I loved the Byte Café in the library. I had a lot of great conversations there and l miss being able to go to such a central location and run unto people. Also, the sixth-floor study room for when I had to get serious about doing work. 

What was your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

• Seattle has a lot going for it in a lot of ways. I went to so many concerts while I lived there, and Capitol Hill is the most fun place I have lived. But there were also so many opportunities to connect to social projects going on around Seattle and I really appreciated all that I learned from the people working on civil and human rights projects in Seattle and beyond.

How did Seattle University form your vision for the future?

• The most significant way was in seeing how powerful it can be for Jesuit schools to work with one another both nationally and internationally. Thinking in terms of networks, global collaboration, and commitment to an education that is focused on critical analysis combined with spiritual development is something I will always carry with me from Seattle University.

Who was your mentor on campus? How did they mentor you?

• Dr. Serena Cosgrove has been a great mentor both during my time at Seattle University and afterwards. We got to know each other through research trips abroad and it is thanks to her that I am studying anthropology in graduate school and that I was able to work in Nicaragua on fostering university partnerships between the Central American University (UCA) in Managua and Seattle U. She also invited me to be a research assistant and co-author on a book we recently published with Jose Idiaquez (Rector of the UCA) and Leonard Joseph Bent (a Garifuna sociologist) about the Garifuna, an Afro-Indigenous group on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua and their persistence in the face of challenges like climate change, authoritarian governments, economic changes, etc..

How has your INST undergraduate degree helped you build your career? Or what parts of the INST program have helped you the most in your current job/grad school?

• Toward the end of the program, some of my more interesting classes exploring East Asia and the field of Security Studies helped me ultimately in choosing my master’s program at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service.

If you did an internship as a student, what did you like the most about it? How did it help you in your current career?

• My internship overseas with the U.S. Department of State introduced me formally to the world of diplomacy and inspired my career trajectory toward international public service.

If you volunteered in a SU or Seattle organization, club, etc., tell us about your experience.

• Considering my career so far, I probably learned the most through my leadership roles in SU’s various multicultural student organizations. These experiences were formative for me, and I still apply lessons from those years in my everyday life. However, I still think there’s work that must be done to help translate student leadership into career-relevant skills.

What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your study abroad experience(s)?

• It was challenging to be completely independent during my semester in Argentina. There was a highly fulfilling aspect to learning the ins-and-outs of the city or exploring the street-level culture, but it was hard to function at the same level I was used to in Seattle without a support network.
• In my semester in the Philippines, the Casa Bayanihan program was designed to explore both the personal and professional connections between empathy, service, and vocation. Although it was more structured with a small cohort of students, that left less time to explore the Philippines on my own terms.

Why is your job/career interesting? What do you like the most about it?

• After leaving SU I spent five years working with a small start-up, where I traveled back and forth to the Philippines to run leadership development programs. I soon came to direct the program, and that’s how I accidentally became a social entrepreneur. Most interesting was the breadth of civil society organizations we partnered with, all occupying a small niche of Manila’s social sector yet pursuing a large and complex mission of social change. It was a non-traditional start to my career, but it helped point my way and gave me some unique insights into the field of foreign affairs.

With on-campus or off-campus jobs during your time at SU, how did these employment experiences prepare you for your current job?

• I sought out two jobs to help pay tuition throughout my program; fortunately, they also provided me with several ways to amplify my experience at SU. Working with the International Student Center, which represents students from 75 countries, I not only had the opportunity to learn other cultures in an informal context, but was introduced early on to a broader concept of diversity that is wholly different than many American understand it. My other job in hospitality services grounded me to a reality that often exists quite separate from the private college experience. Aside from learning skills I use to this day in the kitchen, behind the bar, and with customers, this job made me realize my love for being an operator, not just someone who sits behind a desk all week.

How did Seattle University form your vision for the future?

• SU furthered in me the desire for my career to be rooted in public service generally, and for me personally to practice the values I learned through a Jesuit education: care for the whole person, discernment and reflection, service for others, and learning from multiple perspectives.

How did you come to choose International Studies as your major?

• After my first quarter, I changed to International Studies because I had made space and time to pay attention to myself. Living on my own, my interests began to show: through which events I chose to attend, what sorts of people I made friends with, what aspects of my classes resonated the most. Coming from a liberal arts high school, it was difficult initially to picture my future career when I didn’t know what fields really existed, let alone which ones would interest me. Thankfully, I made it my goal early on to explore broadly, and to learn from every person I met.