One of the things I knew going into college was that I wanted to double major. Initially the plan was German. Then UT got rid of their German major and then their minor. But I was adamant that I was going to study more than just musical theatre while at college because I believe it is important for artists to be well-rounded, informed, and educated outside of our own artistic discipline. So on a whim I decided that my second major was going to be International Studies with a concentration in political economy (purely because it was the only concentration with Europe-related coursework which was where my primary interest was/is).
The courses I have taken over the past three years with the political science program were nothing short of wonderful. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, opened up my eyes to so many different areas of the world, and provided me with so many fantastic opportunities like the Mark Orr Fellowship with the TBCFR. People often looked at me like I had five heads when I explained I was double majoring. But I was passionate about what I could bring to the table from both of my majors and was constantly finding ways to combine my interests. I even presented my undergraduate senior thesis on the relationship between music and power of countries (and learned SO MUCH in the process).
Being named the 2023 Outstanding International Studies Graduate is a true honor and I am so thankful to the faculty for trusting this honor to their crazy double major with a love for all things music and language related. If you ever feel like something is the right thing for you to do, like deep down in your core: go for it. Don’t let the naysayers get in your way, because with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
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