Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Major: International Studies and Economics
Academic interests: International economic development, social justice movements, nonprofit work
Extracurricular activities: Rhodes Ambassadors, PA Leader, Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society, DEI Philanthropy Chair, No Boys Allowed Mentoring Program, Modus Vivendi Editor-in-Chief, Kappa Delta
Tell the story of how you got to Rhodes College.
When applying to college I wanted an environment that focused on academics and also allowed me to explore all of my interests. Specifically, I came to Rhodes because I could play on the women’s golf team, participate in orchestra, and find my new academic passion.
How have you changed since beginning your studies at Rhodes College?
Since attending Rhodes, I have refocused my time and energy to community development and engagement in Memphis. During my freshman year, I obtained a job as a Community Development Fellow under the guidance of Dorothy Cox. My primary task was to connect Rhodes to the Midtown-North community; thus, over the years, I attended community meetings, assisted in the creation of mentoring and afterschool programs, and planned community festivals. I also was a mentor for No Boys Allowed, Just Girls (NBAJG), which focuses on girl empowerment and tackles everyday issues. Overall, I was able to discover a new passion, which I pursued while studying abroad last summer in the Dominican Republic. With the Mertie W. Buckman Internship, I was able to teach English to Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic with a nonprofit, Project Esperanza. Also, in the neighborhood I lived in, I worked on environmental sustainability projects that would be used by community members. My summer experience allowed me to connect my academics to the world outside of the classroom while also broadening my experience with development.
You interned at Mayor AC Wharton’s office. Tell us a bit about your experience.
At the Mayor’s office my advisor was the Communications Officer, so I primarily focused on collecting information, compiling a social media policy, and working on the Memphis Communications Manual. My most interesting project was working on the manual, which is a compilation of all the public services and contacts of the city of Memphis. It was fairly difficult to track down a number of employees or find updated contact information, but with the help of my advisor I was able to make progress, and the manual will be available for all Memphians to use. It feels great to actually create something that is useful and that helps connect citizens to the government. Overall my internship was enjoyable and I will continue to use the skills I learned at the internship in my future endeavors.
What drew you to have a double major in economics and international studies?
After my freshman year I was still unsure what I wanted to major in, but after my first international studies course, I was sold. I enjoy learning about current and past events, applying IS theories, and analyzing solutions and outcomes to conflict. I also had a strong interest in economics, which has allowed me to make more holistic—that is, both qualitative and quantitative—analyses, both inside and outside the classroom. Ultimately, with the combination of international studies and economics, I realized my passion for international economic development, which I plan to incorporate into my graduate studies.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation I will be backpacking with a friend during the summer and learning about environmental sustainability in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. After that I will be teaching English in Madrid, Spain, for the academic school year. Ultimately, I plan to pursue an MA in international affairs, and a JD in international law.
Compiled by Ellie Skochdopole ′15