Tatiana White

Tatiana (she/her) is a senior majoring in International Relations with minors in Economics and Modern Languages (Spanish & Portuguese). Her specializations are in Comparative International Governance and Social Development & Human Well-Being. She spoke with us about what sparked her interest in IR, her favorite classes, and why she enjoys being an IR major!

What sparked your interest in IR?

I was drawn to IR because of its interdisciplinary nature and wide range of class topics. I felt it had the perfect mix of political science, history, and economics courses to choose from, which covered many of my academic interests. I am very interested in the ways my areas of study particularly intersect with Latin America and human rights.

Due to the nature of the major, I was also able to study abroad in Madrid during the spring of my junior year. This was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to travel out of the country for the first time, meet new people, experience a different culture than my own, and practice my Spanish! I have really enjoyed studying within the IR department and would encourage others who are interested in international relations and/or foreign policy to seriously consider looking into the IR major.

What are some of your favorite IR classes?

Some of my favorite classes I have taken are History 173: Mexican Migration to the United States and HISTORY 105C: Human Trafficking: Historical, Legal, and Medical Perspectives. I am also currently taking HUMRTS 108: Advanced Spanish Service-Learning: Migration, Asylum, and Human Rights at the Border which is quickly becoming one of my favorite classes.