Tarryn Harris
International Studies, Political Science, and Spanish majors 
Nashville, Tennessee

What are you doing post-graduation?
Upon receiving acceptance to the Master of Public Service Program with Clinton School at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, I decided to defer and take a gap year. During my gap year, I plan on completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. 

How did Butler support you in pursuing graduate school ?
One of my Political Science professors, Dr. Terri Jett, was the one who encouraged me to apply to the Clinton School this past fall. Dr. Jett and other professors across the departments of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences helped me review and refine my application materials. It was their encouragement that pushed me toward this achievement. 

How did Butler prepare you for this next chapter in your life?
The professors across all of my majors have been instrumental in preparing me to pursue a graduate degree. I have been consistently challenged by individuals in the Political Science, International Studies, and Modern Languages departments. My professors have fostered my curiosity and a genuine desire to learn more about how aspects of each of my majors influence everyday life, which has contributed to my decision to pursue another degree. More generally, my time at Butler has made me a more resilient person, eager to experience as much as I can of what the world has to offer. My time here has taught me that I am only limited by imagination in terms of possibilities post-graduation. This understanding has allowed me to consider making dreams like hiking the Appalachian Trail a reality. 

What are your long-term career goals?
I hope to utilize my time in graduate school to further a research project that I have been conceptualizing about the connections between food sovereignty and political participation. My ultimate goal is to conduct a cross-cultural analysis of food sovereignty movements in Latin America and the United States. Upon the completion of this research, I hope to work closely with marginalized communities who are engaged in food sovereignty work as a public policy advocate and grassroots organizer. 

What are you going to miss most about your time at Butler?
There’s something to be said about springtime at Butler. So, I think what I will miss the most are those randomly gorgeous days when everyone is on the mall enjoying the sun. 

What advice would you give a first-year student as you reflect on your time at Butler? 
Utilize all of the resources available to you. If there is a service you’re curious about, go seek it out. There are so many offices and organizations on campus that can help you with just about anything. The most successful people I’ve seen come out of Butler are the ones that milk those services for all they’re worth. And make sure to explore the city!