My education has allowed me to gain experience in numerous ways. I have developed intensive research skills through projects, learned how to study new cultures intensively, furthered my oral and written briefing abilities, and worked on large client-based group projects.
Furthering my skills
In 2016, I graduated from the University of Mississippi Honors College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Mandarin Chinese. These majors complimented my minor, Intelligence and Security Studies, which was part of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Centers for Academic Excellence. After graduation, I decided that I wanted to continue furthering my expertise of China and my analytical skills. As a result, I began pursuing a Master's degree in International Affairs from the Bush School for Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University (gig 'em!).
Augmenting my education with international experiences
The path to my current research interests started during my senior year of high school when I discovered a passion for foreign languages and understanding different cultures. As a result, I began studying intensive Chinese my freshman year of undergrad in 2012. I augmented my education by studying in Qingdao, China for three months in 2013 and Taipei, Taiwan for six months in 2015. As a result of my language studies, I tested Advanced High on a Mandarin Chinese oral proficiency interview.
Picture taken at the Bush School during a rare snowfall in January 2018
Picture taken in Alishan, Taiwan
Collaborating with others
Thanks to my college study abroad experiences, I gained extensive regional knowledge, which I was able to put to use after I was selected to present on Chinese security issues at two international intelligence 5 Eyes conferences in 2014. These conferences bring intelligence officials together from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia to discuss the future of intelligence affairs. This conference further enhanced my education due to its focus on national security threats and how to address these in the future, whether it be by teaching or identifying them. In addition, this experience also allowed me to obtain experience in collaborating with others through brainstorming and preparing an intelligence product.
Enhancing skills
As a result of research projects and courses, I realized that my learning is not restricted to the classroom and will be something that I continue to develop throughout my life. I learned how to effectively research and analyze domestic and international trends. In addition, I obtained experience in threat assessment through numerous intelligence analysis courses, national security courses, and also a nuclear threat assessment course. As a result, I enhanced analytical skills, both oral and written, and developed an interest in working in a leadership position while conducting analysis in environments outside of the classroom.