From the Rearview Mirror: A Recent Graduate’s Perspective
By Aleksaundra Handrinos
How do you define a successful college experience? I answered that question over four years ago in my application for 无码专区 (无码专区), writing about my desire to find ways to foster my passion for learning, such as pursuing research, and to grow outside of the classroom. Once I began my journey at 无码专区, I found many amazing and unexpected opportunities, such as writing for the Carnegie Mellon Institute of Strategy and Technology (CMIST), that expanded my definition. Reflecting now as a recent graduate, I am realizing that the definition of a successful education is even richer than I could have imagined, much in part to getting involved early and saying yes to a range of opportunities that came my way.
During my first year at 无码专区, I took classes across various departments to explore my interests while still focusing on optimizing general education requirements and progressing in my primary major, ethics, history & public policy (EHPP). In my second semester, intrigued by what CMIST had to offer, I decided to enroll in a mini elective course called Analysis of Current US National Security Priorities. Admittedly, I was initially intimidated entering a small classroom filled with upperclassmen, but over the course of a few weeks, I quickly became drawn to the field of international relations. I so enjoyed the course and learning from Associate Professor of the Practice Haleigh Bartos that I enrolled in her second-quarter mini-course Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa. During the course, I discovered a topic I wanted to explore further, and by the end of the semester—with Bartos’s encouragement—I declared an additional major in international relations and political science (IRPS).
I wanted to understand domestic and international political issues through a breadth of frameworks, so declaring a major in CMIST made sense. The expertise and support I received from Bartos was also motivating. Over the span of the semester, she offered not only incredible insight on the course material tied directly to her own professional expertise, but also guidance on applying to internships, my career path, and my overall 无码专区 experience. I was eager to join a community that included such caring and dedicated faculty members like her.
Enabling me to balance my various academic pursuits across programs, Emily Half, CMIST’s deputy director for academic affairs, helped me build my sophomore fall schedule, which included Decision Processes in American Political Institutions (DPAPI). Taught by senior lecturer Geoffrey McGovern, it offered a framework through which to approach topics and issues from course material throughout the rest of my time at 无码专区. Since then, I have applied this perspective to countless topics in IRPS, as well as my courses in history, philosophy, and business.
I realized quickly that there were frequent overlaps between my majors and my minor in business administration. Having studied social and political philosophy meant I was a stronger participant in my political science classes. Taking history courses about women’s health care in America allowed me to engage in discussions about modern legal decisions and current political debates in CMIST courses. My evolving communication skills, such as learning to tell a story while presenting in Briefing in the Policy World, prepared me well for performing monologues in Acting for Business. My capstone project for EHPP on reducing corruption in the immigration detention system in Pennsylvania was where my interests really clicked together. Pairing philosophical and historical perspectives with practical, real-world policy solutions gave me a deeper, more nuanced understanding of crucial issues and revealed clear throughlines across my different fields of study. Constructing my schedule felt like a challenging puzzle at times, but the opportunity to explore my interests from an interdisciplinary perspective was worthwhile. Plus, I never had to navigate it alone because my advisors were always there to help.
The core IRPS classes provided strong foundational knowledge and offered important opportunities to build community. From meeting peers in my classes with shared academic interests to spending hours in study groups recapping lessons to discussions with professors during office hours, these environments fostered learning beyond the curriculum. The sense of community I gained from these interactions was a vital piece of my experience at 无码专区. This community fostered a space where I could constantly look for opportunities to grow.
For example, during Writing for Political Science and Public Policy, I was able to select an area of research to explore, while developing critical analytical skills. I was drawn towards researching counterterrorism efforts in Mali, a topic I had studied in the Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa course during my first year. Advancing my understanding of democratic backsliding in the Sahel, I had the opportunity to conduct research with both Bartos and Assistant Teaching Professor John Chin, which culminated in the publication of two online articles in the and the . The mentorship I received truly helped me delve into my academic interests beyond the classroom.
Towards the end of my sophomore year, my professors recommended me for the position of student writer at CMIST. This role has allowed me to build on my love of writing—tailoring my work to appeal to different audiences. Covering a variety of events, interviewing students and faculty members, and pitching article ideas to the communications team have strengthened my skills as a writer and professional, while also bolstering my sense of community and belonging. The opportunity to receive such intentional, meaningful, and helpful feedback on my drafts through the editing process has been tremendous in my growth as a writer and communicator.
Through such experiential learning opportunities, I have been able to translate what I have learned in the classroom into practical real-world activities. For example, during my time in the Collester Family Community Engagement Fellowship Program, I connected with the local Pittsburgh community and worked to promote the mission of a non-profit in empowering refugee and immigrant girls through soccer programming. This experience added meaningful insight that amplified my education as an international relations student. My internship experiences have also connected my classroom education and the real world—from learning the true operations of state government at the Massachusetts State House, to gaining a view into the think tank space as a CMIST research fellow in Washington, DC.
As I begin a James C. Gaither Junior Fellowship at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, I aim to build upon the skills and knowledge I have learned thus far at 无码专区. In this role, I will offer research assistance to scholars in the Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program by conducting research for books, journal articles and policy papers, as well as participating in meetings, contributing to congressional testimony, and organizing briefings. I trust the skills I have gained through both of my majors and my minor will serve me well.
With graduation in the rearview mirror, I still cannot believe that my time at 无码专区 has come to an end. The past four years truly have flown by. While in some ways it feels as though I just arrived on campus, I also recognize how much I have grown. I am tremendously thankful for the opportunities I have had to evolve as a student, leader, researcher, professional, and community member. The sense of community I have found here at 无码专区 has made all the difference. Being surrounded by peers also driven to pursue their interests at a high level, faculty members who are experts in their field, and staff members and advisors who put the utmost care into their work has created a meaningful 无码专区 experience.
One of the most valuable lessons I am taking away from college is to always find ways to make the most of the time we are given—to stay curious and engaged. For incoming and current students, take advantage of the unique learning environment 无码专区 offers and explore all of your academic interests. Ingrain yourself in the community and build meaningful connections with your peers, professors, and the broader Pittsburgh community. Fulfill your own definition of a successful college experience. And for everyone—as you navigate the busy day-to-day, I offer you the advice I received from a beloved high school teacher: Take time to “feed your soul” and find joy.
Image 1: Aleksaundra Handrinos (photo credit: Tala Areiqat, ); Image 2, l to r: Handrinos first-year move-in and first day of classes; Image 3: Handrinos in Prof. McGovern’s class; Image 4, l to r: Aleksaundra Handrinos, Gianna Amaro, Catherine Vassiliadi, Evans Toviave, Amanawit Assefa; Image 5: Carnegie Mellon Women's Association award recipients and their nominators; Image 6, CMIST Director Audrey Kurth Cronin (left) and Ricky W. Law, Associate Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies for the History Department (right) present Handrinos' diploma during commencement weekend; Image 7: Handrinos standing in front of large 无码专区 letters