An International Focus
Rowan Humphries ’19
Rowan Humphries ’19 makes the most of every opportunity. Last summer, she interned with a D.C. think tank, an opportunity that led her to a current position as a virtual intern for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of National Security and Nonproliferation. She’s also a student project leader for the Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues—a role that brings her into close contact with scholars, activists and others at the height of their careers. And this semester, she and first-year students Cammie Charron and Carmen Canino are launching a social-justice campaign, "A House United...Rebuilding Respect," as part of a class on social movements. Through it, they're working to restore civility in politics, first on campus and then in the wider community.
Hometown:
Rochester, N.Y.
Majors:
International studies and political science.
Clubs and organizations:
The Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues and Political Science Majors Committee.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Marco Biagi Award for Study Abroad in Bologna, Italy.
On choosing a major:
When I first came to Dickinson, I didn’t think I’d ever want to study abroad. I wanted to be a political science major and go into politics. Then I took Intro to International Relations with [Associate] Professor [of Political Science and International Studies Kristine] Mitchell, and everything changed. I love Dickinson’s international focus: it opened my eyes to a lot of opportunities I might have missed out on if I had gone to school somewhere else.
Proudest accomplishment:
Running the Florence marathon while studying abroad in Bologna, Italy.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Taco night tacos!
Favorite class/learning experience:
Working at the Clarke Forum has been a defining experience for me. I’ve gotten to meet some fascinating people over the years, from world-renowned ballroom dancers to refugees with incredibly powerful stories. I’ve learned so much from the scholars, activists and experts we bring to campus, who share their unique experiences with us.
On studying abroad:
I studied abroad for a year in Bologna, Italy. The highlight of my experience was getting the opportunity to eat pizza every day. Also, seeing the United Nations in person when I visited Geneva, Switzerland.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …
I’d like to grab drinks with Henry Kissinger.
About my internship:
This past summer I interned at the Arms Control Association, a think tank dedicated to the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. While I knew I was interested in conflict management, I felt a new sense of purpose working in the arms-control field. Now I am a virtual intern for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of National Security and Nonproliferation. It is very exciting and helpful to have the chance to experience the arms control field from both a private sector and public sector perspective.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
The most important thing Dickinson has taught me is to never underestimate myself. Working at the Clarke Forum and studying abroad for a year, I have become more confident in who I am and what I am capable of.
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Published December 6, 2018