Travis Stalcup (WCAS05)
in
Travis Stalcup (WCAS05) chose to attend Northwestern University because it didn’t force him to choose between political science and music; instead he was able to pursue both interests in a five-year program and graduate in 2005 with bachelor’s degrees in both political science and vocal performance.
In some ways, Stalcup says, his college years were a struggle between his two commitments, but looking back he says he can not imagine himself at any other University. “Northwestern is an excellent institution and it affords students a great academic experience.”
Among the most important experiences for Stalcup was an International Relations class taught by Professor Ian Hurd which opened up a whole new area of interest, and sparked his growing desire to learn more about other cultures.
Stalcup was intrigued with the option to study abroad and spent time in Berlin which he says was a life changing experience. “I think a lot of college is about learning who you are and developing your own identity,” Stalcup says. “It’s learning about integrity and broadening your horizons.”
Part of that experience for Stalcup was being surrounded by peers who were smart and serious about academic success. “My friends constantly challenged me to do better,” he says. Like many alumni, Stalcup stays in touch with his Northwestern friends through Facebook and hopes to stay connected with the Alumni network from his home in Austin, Texas.
A Regional College Manager for IES Abroad (an established study abroad program for college students), Stalcup’s career now allows him to leverage his own interest in the world beyond our nation’s borders. His own study abroad “developed the way I think other cultures are best understood, and a better understanding of how to be respectful to others.”
“I tell students I work with that they have to be comfortable with ambiguity, you can’t control everything,” Stalcup says—a good lesson for travel as well as daily life.
Read more alumni and student spotlights.
Posted: March 25, 2009
