Current Student Perspectives

Leslie Martinez : 

Leslie Martinez is a dynamic senior in International Relations and Global Studies (IRG) at the University of Texas at Austin, with a fervent passion for understanding the intricacies of global affairs. Her journey into IRG was fueled by a desire for comprehensive knowledge across various disciplines without being tethered to a single area of study. She has pursued a diverse academic track, encompassing International Security, Spanish, and European Studies, allowing her to explore a broad spectrum of subjects.

On campus, Leslie is an active member of several organizations, each reflecting her commitment to both academic enrichment and community service. She serves on the IRG Council, where she connects with peers navigating similar academic paths. Additionally, she is involved in Phi Delta Phi, a law school organization, where she not only fosters connections with fellow students but also engages in LSAT workshops and volunteers for various social and environmental causes.

One of Leslie's standout experiences lies in her involvement with Seals, a group dedicated to expanding American literacy. Through this organization, she volunteers at local ESL programs, assisting individuals in overcoming language barriers and fostering a sense of inclusion within the community.

Beyond her coursework, Leslie has delved into the Bridging Discipline Program (BDP), pursuing a certificate in Human Rights and Social Justice. Her engagement in this program extends beyond the classroom, as she completed an internship at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, focusing on human trafficking policies. Furthermore, her capstone project analyzing anti-trafficking frameworks in Italy, Australia, and Japan underscores her dedication to advocating for global change.

Leslie's interest in law stems from her early life experiences and academic pursuits. Her desire to pursue law school, particularly in the fields of Human Rights Law and Immigration Law, has been shaped by personal encounters and academic exploration. Drawing from her familial roots in Mexico and her involvement in human rights studies, Leslie is driven to make a meaningful impact in the legal sphere.

For fellow IRG students, Leslie offers invaluable advice, emphasizing the importance of connecting with professors, exploring diverse academic tracks, and engaging in extracurricular activities beyond the scope of career aspirations. Her own journey, marked by internships both domestically and abroad, as well as enriching study abroad experiences in Paris and Madrid, serves as a testament to the transformative power of global engagement and interdisciplinary learning.

In essence, Leslie Martinez embodies the spirit of a global citizen, driven by a fervent curiosity to understand and address complex international issues, while actively contributing to her community and fostering positive change on a global scale. 

Connor Sale

Connor Sale, a distinguished senior in International Relations and Global Studies (IRG) at the University of Texas at Austin, epitomizes the archetype of a versatile scholar deeply immersed in the complexities of global dynamics. His journey into IRG was guided by a desire for intellectual flexibility and exploration, allowing him to tailor his studies to his diverse interests. With majors in Government, Italian Studies, and European Studies alongside IRG, Connor has crafted a robust academic portfolio that reflects his insatiable curiosity.

On campus, Connor is deeply engaged in student leadership roles, serving as a Co-President of the UT IRG Council and the Social Media Director for Always Texas, a spirited service organization dedicated to community outreach. Through the IRG Council, Connor spearheads initiatives focused on academic enrichment, professional development, and social engagement, fostering a vibrant community for fellow IRG students to thrive.

Connor's academic pursuits extend beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his European Studies Capstone, where he delved into the intricacies of the Scottish independence movement's impact on UK politics. Collaborating with esteemed professors, Connor honed his research skills and discovered a newfound passion for exploring separatist movements, laying the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors.

In addition to his academic endeavors, Connor has embarked on impactful internships, including his role as a Social Media Intern at Education USA - Albania through the Virtual Student Federal Service program. His experience in promoting international education underscores his commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

A highlight of Connor's undergraduate experience was his participation in the Contemporary Global Challenges in Paris study abroad program, where he immersed himself in foundational IRG courses and international organizations. The experience not only broadened his academic horizons but also solidified his desire to pursue graduate studies in Paris.

As a Research Assistant at the Politics of Race and Ethnicity Lab, Connor contributed to a groundbreaking project exploring legislative developments in Southeast Asia. His recommendation for fellow IRG majors to actively seek research opportunities underscores his belief in the transformative power of academic inquiry and mentorship.

For aspiring IRG majors, Connor offers sage advice: embrace opportunities for engagement, seek out mentorship, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the IRG community. By immersing oneself in diverse experiences and forging meaningful connections, Connor believes that IRG students can chart a path to success and fulfillment in the ever-evolving global landscape.

Aruna Muthupillai

Year: Freshman
Major: International Relations & Global Studies, Plan II
Track: Science, Technology, and the Environment
Area Study: Asian Studies
Language: Chinese
Study Abroad: I don't have one lined up, but I'm thinking I could go to Beijing.

Interests: The intersection with climate policy, especially the bilateral relationship between the US and China that will impact how the global world addresses our climate future.

Extracurriculars: Central Texas Model United Nations, IRG Council, The Daily Texan, Inter-Collegiate US-China Journal

What are you most proud of?: The things that I did in high school that have helped me be academically and financially free here.

Advice: At UT, IRG is unique in that you get a lot of freedom with the major, because you can easily double major. You don’t have to focus on just one thing. And the major helps you better understand the world around you.

To find more or contact, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruna-muthupillai-947960117/

Year: Senior
Major: International Relations & Global Studies
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Track: Culture, Media, & the Arts
Area Study: Middle Eastern Studies
Language: Arabic
Study Abroad: CIEE, Amman, Jordan (Fall 2022)

Interests: How Islam ties into the culture, customs, and the evolution of it as a religion and studying abroad.

Extracurriculars: Real Estate Center, Epsilon Nu Tau (Entrepreneurship Fraternity), Heman Sweatt Center for Black Males, Forty Acres Founders, The Launchpad Capstone: Studying abroad, but particularly black men and their experiences abroad, where they study why they choose to study there. The project explored how they are perceived by the people in that country when they study and what this experience has on like, how they come back, and how they're changed how they're different, or what they take away from this experience.

Capstone Advice: Make the research about you. Don't shy away from writing things that are personal to you, or that you already know about. And I also say have an open mind to what you might find in the data. “I personally would not recommend anyone take the Capstone before they study abroad.

What are you most proud of?: Founding a fraternity, that was a huge achievement for me. And along the way, I got to meet so many other entrepreneurs and people who like to think like me.

Advice: Don't give up keep trying and believe. Entrepreneurship is way more about what you can build and it's so much more of a personal journey and personal growth.

Campus Relaxation/Study Recommendations: Inlet next to Architecture building- it has palm trees, it has chairs, and it’s always very quiet. Life Sciences Library. 5th and 6th floor of the Norman Hackerman Building. The MindBody Labs.

To find more or contact, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkirshon/

Year: Junior
Major: International Relations & Global Studies (formerly Journalism)
Track: International Security
Area Study: Middle Eastern Studies
Language: Arabic
Study Abroad: School for International Training, Amman, Jordan - Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East (Fall 2023)

Interests: International development project implementation and programming to make the actual missions of organizations happen and come to life. Policy proposal I wrote for BrumleyNextGen Scholars.

Extracurriculars: Central Texas Model United Nations, International Affairs Society, Women in Foreign Affairs, Brumley Next Generation Scholars

What are you most proud of?: An article that I wrote with in my internship in Malala Fund, “How young woman are making sure Uyghur genocide ‘will not be forgotten’.” I was able to interview these three young woman, these three amazing, powerful young women who are who were speaking out and who were speaking out on their own way on the issue of the Uyghur genocide that's happening in China.

Advice: Every single skill is transferable. And even if it doesn't seem like you're on the right path, you're always always on the right path. Just keep going.

Campus Recommendations: Jackson Geosciences Building, RLP porch, outside Texas Alumni center.

Quotes:

“One thing I love about my major is how it's how we can take classes from a variety of other departments at UT.”

“It like makes it feel as if we're not closed to just one school, and one school of thinking, one school of thought, and instead being exposed to a variety of different things.”