Hailey Altena ’17
Q: “I knew I was a Tar Heel when…”
“When I walked onto campus for the first time and felt the vibrancy of the UNC community. I knew UNC students had an excitement for learning and I wanted to be part of it.”
Q: Where did you study as an undergraduate? What was your major (s)?
“Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. Majored in History; minors in Film & Media Studies and Sociology.”
Q: Why did you choose UNC CSEEES?
“I wanted the academic rigor of a UNC Graduate program and I appreciated the REEES concentration as part of the Global Studies program. I wanted to study Russia and Eastern Europe from a broader, more global perspective. I knew at UNC I could have the specilization of the CSEEES program as well as the resources of a broader global studies department.”
Q: Why did you choose to study this region of the globe?
“Through two semesters of work and study in Eastern Europe I gained an affection for Eastern Europe, peoples of the region, Communist histories, and complicated politics. Consequently, I feel drawn to study and further explore Eastern Europe through the CSEEES program at UNC. I know that a Masters program of this nature will prepare me for a wide variety of careers relating to Eastern Europe.”
Q: Do you have work and/or study experience in the region?
“I studied abroad in Budapest and interned at U.S. Embassy in Bucharest.”
Q: What are your research interests?
“Rule of law conflicts and human rights issues within post-Soviet states; American-Eastern European diplomatic relations; and minority (primarily Roma) rights issues.”
Q: What is your dream job?
“CIA Analyst or Political Officer for embassies in Hungary, Poland, and Israel/Palestine”
Q: What are your hobbies? What do you like doing in your free time?
“Brewing good coffee, rollerblading, cooking, exploring bookstores, Sunday naps, and traveling with friends.”
Photo by Carolyn Coons