by Emmy Frigo

Talking with Sarah Yocum (’21) about her experience as an IST major and a student athlete (in track and field), she explained how she incorporates both International Studies and her sport into her post-graduate plans. Advantage-wise, Sarah says that because student athletes receive special tutoring, she is better able to understand classes she struggled with, such as Comparative Government. She also notes that there aren’t many student athletes within International Studies, which she enjoys.

Sarah Yocum, Class of 2021

In terms of post-graduate, Sarah is looking at graduate programs, just like many other international studies graduates. The difference for Sarah, is she is able to look at different track teams to transfer to as well, so she plans on entering the transfer portal to find a team and be able to study at some well-thought of institutions for a much lower cost because of her athletic ability. Sarah wants to get masters in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence.

Sarah says that being a student athlete has primed her for her future career plans very well. Her goal is to work for a state organization as a field agent, and find that international studies and being a student athlete have created the perfect combination for her to be considered for this career.