Hillary Carr '02

While a student at Oberlin, I discovered a zest for politics and deepened my appreciation for Spanish cultural traditions and values. Through the course of my studies and encouragement of my professors, I developed a forward-looking perspective that taught me the importance of self-reliance and original thinking. My experiences at Oberlin not only allowed me to examine, first hand, the intricacies of the U.S. political system, but rekindle my passion for Spain while studying abroad in Cordoba.

Like many a Obies before me, I soon found myself disillusioned with the ‘outside world’ upon graduation. So after a year in Washington, I decided to pack my backs and head back to Spain, albeit as a graduation student at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. My new surroundings not only enabled me to gain vast insight into the dynamics that guide EU political and social policies, but explore academic viewpoints beyond the traditional parameters of American politics.

During the course of my studies, I was also able to focus my political energies by independently examining the complexities of contemporary Spanish politics. My keen interest regarding the role of Spanish political behavior led me to study the 1996 and 2000 general election results with the goal of furthering my overall understanding of the Spanish political process. Upon completing my Masters degree, I decided to yet once again extend my academic career, and begin a PhD in Political Behavior (focusing on Contemporary Spanish Politics) at the University of Essex in the Fall of 2005. I still have a long road ahead of me; however, during this past year I have been afforded may opportunities to further my appreciation and understanding of Hispanic Studies. In addition to my frequent trips to Spain, I’ve utilized Essex’s extensive network and expertise in Latin America to travel to Mexico this past summer, and hope to return in the coming year.