Program Assistant Introduction: Poojitha Tanjore '25!

Poojitha (Pooja) Tanjore is a Masters of International Affairs second year and a Donald M. Payne Fellow. She is an International Security Policy and International Conflict Resolution student who focuses on political psychology and human trafficking prevention. She is an incoming Crisis, Stabilization, and Governance Officer with USAID and has previously lived in Germany, Scotland, and Nigeria. She is a Virginia native and has a joint B.A International Relations degree from William & Mary and the University of St. Andrews. Growing up, Pooja was heavily involved in Virginia grassroots politics and increasing women’s political participation through civic engagement training. She continued to be a global advocate against child marriage, and seeks to dedicate her life to this cause. She is also the author of “Rules of the Red Book” as published by New Degree Press. In her free time, she enjoys powerlifting, tennis, dinners outside, spa days, and fashion. 

What advice do you have for current applicants?

Everyone will tell you to write a story. This does not mean the entire story of your life. This means tell very specific stories for each prompt, and tie those stories into what you want to do at SIPA. You should also tie this into what you want to do in life, even if that is many different things within many different fields. Do not be afraid to use dialogue, metaphors, and other creative writing techniques to make your anecdotes captivating. Pinpoint specific moments in your life that are able to represent your answer to the prompt. 

What were you doing before you came to SIPA?

I was an undergraduate student at William & Mary and the University of St. Andrews! This is very unusual for SIPA as most of our students are around 28 or older. SIPA values career experience and exploration which tends to feel intimidating for our younger applicants. I would suggest applying if you feel ready to become a subject matter expert in what you study, and are willing to set aside fear to contribute to your classrooms. It is okay to be scared- do it anyway! If you are asked to be here, then you deserve to be here. 

Can you comment specifically on some exciting things about your concentration?

I love International Security Policy (ISP). I find myself hyper fixating on the field in every aspect of my life, constantly wondering how all the pieces of theory and practice fit together to create our systems. Additionally, my interest in political psychology- which has persisted since I started my undergraduate degree- is allowed to shine. I ask millions of questions regarding the field, and even find myself reading about security policy for leisure. Sometimes, I feel like a kid in a candy store at school! 

I specifically value the number of veterans who have served across the world and provide their expertise in classes. I respect their work, and love learning about their technical areas of expertise. The faculty at SIPA in ISP are unbeatable. They are some of the best in the world at what they do, and it is not lost upon me what an honor it is to learn from them. Lastly, I love that ISP pushes me out of my comfort zone. I love development and human rights. I have always found myself in those spaces. Security was one of my worst subjects in undergrad, and yet I love it. When you are imperfect at something, and still love it- that’s when you know you’ve found a calling. 

What are your goals for the second year?

I worked so many hours through my job and through classes last year. I loved the stimulation that came from working hard, but this year is all about cherishing every moment. My goals are to dedicate more time to my wonderful peers, speak more with my professors, and thank the universe (and SIPA!) for bringing me to New York City. I am taking the lowest number of credits I ever have. Although I am clawing to take more classes, I know that focusing on creating space for new things is the best choice for me right now! 

What experiences do you think prepared you to apply to/attend SIPA?

Despite coming to SIPA straight after undergrad, I believe my seeking out intercultural exchange experiences prepared me to attend SIPA. By constantly testing my intercultural competences, I was able to grow into a more resilient and adaptable student. I was a Junior Ambassador with the US Government, had lived in Scotland, and became a published author. Through being able to articulate how these experiences fit into my goals of expanding American diplomatic relations, I felt equipped to be a contributing member of my SIPA class.