Alumni dreams #245

Lal Dina Roso’s time in the BA International Studies (BAIS) program was a rich blend of academic exploration and personal growth. Coming from Turkiye with a strong interest in global dynamics, Lal was naturally drawn to the BAIS program, which promised a deep dive into international relations and historical perspectives. Choosing Europe as her study region allowed her to explore familiar histories from new angles, a fitting backdrop for someone whose formative years included engaging in Model United Nations events and excelling in history courses.

For her thesis, titled "Dispatches of History: Unfolding Turkish Narratives on Nazi Germany Through the Typewriters of Tan and Cumhuriyet," Lal conducted a rigorous analysis of how Nazi Germany was framed in Turkish media between 1939 and 1945. Drawing on a variety of historical archives, she utilized Pan and Kosicki’s framing analysis to uncover how the stances of Turkish newspapers reflected broader European dynamics. This research not only deepened her understanding of World War II’s regional impacts but also served as a bridge to her chosen focus on European studies.

During her undergraduate years, Lal also took on a minor in Systems Engineering, Policy Analysis, and Management, as well as an Honors Degree in Science, Society, and Self. These interdisciplinary pursuits reflect her drive to integrate diverse fields into a holistic understanding of complex global issues. She credits BAIS with honing her analytical abilities, teaching her to look beyond the surface and make thoughtful, informed decisions—skills that would soon shape her unexpected career path.

After graduation, Lal’s trajectory took an unconventional turn: she returned to Turkiye and ventured into the art world. Despite initially lacking formal experience in this field, she landed a position as an assistant in an art gallery, where she drew on her international studies background to engage with global clients and understand art’s historical contexts. This role soon evolved as she embraced marketing, exhibition coordination, and sales, all while building connections within the art world. Today, Lal is working with a gallery that collaborates with renowned international galleries and auction houses to elevate Turkish contemporary art on the global stage, with the personal mission of strengthening Turkiye’s art infrastructure.

Lal’s message to current and prospective BAIS students reflects her own journey of self-discovery: embrace the broad scope of the program and trust that your path will unfold. Her story beautifully illustrates how the BAIS program can serve as a foundation for diverse careers, from diplomacy to, unexpectedly, the art world!