Senior Khadija Tall Expands Horizons Through D.C. Internship
Khadija Tall, a vibrant senior at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, has woven her passion for international relations into a rich tapestry of academic pursuits. Majoring in not one, not two, but three disciplines—international relations, political science, and modern languages—she recently engaged in an immersive internship experience in the heart of our nation’s capital through the Honors College’s Washington, D.C. program.
Tall’s story is rooted deep in a culture of curiosity. Born in St. Louis but molded by her years in Guinea—her parents’ homeland—she grew up steeped in discussions about politics and culture, thanks to her grandmother’s academic background and her mother’s role with the U.S. Department of State. Traveling the world and consuming news were woven into the fabric of her upbringing. “When I was a kid, my dad would get me accustomed to caring about global events, to examining the stories of the world,” Tall recalls.
As the pivotal moment of selecting a field of study approached, she felt the irresistible pull towards political science. She didn’t just choose it—she embraced it, securing an internship with the U.S. Agency for International Development while still in high school. That initial glimpse into the dynamics of power and decision-making fueled her advocacy for a career dedicated to international relations.
By the age of 18, Tall’s journey had whisked her away to Ghana, where her father, now a diplomat, established a new chapter for their family. Here, Tall enrolled at a local university, but destiny had even greater plans. Following her mother’s footsteps, a proud UMSL alum, she arrived at the University of Missouri–St. Louis—allured by its welcoming ambiance and diverse community.
“I think UMSL is a truly global institution showcasing voices from every conceivable background,” Tall expressed, highlighting the tapestry of experiences found among her classmates. From her fellow West African peers to students from all corners of the globe, it’s a rich environment that, as she puts it, “enables me to bridge theory with lived experience, which is invaluable for someone pursuing a career in international studies.”
At UMSL, Tall found not just camaraderie but also mentorship. The support of faculty, particularly that of Violaine White, an associate teaching professor of French, has been pivotal. White’s encouragement led Tall to delve deeper into her studies, adding a third major focused on modern languages, and has helped her juggle her multifaceted academic commitments.
“Professor White guided me through the complexity of my three majors and the balancing act between academics, student life, and my roles as a French tutor and Welcome Center staff member. She’s been a beacon of support,” Tall said, reflecting on their connection that transcends academia.
Last summer, the culmination of her engagement with international relations crystallized during her internship with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington, D.C., made possible through UMSL’s burgeoning internship program that kicked off in 2022. For three intense months, she was at the frontline of civic engagement, mobilizing voters through calls and texts in the lead-up to the elections, absorbing the frenetic pace of political life—especially amid the whirlwind changes faced when former President Biden withdrew from the race.
Exploring D.C. alongside other interns from UMSL, including the support of Grace Eickel, a fellow alum at the DCCC, added layers to her experience. Initially shadowing seasoned staff members allowed Tall to immerse herself in the inner workings of the political machinery, but it was her own independence as she hosted a phone bank that truly solidified her grasp on what she hopes to achieve.
Reflecting on her journey, she articulates a mix of trepidation and excitement: “When we graduate, uncertainty looms about our futures. Yet, my time in D.C. offered a glimpse—a trial run—of what life in political science looks like. Walking to the Metro, clocking in every day, it was thrilling to envision myself thriving in that world.”
As Tall nears graduation in May, the path ahead glimmers with possibility, grounded in extensive learning, rich experiences, and the fervor for making a difference on a global scale.
