Professor Tessa Venizelos

 When I chose to major in Peace Studies, I was aware of the common judgment that any humanities major is a waste of money. Regardless, I cared deeply for all the material I learned, and I have never regretted my decision. This confidence is only further enforced when I get the opportunity to talk to professionals in the field. I chose to speak with Tessa Venizelos, a professor here at Chapman University who has expertise in feminist and post colonialist theory.

I met Professor Venizelos last semester during one of my classes, and was extremely interested in her choice to get a master’s at the London School of Economics, a school I have dreamed of attending since highschool. As graduation looms, the nerves of a life in the “real world” get worse and worse, but talking to Tessa gave me the opportunity to feel hopeful about the future rather than just nervous. 

I began my interview by asking Professor Venizelos about her journey after graduating from Chapman. She explained her strong love of storytelling, and how this led her to take a job in a boutique while writing for free at a lifestyle blog. I enjoy hearing from professionals that they did not necessarily initially have things figured out, and instead tried different experiences in order to build their skills and realize what they wanted to do. This eased my nerves about making decisions post grad, helping me accept that I may not get the perfect job right away, and everyone is on a different path. 

Professor Venizelos then reflected on her time at the London School of Economics, specifically on the cultural differences she experienced while outside of the United States. Especially in a world pre 2020, where many Americans had not yet begun recognizing critical race and post colonial theory, Tessa was confronted by these ideas. The international nature of London helped with this learning, her classmates coming from around the world. While here, she was able to hear criticisms by others about the United States, and had to come to terms with the privilege she experienced in life as an American. As someone who wants to travel post grad, this was useful for me to hear. Although in Peace Studies we try to educate ourselves, when we are confronted head on and even blamed for the actions of our government it can be difficult to process. For Professor Venizelos this was the case, but it also allowed her to create connections across the globe and expand her mind.

“I Really Wanted to Tell the Untold Stories”
– Tessa Venizelos

LSE, attended by Venizelos, is a top Political Science institution.

Professor Venizelos said one thing in particular which really stood out to me, explaining that she “really wanted to tell the untold stories”. During this process, she had to learn when it was important to listen instead of talk, as well as deconstruct initial responses she had and really sit with things and reflect. This is a uniquely “peace studies” sort of perspective, however I wish it was adopted by everyone. Learning when to listen is what allows her to properly let women tell their own stories, rather than continue a cycle of reporting that has existed for so long.  

 What I appreciate about Professor Venizelos’ path is that she did not necessarily have a specific position or career in mind, but rather has focused on a passion. When asking her for advice to give to students, she asked me to think about what it is that I always come back to. This passion is what I should follow, listening to my inner voice and letting the experiences occur from there. This is something I will keep in mind as I move forward in the world, trying to forge my own path using the things I have learned with a Peace Studies degree.