Harlan crosses the finish line for MA-C

Sitting in class as a new graduate student, Sarah Harlan, administrative associate in News and Information (now University Communications), was nervous to raise her hand or give her opinion in class. Since that time she has received two promotions at USI; one as publications and events coordinator in Foundation and her current position as assistant director for Alumni and Volunteer Services. After more than four years of juggling work, school and life, Harlan will be walking during Spring Commencement to receive a Master of Arts in Communication.

She says the degree not only taught her about communication, but also built her confidence. Much of her focus in her communication dealt with issues of gender, sexuality and race and how these factors affect communication. "Communication is key to acceptance. Many people fear what they don't understand and it's only through communication that we break down walls of confusion or misconception and work to understand those differences," she said. "I have a spot in my heart for any group of people suffering injustices for something out of their control."

Karen Altstadt, publications associate in Creative and Print Services, who worked alongside Harlan in the Publishing Services Center for almost two years said, "She has a big heart, natural curiosity, a fun-loving spirit, and is a loyal and cherished friend. I'm thrilled with her accomplishments and know she will use her educational and work experiences to make a difference in the world."

Harlan describes her academic journey as being "long and difficult, but worth it." Her thesis covered the rapidly changing topic of same-sex families. "The thesis took a year and a half to finish, because so much was changing in Indiana and nationwide, I was constantly updating sources, finding new articles and getting new numbers." She said she was determined to finish the thesis because she didn't want to be "one of those people who get so close and are only eight credit hours away" but never complete the degree.

One of the more humorous challenges Harlan faced was selecting the television show, Toddlers and Tiaras as a visual study for a rhetoric course. Her goal was to discover what the appeal was and why the show was so popular. "I subjected myself to an entire season of flippers, spray tans, sparkles and hairspray, and looked at the ways in which the producers and editors constructed the show to draw viewers." The show didn't gain a new fan in Harlan as she continued to ponder the show's popularity. "I didn't come up with one single reason, but many: ranging from its value as a diversion or strictly entertainment, to the appeal of voyeurism and its growth in our society, We like to be 'flies on the wall' - peering into others' personal lives, and reality television offers us the opportunity to do that."

Harlan said faculty members have been encouraging and helpful keeping her motivated, and her husband of nearly four years, Michael Stephens has been a pillar of support for her throughout. In fact, he will be receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in geology from USI, and will graduate the day after his wife.

A desire to learn still burns strong for Harlan who says she will probably "dive right in" to her next goal of working on a bachelor's degree in Spanish. "Michael and I have always dreamed of taking a long backpacking trip through Central and South America, and learning the language will be crucial to making that trip one day. Plus, studies show learning a second language is incredibly healthy for your brain."