Tiffany Carpenter
B.A., summa cum laude, International Studies, 2019
Diploma in Law, University of Law, Guildford, United Kingdom, 2022
Trainee Solicitor, Law Practice Program, University of Law, Guildford, United Kingdom
Immigration Paralegal, Descartes Solicitors Limited, London, United Kingdom
“Civility, in my personal understanding, is an ideology of consideration and compassion for ourselves and others; it transcends social structures and real or perceived differences in order to embrace our common humanity. To demonstrate civility is to cultivate a practice of looking within and then encouraging and supporting both ourselves and others in acting from a place of dignity and love. In daily interactions, this practice may manifest through a courteous greeting or a moment of appreciation, potentially creating a rainbow in what might otherwise be a bleak day. In more involved situations, civility calls on us to take time and thoughtfully focus on an alternative point of view in order to find common ground and a mutually beneficial outcome.”
Tiffany Carpenter, August 2017
Tiffany was homeschooled until spring 2015, when she enrolled as a Running Start student at North Seattle College. Her belief in the value of education has inspired her to learn for the sake of curiosity and intellectual betterment, while taking opportunities to improve the circumstances of others. While earning a B.A. in International Studies, Tiffany has been excited to be involved with social justice initiatives at Seattle University. Tiffany aspires to join a non-government international organization working to empower women. She plans to law school and focusing on advocacy for human rights. In October 2019, Tiffany presented Cultural Bridge” her first photography exhibit at BSMT Space in London. Tiffany earned her Graduate Diploma in Law in 2022 at the University of Law in Guildford, United Kingdom. She is currently a trainee solicitor in that university’s Law Practice Course.
Education: North Seattle College, Associate of Arts, 2017
Service:
Executive Secretary, Rehabilitation Research Institute, 2006—2019
President, North Seattle College Philosophy Society, 2017
President, North Seattle College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, 2016–17
Vice President, Greater Northwest Region of Phi Theta, 2016–2017
Awards/honors:
International Studies Department Noel Brown Award, 2019
Member, Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society
Founder/President, Seattle University for Social, Legal, and Moral Justice, 2017
Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, 2017
Alfie Scholar, Seattle University, 2017
Messina Scholar, Seattle University, 2017
Joan Fedor Award of Distinction, 2017
All-Washington Academic Team, 2017
North Seattle Education Fund Scholar, 2016–17
North Seattle College Vice President’s List, every quarter
North Seattle College President’s List 2016–17
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, 2015–Present
Goals: I aspire to become an attorney, advocating for human rights and promoting civility. Through both courtroom representation and policy work, I aim to challenge discrimination, ensure equality, and protect the rights and freedoms universal to both individuals and organizations. Within the Seattle community, I intend to give back through offering pro-bono services; I am particularly interested in partnering with international organizations, such as the United Nations, to uphold human rights on a broad scale.
Civility: Civility, in my personal understanding, is an ideology of consideration and compassion for ourselves and others; it transcends social structures and real or perceived differences in order to embrace our common humanity. To demonstrate civility is to cultivate a practice of looking within and then encouraging and supporting both ourselves and others in acting from a place of dignity and love. In daily interactions, this practice may manifest through a courteous greeting or a moment of appreciation, potentially creating a rainbow in what might otherwise be a bleak day. In more involved situations, civility calls on us to take time and thoughtfully focus on an alternative point of view in order to find common ground and a mutually beneficial outcome. Conversely, it does not entail refraining from conflict; indeed, when our values feel diminished or encroached upon, civility gives us a means to intervene graciously. By respectfully expressing a message that communicates our values with its delivery as much as its content, we are more likely to be understood; and, by listening with an open mind, the interaction is more likely to result in effective compromise and cooperation. In the context of our modern world, which often emphasizes multiculturalism, an outlook of civility becomes incredibly important as we navigate increasingly complex situations. Seeking to understand other individuals and empathize with the humanity we share becomes vital to world peace everywhere in the 21st century. In all areas of life, civility ultimately serves as a beacon of light that can lead us all towards greater and more altruistic love and a more fulfilling and peaceful world.
Autobiography: As a Seattle native, I have been active within the artistic community for almost half my life—first playing classical piano music, then acting in youth programs at Seattle Shakespeare and other local companies, and finally singing in student performances at Seattle Opera. I was homeschooled until spring 2015, when I enrolled as a Running Start student at North Seattle College (NSC). Since that momentous first day, my belief in the value of education has inspired me to learn for the sake of curiosity and intellectual betterment, while taking opportunities to improve the circumstances of others. Collaborating with the NSC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and student leadership led to awareness of food equity resources as well as creation of the first campus food pantry. My compassion for others and fascination with the diverse and inspiring stories and experiences of others, particularly classmates and instructors (many from around the globe), compel me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in international studies and to immerse myself in history, culture, and the French and Russian languages in my leisure time. In my anticipated professional future as an attorney, I hope to bring civility and justice to my work in protecting human rights and to create positive impacts, especially among minority and underprivileged communities. It is a truly an honor to join Seattle University as an Alfie Scholar, and I am grateful to be part of the remarkable 2017 cohort, developing civility and leadership