In honor of Valentine’s Day, we conducted a fun interview with PSIA alum’s Brendon (’04) and Miriam (’05) Terry.  The couple is currently living in Vicenza, Italy with their three children.

 

Name: Brendon Eli Terry

Graduation Year: December 2004

Degree: BS in Political Science

Employment: U.S. Army Infantry Officer

 

Spouse/ Partner: Miriam Elizabeth Terry

Graduation Year: May 2005

Degree: BS in Political Science

Employment: Self Employed Equestrian Professional (Starving Horse Lady)

 

  • How did you meet?
    • We had two classes together our first semester in college, Calculus I and a Poli Sci class, Global Issues.  Dr. Armstrong was the faculty advisor for both of us. The next semester we had Econ 101 together, and I finally had the nerve to sit next to and speak to Miriam.  I eventually asked her to go to the spring military ball, but she turned me down, claiming it was because of her sisters wedding. We kept talking over the summer, and when we returned for our sophomore year she finally relented to going on a date with me.

 

  • When was your first date:
    • Our first date was to see a movie, that wonderful romantic comedy, Road to Perdition, with Tom Hanks.  Amazingly, she accepted my request for a second date.

 

  • What have you done since graduation?
    • Since graduation, I have spent 14 years on active duty as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer with assignments to Korea, Kentucky, Georgia twice, Iraq twice, North Carolina, Kansas, and now Italy. I have also become an avid triathlete, racing at all distances from the sprint to full iron.  Miriam, when able due to our assignment location, has pursued her passion of being an equestrian instructor.  We have been blessed to have three, happy, healthy, and rambunctious children who are now 1, 3, and 5 years old.

 

  • Is there any special memory involving the PSIA department that you would like to share (i.e. a funny story, favorite class, attendance at club related activities)?
    • Miriam laughing at me writing papers at the last minute when hers had been done for some time.

 

  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of dating a fellow political science/ international affairs major?
    • The main drawback of dating a fellow PSIA major is that they are good, and actually enjoy to some degree, arguing, and will hold a position on principle.