Ryan Tardiff

Background

About Ryan Tardiff

Beginning my journey in graduate school at Pacific Northwest College of Art in their Critical Studies Masters program beginning in August 2022. I will moving from Greensboro, NC where I received my undergrad to a new home in Portland, OR. I intend to remain with Trader Joe's, my full time work home of the last 2 and a half years, in a part time capacity in a new store. In May 2019 I graduated, with honors from Guilford College with a major in Peace and Conflict Studies and minor in Communications. I have a rich history of different work experience, including nearly a decade of Customer Service experience of one sort or another. I also have experience in community organizing and volunteer work with the Homeless Union of Greensboro, Urban Survivors Union, Food Not Bombs, Siembra NC and others. The Critical Studies program at PNCA is a first step I am taking to find the best fit for me within both political and professional spaces. My current intention is toward pursuing a PhD, with the specifics of such a work in progress. Regardless, I hope and expect the CS program to bolster my writing, thinking and skills, especially in regards to politics and culture. As part of this, I'm actively seeking writing and creative work related to progressive or emancipatory politics, music critique or creative nonfiction/memoir. I also have interest in psychoanalytic thought and childhood development which I'm seeking to expand on inside and alongside my Master's program.