Meet Your Advisor - Tara Littlefield
Learn all about USAC Program Advisor, Tara!
Where did you study abroad?
I studied in San Sebastián, Spain during my junior year at UNR. After graduating, I went back and taught English for a year in Madrid.
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
After my studies were done, my parents and brother came over to meet me in Europe. We traveled around Lake Como, where my mom's ancestors lived. It was really special and surreal to be there with my family — it felt like a dream.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
San Sebastián is my favorite place in the world. It's so beautiful, both architecturally and naturally. Everything from the barandilla along La Concha, the Wind Comb, the funicular ride up Monte Igueldo, the gorgeous carousel, the city hall, and Palacio Miramar … it’s all amazing. There's no better place to go for a walk.
I also will never forget being immersed in Basque culture when I was in San Sebastián. I visited sidrerías, ate pintxos, learned about Basque history and picked up little bit of their language. I love everything about Donostia — it's just the best!
What is your funniest travel memory?
It's a long story, but my friend and I had to take an elderly Dutch man to the hospital. We wasted a whole day in Amsterdam in the cafeteria, waiting on his results and pranking people with a tiny rubber hand. The playful moments delighted him.
If you could go on any USAC program, what would it be and why?
I want to go to La Habana, Cuba because I'm fascinated by Cuban history, politics, and culture. I would also like to go to Nagasaki because I yearn to go to Japan. It looks so beautiful and fun.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love reading, especially literary fiction, sci-fi, and hard-boiled detective novels. I also watch a lot of movies — from sci-fi to the classics; neo-noir to goofy 80s flicks.
Baking elaborate treats is another passion of mine. I worked in fine dining in Chicago for years and really enjoy good food and wine. My true calling, however, is petting as many cats as possible.
What is a weird fact about you?
I read 50 books last year and am trying to do so every year going forward — just as long as it keeps being fun!
What’s on your bucket list?
I've never been to South America and I'm dying to go! Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, the Atacama Desert, and Patagonia are at the top of the list, but in general, I'd love to travel to Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru. I hope to experience as much as possible.
