Talin Tyvand

Talin is a junior at Claremont McKenna College, where she is studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with a dual major in Film Studies. Though her hometown is Bend, Oregon, she has spent most of her life abroad in China, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, and South Korea. During the school year, she is involved in nonprofit consulting, research teams, and other institutional organizations. In the summers back home in Oregon, she has worked at a local thrift store and at the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory. Outside of work and school, Talin loves running, backpacking, and creating short video montages for friends and family – especially for birthdays, graduations, and other special moments. She is always on the lookout for new trails to explore and new music to add to her ever-changing playlist.

I was first drawn to Optimist after watching some of their films and realizing that I was able to draw parallels to the stories they covered and the communities that I grew up in. The stories felt personal and full of heart. I am excited to grow as a storyteller this summer and contribute to work that reflects the world honestly while sparking connection and change.