Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, Renee Oymann will return to Germany to pursue a master’s degree in international economics and economic policy. 

Renee Oymann 
Degree: BA, economics 
College: College of Liberal Arts 
Hometown: Moers, Germany 
Next stop: Pursuing a master’s degree in international economics and economic policy, Goethe University Frankfurt 

Why I chose Temple: “I learned about Temple through its women’s fencing team. I came to the U.S. to fence because I knew there was an opportunity in this country to combine sports and academics.

“I selected economics because my parents work in the industry. I’ve always found it interesting how economics gives you the tools to solve complex problems. Through economics, I want to make a positive impact by tackling challenges society is facing.” 

My experience on the women’s fencing team: “In my first year here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to stay. I had never been to the U.S., Philadelphia or Temple, so I came in not knowing anything. But the fencing team transformed my experience. I now have 17 best friends to guide me through my everyday life. I’ve also learned a lot from my leadership position on the team and improved my communication and people skills as well as teamwork, for example. The fencing team is a big reason I’m going to miss Temple so much. It’s been wonderful having this great support system including my teammates, staff and coaches.”

Transformative Temple moment: “I competed in a Public Policy Lab challenge. When I saw various emails about it, I thought it would be fun to participate. My friend and I didn’t know anything about the topic, which was health policy. We had a couple weeks to write a two-page proposal about a health policy problem in Philadelphia. My teammate and I focused on the high maternal mortality rate in the city. There’s a difference in access to healthcare that disproportionately impacts Black mothers and that requires targeted policy interventions to better protect all expectant mothers. As two women, we’re driven to advocate for women’s fundamental rights and critical healthcare needs. We were one of five teams that made it to the finals, and we ultimately placed third. Competing in this challenge made me realize that I want to work in economic policy.”

What’s next: “I’m going back to Germany for a two-year master’s program in international economics and economic policy in Frankfurt. I’m looking forward to living there. My ideal goal is to earn a doctorate and maybe work for a nongovernmental organization to make strategic decisions in economic policy.”