Class of 2026: Making your public affairs dreams come true
- By: Indiana University Northwest
- Last Updated: May 7, 2026
Tajhonnae Boykin was originally going to study psychology and become an obstetrician at Indiana University Indianapolis, but a family emergency took her back home to Gary.
Her mother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and with a young son herself, Boykin wanted to focus on her family.
“Everything happened so fast,” she said. “I had to take care of my siblings and my son, so I was putting myself on the back burner.”
Boykin took a break from school, but she always knew she would go back. Boykin said her mother, before she passed away, asked her to finish her degree.
“That’s what kept me in school — hearing in the back of my head when my mom told me not to give up,” Boykin said.
And persevere she did. Today, Boykin is poised to graduate with a master’s degree in public affairs with an internship with the city of Gary on her resume.
“I knew what I really wanted was something that dealt with the public,” she said. “I’m one out of nine children and was raised by a single parent. I want to make things better for those before me and those after me.”
Having grown up in Gary, Boykin understands the struggles that so many people in the community face. Her aim as a public affairs professional is to prove that you can be successful, no matter where you come from.
“I want to change that narrative,” she said. “I just want better for those around me, for those I love and for my city.”
Boykin is most interested in community redevelopment, and she’s already gotten to take a behind-the-scenes look at how the city functions. She completed an internship with the First Lady of Gary, Crystal Melton, and had all kinds of opportunities to learn about public affairs.
“That has been amazing, being able to be a fly on the wall and see how I could be in those shoes,” Boykin said. “I’ve learned so much and connected with so many wonderful people who are doing so many wonderful things.”
Although Boykin has been through some incredibly difficult times, her positivity is contagious. She said her faith was essential in getting her through some of the toughest moments.
“I’ve learned to prevail in unforeseen circumstances. When it’s difficult, you have to be the voice of reason,” she said.
In addition to prayer and her own motivation, Boykin credits the advisors at IU Northwest with helping her succeed. She said that from her very first advising appointment, she felt like someone was in her corner.
“I felt like I connected with someone who cared for me,” Boykin said. “The advisor didn’t know me, but her words made me feel like I had someone who cared. The advisors will guide you the entire time, and they will not lead you astray.”
Looking ahead, Boykin is ready to make her dreams come true. She plans to make connections and find ways to bring communities together — and possibly start her own nonprofit one day.
“I’m going to do the things that I always dreamed of doing,” she said. “I want to make my mom proud, as well as those who have been supporting me throughout this whole journey.”
