What inspires you to work in public service?
Seeing how policy can be translated into tangible results is what inspires me to work in public service. Many people feel disconnected from the political process and the institutions that govern their lives. Despite this, government still carries a deep responsibility to act as a safety net for all its citizens. Dedicated public servants are able to change people's lives for the better through their implementation of sound policy.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
Major - Political Science; Minor - History
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
One of my favorite courses at Ohio State has been Law and Politics with Professor Kogan. This class gave me nuanced insights into the ways that law and public policy shape each other throughout all areas of American political life. Hearing from experienced public leaders on topics like election law gave me a better understanding of the complexities of policy creation and public service as a whole.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
Through my work at the Ohio House of Representatives and at a Columbus government relations firm, I have seen both sides of the policy process. In these positions, I gained strong experience with constituent services and legislative research. I am comfortable analyzing complex policy and clearly presenting my findings to different groups of people.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
A strength that I rely on while collaborating with others is my strong communication skills. I believe it is important to understand each individual's perspectives and priorities before addressing the goal at hand. Alongside this, I find that clear and precise expectations help everyone to address their task within any given project. Without adequate communication, it can be difficult to collaborate with others on even the simplest assignment.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My overall career goal is to become an attorney. As a John Glenn Fellow, I will have the opportunity to live and work in the heart of our nation's political and lawmaking processes. Being in D.C. will give me a better appreciation of how laws are created at the highest echelon of American government. Besides this, I hope to further refine my own professional capabilities while gaining valuable connections for the future.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
At the Ohio House of Representatives, I had the privilege of assisting constituents with a wide variety of issues. Rather than a specific project, I enjoyed hearing from new people every day and learning more about their individual circumstances. While I was often not in a position to directly solve their issues, I could still point them in the right direction. When I could do so, however, it was immensely gratifying to make such an impact.