What inspires you to work in public service?
I am inspired to work in public service by a desire to leave the world better than I found it. From a young age, my experience in scouting instilled in me the principle of servant leadership—placing the needs of others before my own and proactively stepping up. Over time, I have seen firsthand how service, even when it is not glamorous, can create meaningful change. Whether helping improve the structure of my scouting troop, raising funds for pediatric cancer research through Buckeyethon, or supporting legislative operations at the Ohio House, I have learned that progress is driven by dedication and persistence. Public service represents the most direct path to advancing the common good, and I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
Majors: Public Management, Leadership, and Policy, Political Science, History
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
As a dual-degree student in Political Science and History, alongside Public Management, Leadership, and Policy, my coursework has given me both analytical and practical frameworks for understanding governance. My studies in political institutions and public policy have deepened my understanding of how legislation is developed, negotiated, and implemented, while my history coursework has allowed me to evaluate contemporary policy debates through a long-term institutional lens. Courses in public management have been particularly influential, as they emphasize leadership ethics, organizational design, and effective governance. Complementing this academic foundation, my participation in the Washington Academic Internship Program as a John Glenn Fellow will further solidify my commitment to public service by connecting classroom theory with real-world legislative practice.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
Through my experience as both a Legislative Page and Legislative Intern in the Ohio House of Representatives, I bring a strong understanding of legislative procedure, constituent services, and professional office operations. I have managed constituent correspondence, conducted policy research, prepared official materials, and supported staff during active House sessions, all of which required attention to detail and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. My experience attending committee hearings and tracking legislation has strengthened my policy analysis skills, while my writing roles with The Stride Report and Buckeye Run Report have sharpened my ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively. Additionally, my leadership roles in student government and campus organizations demonstrate my capacity to take initiative, manage competing priorities, and work collaboratively toward concrete results.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
When collaborating with others, I rely most on my outgoing nature along with active listening, dependability, and clear communication. My leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, which means I prioritize understanding the perspectives and needs of my teammates before offering my own input. In roles such as Associate Justice for Undergraduate Student Government, impartiality and careful consideration of multiple viewpoints are essential. Similarly, as a Buckeyethon team captain and running club officer, I have learned that successful collaboration depends on transparency, organization, and follow-through. I take pride in being someone others can trust to complete tasks thoroughly and on time, while fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My immediate career goal is to begin my professional path in a legislative or policy-focused role, such as a legislative aide, government affairs liaison, or policy assistant. I am drawn to positions that operate at the intersection of research, constituent engagement, and legislative strategy, where I can contribute meaningfully to the policymaking process. Over the long term, I hope to build the experience and credibility necessary to pursue elected office, allowing me to advocate directly for my community. This fellowship would provide invaluable exposure to federal policymaking, strengthen my understanding of intergovernmental dynamics, and allow me to learn from experienced public servants. It would serve as a critical bridge between my academic training, state-level experience, and long-term aspiration to lead in public office.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
One of the most impactful projects I have led was my work with Buckeyethon as a team captain, where I have helped organize and mobilize teams that collectively raised nearly $15,000 in the last three years for pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In addition to fundraising, I founded a youth Buckeyethon program at my high school that continues to operate today. This project stands out because it required strategic planning, recruitment, sustained motivation, and consistent communication over multiple years. More importantly, it demonstrated how collective action, even among students with limited resources, can generate real benefits for families facing immense challenges. Seeing the lasting impact of that initiative reinforced my belief that effective leadership combines vision with persistence and community engagement.