What inspires you to work in public service?
Working at the Ohio Senate has really inspired me to working in public service. Receiving phone calls and holding conversations with constituents on how certain polices are affecting them has really impacted my outlook on public service work. I have gained a greater understanding of what it truly means to work for constituents and making a better community for them. See the positive impact that public service work can have whether big or small has been a great joy to see.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
My major is Political Science. My minor is Law and Public Policy.
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
One class at Ohio State that really shaped my interest in policy is American State Politics with Professor Kogan. I grew a deep understanding of why some states act the way they do in certain instances as well as how certain types of policies get established in the first place. That was a very eye opening experience. Another academic experience that shaped my interest in public service is the Law and Society Program at Ohio State. This program taught me what it means to advocate for myself and for others.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
One experience that I bring to my internship is working for the Ohio Senate as a Page. This experience allows me to strength my skills of communicating with constituents and co-workers, office professionalism, organization, note taking, and research. This has been one of the most fulfilling experiences.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
I rely mostly on communication and listening when collaborating with others. It is important to me that I am able to listen to who I am working with, so I can tell where they are coming from. It is also important to me that I communicate effectively because that will allow the project to move quickly and more smoothly.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My career goal is to graduate from Ohio State and attend law school to become an attorney. I see myself in my career journey working in the public sphere and in government. I am not sure what type of law I want to practice, but I know I want to be someone that helps people through their court cases. I know that the court system can be complicated and stressful for people going through it. I want to work to relief that stress and guide people through their cases. This fellowship will help me through my professional journey because it will allow me to strengthen and build skills that I can take with me such as research, writing, organization, communication, office professionalism, and a greater understanding of policy.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
I would say the most impactful project that I have had as an Ohio Senate Page is being tasked with answering phones for constituents. This has allowed me to hear people stories from around my senator’s district and from around Ohio. Being able to empathize with constituents when they are frustrated about a situation or helping them out even in a small way has had a very positive impact on my life. This has allowed me to feel that I am making a difference in some else’s day, and that I have a purpose when I am communicating with constituents on the phone.