What inspires you to work in public service?
I am inspired to work in public service because I have seen firsthand how government actions and policy can affect individuals' lives for the better or worse. I find fulfillment in helping people overcome these challenges, whether that's directly or through advocacy and government work. Public service is a sector that allows me to address issues that vulnerable, marginalized communities face. Doing work in this area aligns with my academic, personal, and career goals. Helping people within the legal system is what I want to spend my time doing, as everyone needs someone to support them through these processes.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
Major: Political Science (Democracy and Law), Pre-Law Minors: Criminal Justice, Law & Public Policy
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
Constitutional Law and international relations have particularly shaped my interest in policy and public service. Studying Supreme Court and policy decisions has helped me understand how these decisions affect our individual rights. Studying government relations and global policy has allowed me to understand how complex policymaking is and the difficulties that come with balancing governmental interests.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
The skill set I bring to this internship consists of effective communication, time management, adaptability, organization, and reliability. My experiences include volunteering with the Legal Aid Society of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO) at their expungement clinic and volunteering at Star House, helping young adults experiencing homelessness. Additionally, I have grown strong customer service skills through over five years of restaurant experience at various establishments.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
Strengths I rely on when collaborating with others are effective leadership, strategic and analytical thinking, empathy, and maintaining a calm demeanor. These strengths allow the common goal to be achieved in a well-organized, productive manner. Members' ideas within a collaborative team need to be heard even in demanding situations, having these strengths and being able to lead effectively allow for this.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My career goal is to attend law school and become a criminal defense attorney. I also hope to pursue a career in public service outside of criminal defense work. This fellowship will provide invaluable support, as I will be able to see firsthand how the public sector operates every day. With the fellowship, my professional skill set will be strengthened, and the new experiences ahead will impact my future work with campus organizations, classroom discussions, and my future career.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
My most impactful project in a previous role was assisting the Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO) with its expungement clinic. While the role's demands were at times minimal, it was fulfilling to know that I was helping individuals overcome the final hurdle in the legal system. People at the expungement clinic were there to move on to their next chapter. These individuals would be able to obtain a job easily and get approved by a landlord without further issues. Many records could have been from extremely difficult circumstances that should not necessarily define the rest of someone's life.