Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major/Concentration: Political Science, American government, policy and legislation concentration
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
What made you choose Salem State, and what is the one thing you think a prospective student should know about our campus community?
I was drawn to the idea of attending university in New England because I wanted to explore a new region of the country. Additionally, I was recruited to play tennis and have been on the team for all three years of college experience. It's been an excellent opportunity to pursue my athletic passion while furthering my education.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience living on campus?
I appreciate the sense of community I feel among my peers. Living on campus for three years has allowed me to fully immerse myself in campus life and explore different ways of living without the added stress of paying rent and utilities. I've also had the opportunity to take advantage of Salem State's many resources to make living on campus a convenient and seamless experience. Overall, I'm grateful for the freedom and experiences that living on campus has provided me.
What are you involved in on campus? (Student groups, clubs, organizations, jobs, internships, honors, or athletic affiliations)
During my three years on campus, I've been quite active. I was part of the women's tennis team and a member of SAAC during my first year. I then joined Greek Life and served as the of the Greek Council, the governing body for all Greek organizations on campus. Additionally, I was a senator for SGA and vice president of the Pre-Law Society for the first two years. My final year has been more relaxed, but I continue to play tennis for the university and hold the position of vice president of the Pre-Law Society. My primary involvement has been my job on campus. For the past two years, I've worked for the Berry IOP, an office that handles all political and voter engagement for the University. This role has allowed me to stay connected and develop skills that will benefit me in the future.
Can you describe the educational value and affordability you’ve experienced at Salem State University? How has the university supported your academic journey regarding quality and accessibility?
I do a lot within the campus and on a national scale with internships and fellowships, so when I say my political science education is almost always unmatched, I mean it. I have met many other political science students across the country, and their education and learning are much different from mine. Yet, mine has prepared me for real-life policy work and law research, where they often need assistance. This high level of experience in my education without having to pay as much as private universities makes me very fortunate for my department.
Could you discuss the relationships you’ve developed with faculty members at Salem State and how these relationships have influenced your learning and personal growth?
I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and mentorship from my college's Politics, Policy, and International Relations department, especially Professor Jackman. She has been my advisor since the beginning of my academic journey, and her classes have been engaging and interesting. Professor Jackman has played an essential role in my success at SSU, and I am grateful for her continued support and encouragement. Her mentorship has helped me to grow as an individual, and I am confident that I would not be where I am today without her influence.
Salem State emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Can you share any memorable experiences where you’ve applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings through projects?
The Politics, Policy and International Relations program emphasizes practical learning. We frequently participate in events related to our field and politics, providing us with opportunities to connect with experts in the political arena, including policy analysts, politicians, and more.
For instance, during my internship in the summer of 2023, I served as a lead intern for a youth activist group. My responsibilities involved a deep focus on policies and state-to-state legislature and instructing others on these topics. The knowledge and skills gained from my political science classes adequately equipped me for this role and enabled me to educate others on policy implementation effectively. Comparing experiences with political science students from other institutions, I've realized the distinctiveness of our education and how well-prepared I am for life after graduation.
What have you accomplished during your time at Salem that you are most proud of?
I do not think I have had a specific accomplishment; to summarize my entire experience at Salem State into one accomplishment would diminish the life I have made for myself here. So, it would have to be the bonds I have created with each person I encounter that I am proud of. Our individual accomplishments only hold so much meaning as their impact on others. The everyday encounters I have with people in the elevator, in my classes, or the dining hall allow me to create a familiarity so that when I am working on a project to get students registered to vote or vote on election day, that bond is already made and ready to be called upon.
In what ways has Salem State demonstrated its commitment to your success, both academically and personally? Can you share any specific instances where the university has gone above and beyond to support you?
I feel incredibly supported by this university every day, whether I'm engaged in academic pursuits or extracurricular activities. As I look for postgraduate employment, I actively participate in event planning, assignment submissions, and other activities.
The faculty and staff here truly go the extra mile to ensure students are well-prepared for future endeavors. My professors have been remarkably understanding and supportive in times of personal difficulty, always willing to help me work through any challenges. Working with Cynthia Lynch, the assistant vice provost for civic engagement and academic strategic support, and Samantha Giffen, the assistant director of the Berry IOP, have been incredibly empowering. They constantly encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and strive for opportunities for which I might not have considered myself qualified. When it comes to job hunting, I am consistently provided with new job listings and chances to enhance my skill set.
As you near graduation, how do you feel Salem State has prepared you for your future career? What resources or opportunities have been particularly valuable in this regard?
I hadn't fully grasped the uniqueness of my education at Salem State until I connected with college students nationwide. Those in the same major, concentration, and year as I lack the experiences and opportunities I've been fortunate to have at SSU. The visits to the State House, the opportunity to meet local, state, and federal elected officials, and the simulations of court cases and litigation practice have been invaluable. The high standard to which we are held as political science majors, considering most of us aspire to work as public servants, prepares us in a way that I haven't seen at other state universities. I'm excited to see how my education and experiences here have better prepared me for law school and post-grad life.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how do you believe your time at Salem State has equipped you for success in pursuing them?
My goal is Law school in Spring 2025. I am fortunate to be able to graduate a full year earlier than planned, so I have about eight months in which I will enter the workforce as a Legal Assistant. I want to take that time to study for the LSAT and get experience working in a law firm. A lot of my classes as a poli sci major are focused on law and policy, so I already have the knowledge and skills given to me by my professors, but I am ready to see them applied in real life. I am so incredibly grateful for all the experiences I have had in these three years, and I know as I walk across the stage in May that I am not alone, and I am fully prepared to enter the next steps in my life because of my time here at Salem State University.