End of Year Reflection

After looking through some of the projects on the Second Year Advocacy Forum I came away with a new sense of our ability as young people to advocate for change in various ways. I read Kara Howard’s project on voter ignorance, Grayson Stallman’s project on the need for both sides of political ideologies in the classroom, and Courtney Dunn’s project on the impact of affordable housing in urban society. Additionally, I also took a peek at various other projects on the forum which I did not comment on. This truly opened my eyes to the various topics that students are passionate about in PSL. Since our first semester was primarily focused on the legal side of things, I felt that the forum was most valuable for stimulating more diverse conversations about policy and theory.

I also liked being able to engage with second years who had similar interests. For instance, I’m very passionate about citizen engagement and participation. Finding students who advocate for similar passions was one of the best parts of the second-year advocacy forum. Especially because this made me view the second years in a new light. Kara was actually my mentor so being able to read her infographic about voter ignorance was a unique experience. Identifying mentors and connections with people who share common passions was super engaging.

Moreover, I was able to find connections between my academic studies and some of the topics I explored. For example, reading Courtney Dunn’s project was very informative because it connected to something I had been studying in one of my public policy courses. I ended up writing a final paper about public housing particularly in Cabrini Green and so reading Courtney’s differing proposals for solutions to the public housing problem was really enlightening. Being able to extend that dialogue outside of my classes, assignments, and finals was very meaningful in terms of challenging my thought processes and further engaging me in these discussions.

Lastly, this forum gave me some ideas for next year’s project. I loved seeing the diversity of thought that people displayed. Some topics were outright political, others more policy solution based, still more focused on personal development and such. Seeing the various topics that sophomores use their background and passion to explore made me really look forward to choosing a topic to explore next year, especially knowing that I’m not boxed in in terms of advocating for anything I truly feel passionate about.

Federalist Question

Since the dawn of our nation’s existence, representation has been one of the core values of American government. The revolution itself did after all stem in large part from the complaint, “No taxation without representation!” Thus, it’s truly thought provoking to reflect on the current apportionment of representatives in our nation. Although I don’t necessarily think the algorithm currently used to assign seats is “wrong,” it’s clear that huge population disparities exist among representatives, inherently decreasing the legitimacy of our democracy. I think instead, the true problem lies with the quota of representatives. Since the Reapportionment Act of 1929 (yes, 1929 when the American population was 121.8 million as opposed to today’s 327.2 million) the congressional body has been capped at 435 members. Due to such a rapidly growing population, this is a clue that already the representation of citizens is compromised. In my eyes, no matter how you divide that 435, it’s impossible for majority interests to be accurately represented by the same small number of representatives. According to Time, a hypothetical 930 seat house would significantly decrease the disparity among states even while maintaining the current algorithm to apportion them. In this case, all states would actually have at least 2 representatives, and they’re all much closer to the target representation of citizens. Not only would this numerically and statistically better the representativeness of congress, but it would also open doors for more varied political representation. With smaller populations being more fairly represented, these populations would likely be able to more easily elect representatives that accurately reflect their own demographic. Additionally, more seats in congress would bring an influx in numbers that could help in hearing new ideas, cross-the-aisle voting, and more. Additionally, I think that the District of Columbia should be included in the reapportionment of representatives. Having a voting representative would be helpful not only to actually represent the district’s opinion in legislation through a vote, but also to defend against a potential problem which I see in the current system. Congress is currently allowed “exclusive jurisdiction over the district in all cases whatsoever.” Without the autonomy that having at least a voting representative in congress symbolizes, it’s easy to see how the District could potentially be used as a political pawn. Additionally the District pays the second highest per capita income tax in the nation but have no voting voice in congress as to how the budget should use their tax dollars. Especially due to truly being at the heart of US policy, I think that it’s more logical for the District to set the tone for accurate representation in our nation. If congress can’t execute on its promise of no taxation without representation in its own backyard, where can it?  It’s my opinion that the unincorporated territories, which neither pay taxes to US government nor follow all provisions of the constitution, and have their own government and laws should maintain representation in congress, but not as voting members. The current representation allows the territories to have a voice in legislation matters and speak on influential policy, but does not give them voting rights. I think that this is fair considering the autonomy under which they operate.

References

Wilson, Chris. “How to Fix the House: Add About 500 Seats.” Time, Time, 15 Oct. 2018, time.com/5423623/house-representatives-number-seats/.

Mentor Interview

Alan Shvartsman is a current sophomore at The Ohio State University studying economics and political science. He hails from Cleveland, Ohio and didn’t originally think Ohio State would be a good fit for him. However, after the college application process was all said and done, Alan realized that after evaluating price, location, campus, and other factors of the three schools he was admitted to, that OSU was the place for him. Alan chose his double major because of an economics class in high school which sparked his interest since it’s so applicable to the real world, in addition to a longstanding background in political affairs. The double major has not been as challenging as one might expect because Alan came in with a lot of AP credit which put him two years ahead, allowing him to really settle into a rhythm with his course load. Academically, his favorite classes have been an American constitutional law course and economics of sports. The constitutional law course was challenging but also prepared Alan for what real law school classes will be like, and the economics of sports course merged his interests in sports (particularly basketball) and his major.

On campus, Alan is involved heavily with College Republicans, in which he holds a role as the Recruitment Chair. This takes up the bulk of his time, but has been very rewarding since it aligns with his career goals. Additionally, Alan is on the executive board for PSL, stands on the professional development committee, and is a peer mentor. He is also in the Russian students association on campus. Back home, Alan volunteers with City Dogs, and although he doesn’t get to do so as much as he used to, it’s still something he cares deeply about. He has also worked as a camp counselor with kids the past few years.

Alan’s favorite spots to study on campus are his room on the 10th floor of Smith Steeb, or the 11th floor of Thompson. Something about the high altitudes and the quiet environment has always crafted the perfect study spot. Additionally, he frequents the Union Market to eat, since there’s a plethora of fairly healthy and inexpensive options. However, if he’s off-campus, Alan likes to eat at Cafe Istanbul, or Harvey & Ed’s. Both locations remind him of his family or some of the foods he grew up with.

After school, Alan plans on going straight to law school, and is anticipating taking the LSAT very soon. He’s looking at NYU, Georgetown, UChicago, Boston, or Ohio State for law school, and hopes to stay in the city after law school. Alan’s dream jobs would include either being the NBA commissioner, working in an NBA front office doing contracting or legal negotiation, or being a government lawyer for a department such as the FBI or CIA.

Politics, Society, and Law scholars has been a truly valuable involvement for Alan. He says the most valuable thing about PSL for him has been the connections with different professionals who have helped him pinpoint what exactly he wants to do after graduation. Moreover, his best advice for a freshman in PSL is that you’ll get out of it what you put in, so take it seriously and you’ll reap the benefits. Alan’s favorite memory from PSL would be the Sundae making social activity because everyone was out and mingling in one place since it was mandatory, and the sundae itself was a pretty wild feat. The best advice Alan has received so far in college has been to find what you like, what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about… and stick to it because if you do that, you’re less likely to end up in an unfulfilling career.

When asked what legacy he would like to leave, Alan’s answer was simple but poignant; he wants to leave a positive mark on the world, and help as many people as he can. He credits this idea to his upbringing, in which he was always taught to not take anything for granted, and help others whenever you can.

 

 

Welcome to my Honors & Scholars e-Portfolio

Welcome! Throughout the next few years at The Ohio State University, I can’t wait to engage with the community and develop as an individual and hope that this ePortfolio becomes a platform which I can use to document my experiences!

Year in Review

[ “Year in Review”  is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student.  You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

G.O.A.L.S.

Throughout my time at Ohio State, although it’s just beginning, there’s a lot I hope to accomplish and achieve before I graduate. The Honors & Scholars Program facilitates many opportunities to fulfill these goals and track my progress!

  • Global Awareness: Being a part of such a huge community of students here at Ohio State opens up so many opportunities to interact with people from varying backgrounds, who each bring different perspectives to campus and their experiences. This process of living and learning among such a diverse group of people at all hours of the day presents unique insights into who my peers are and where they come from. Besides just soaking up the minute differences and individualities among my classmates, I also hope to cultivate my sense of global awareness by interning abroad. Through Fisher, we’ve learned about several ways to possibly achieve this. Although I think studying abroad, in general, is an amazing opportunity, as an international business major the work experience abroad would be invaluable. Although I haven’t yet decided on a specific destination, I think someplace in Europe would be awesome because of the proximity to so many unique cultures and experiences.
  • Original Inquiry: One really attractive thing about coming to such a large university like Ohio State is the opportunity to participate in different research projects and delve deeper into topics that really interest me. I would love to aid in a research project here at Ohio State before I graduate. I think one area which would be really fascinating would be some kind of statistical analysis on the effectiveness of political campaigns or learning more about the correlation between government satisfaction/trust and political apathy. These topics interest me and provide good jumping-off points for more specific original inquiry.
  • Academic Enrichment: Being a part of the Honors & Scholars program in itself is one of the most accessible ways to enrich my academics. Through politics, society, and law, we’ve already had the opportunity to hear a speaker from the Legal Aid Society and will probably hear from more over the next few months. I think really engaging with my academic interests by finding and utilizing peer mentors is also an effective way to narrow my academic focus. Listening to speakers, attending different career events, and connecting with a mentor are all ways which will hopefully expand my academic thinking and help me explore specific career paths which explore my various interests at a deeper level.
  • Leadership Development: Over time, I definitely hope to serve in leadership positions for some of the student organizations I’m interested in. I think I can utilize my leadership skills in communication and decisive-ness to impact these organizations. Hopefully, I will serve on the E-board for club lacrosse or in a leadership role within Politics Society and Law Scholars in the future. Right now, to facilitate that, I’m just trying to truly take in all the important leadership roles that are being fulfilled around me to make my own experience smooth and can hopefully emulate those leaders in the future.
  • Service Engagement: Throughout high school, I was involved in Best Buddies, and the organization completely changed the way I looked at my community. I would love to continue engaging with youth in the Columbus community who may have intellectual or physical special needs. Through Best Buddies, I made a one to one friendship with my good friend Caroline, who has autism. It truly opened my eyes to the advocacy opportunities that this group of people sometimes lacks. I would love to work more in the community through organizations like Best Buddies or Student Council for Exceptional Children to promote advocacy and opportunity for this group of children. Caroline’s friendship changed my life and I hope to continue to give back to the community and promote inclusivity.

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation includes both a description of the artifact and a reflection on why it is important to you, what you learned, and what it means for your next steps.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

About Me

My name is Emma Hofman and I’m incredibly excited to be participating in the politics, society & law scholars program this year. I’m from just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, although I’ve been raised a buckeye baby for my whole life since my mom’s from Ohio. My major is business with a specialization in international business, as I feel that that bridges my interests in both business and international relations fairly well. I’m tentatively considering minoring in business analytics as well. I’m hoping to play club lacrosse here at Ohio State and am also in the process of rushing a business fraternity right now. Career-wise, I’m unsure right now of exactly where I want to end up, but I’m in the process of focusing my interests and trying to balance political interest with business engagement.

Throughout high school, a few activities I participated in included Best Buddies, DECA, Varsity Lacrosse, Junior Statesmen of America, and Rho Kappa. The experience I found most valuable in high school would have to be DECA. DECA gave me an outlet which merged my competitive nature with a passion for service and building relationships. It also introduced me to the breadth of opportunities available to apply my various other passions in an entrepreneurial environment. DECA also encouraged me to gain confidence in presenting my own ideas and instilled a level of professional competency that I feel will continue to benefit me throughout college. Additionally, Best Buddies also had a lasting impact on me as it opened my eyes to the diverse experiences, perspectives and life backgrounds each and every person I meet holds. It introduced me to the concept of advocacy for people who I hold close to my heart who themselves are unable to speak up for themselves, or are sometimes unfairly not taken seriously when they do.

I chose Ohio State because of the seemingly infinite opportunities and resources that such a big school has, in addition to the unrivaled sense of tradition and community that makes even a university of 45,000 students seem like home. I’m so excited to attend sports events like football games here and show off some crazy school spirit! Coming to a new city far away from home and my family seemed daunting at first but the chance to immerse myself in such an exciting new environment is something I’ve grown to recognize as a learning opportunity already. I can’t wait to explore Columbus and Ohio State!