Global awareness is important not only for gaining a better respect for the diversity of modern society, but for broadening the horizons in which we think, opening our minds to the possibilities. My personal endeavor to become more globally mindful lies in the Arabic language and the cultures of the peoples who speak it. Having taken up Arabic entirely on a whim, my interest has grown considerably. Once I have passed the proficiency test, I plan to study in Qatar and gain a better understanding of the interaction between dialects. While here at OSU, I look forward to many courses on Arabic history and culture, specifically the evolution of the modern middle east.
My home state of Illinois has a very interesting political climate, with a polarized base in areas outside of Chicago. Working in elections has left me with many questions on voters’ internal thinking when issues they have personal beliefs in cross party lines. Research into this would be incredibly fascinating, as central Illinois has many socially conservative Democrats, fiscally liberal Republicans, and a large percentage of the population is employed by the state. I have always wanted to gain a better understanding of how voters balance endorsing candidates for fiscal and social policies. Additionally, I have found, even in the one political science course I have taken, that professors often have a topic they are very passionate about, and research to back their findings. Assisting in and reviewing this research would be an enriching opportunity to better comprehend the way research is conducted and why.
I have always been interested in politics, and have wanted to go into the field professionally since my internship with a state representative in my senior year of high school. I made the decision to double major in political science and public policy during my first semester at OSU. Political science is a more theoretical take whereas public policy focuses specifically on legislation and the impact it has on the communities it governs. With only four short years at Ohio State, I plan to delve deep into the subject material by taking honors courses in areas I have strong interest in, such as international relations. I am particularly excited for the courses on African and gun politics. I have no doubt that the rigor and tenacity required for this workload will be trying, but I have the utmost faith it will all pay off in the end.
One advantage to living in Columbus is its status as the seat of government for the state of Ohio. While here, I would be very excited to participate in an internship with some aspect in state government. My previous internships left me with a much better understanding of the inner-workings of Illinois’s state legislature and getting to know Ohio’s would be a fascinating and rewarding experience; although working for a public department would also be a very pragmatic supplement to a public policy degree. I would say that most of my involvement outside the classroom as a Buckeye will be spent on political campaigns, or internships. Whether they be in the state house of Ohio or Illinois, I look forward to the next step.
It is important to remember that there are always others less fortunate than ourselves. Community service is the best way to remember this fact, and do some good for the benefit of society as a whole. To make good on this belief, I have joined the OSU chapter of Humanity First, a group that organizes food assistance, education services, and other humanitarian aid to those in need in the Columbus area. Most importantly, it takes small steps to reduce the serious issues of poverty and education inequality, while fulfilling a sense of purpose. Service to humanity in general is the ultimate goal of our existence, and helping one another is the simplest form of that goal.