Where Are They Now?

I am currently working for a political consulting firm in Denver. We are primarily a media shop so we buy and produce commercials for candidates and issues as well as conduct research that helps to influence our strategies. Although the work can be stressful, it is nice to have a job where most our work translates into progress and positive change for many people in a direct manner by helping elect progressive leaders and by supporting good causes and groups.

Another important point to note is that with the advent of the internet many important decision makers and powerful people in politics pay close attention to blogs like ProgressiveU, so I encourage everyone to keep up the good work! Although I feel very strongly towards certain candidates and issues, regardless of the outcome of this election cycle, it is both rewarding and exciting to work in some capacity in a line of work that I am very passionate about.

After the election I hope to move to Brazil to work and perhaps study. Once I return from abroad, I will most likely start graduate school."

Since winning the scholarship, I've enrolled at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I originally intended to major in public policy, but once I got to Vanderbilt, I took full advantage of the vast academic offerings on campus and discovered a passion for Religious Studies. I am now a junior majoring in Religious Studies with concentrations in Judaism and Christianity. I am an ENGAGE Law Scholar, Harold Stirling Vanderbilt Scholar, and member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society.

I have been interested in politics since a very early age, and I continue to hold those interests. This summer, I am working with the Committee to Elect Freddie Powell Sims for Georgia Senate District 12. However, my interest in politics has more to do with being an agent of change than with simply being in the political arena; I am very passionate about improving education for disadvantaged children, particularly in my home state of Georgia. Last summer, I worked with Girls, Incorporated of Albany, Georgia, where I had the opportunity to interact with over 50 African-American girls, many from lower-income households, on a regular basis.

Perhaps my biggest opportunity to inspire progress is through journalism. I am a Senior Reporter for the Vanderbilt Hustler and InsideVandy.com. I love writing, but I also love ensuring that the public receives accurate news from all corners of the campus community. I enjoyed writing stories on activities such as GLBT events that often take a backseat to Greek life and other heavily-reported groups. Through my blog on InsideVandy.com, I exposed highly racist comments on the Vanderbilt portion of JuicyCampus.com, a site where students anonymously post gossip. My blog drew the attention of both students and administrators, and Vanderbilt launched the 'We are Vanderbilt' campaign to encourage students to uphold the community creed and practice civility on the internet. The campaign was highly successful, and this is one example of how I'm still 'Blogging for Progress'!!!

I'm interning with the Albany (Ga.) Journal as a staff writer and copy editor this summer, and I love it so much that I'm considering pursuing a career in print journalism.