Redefining Herself and Public Policy

While I continue to research different communities of people, I also continue to research myself. Each year, I am blessed to continue my education and learn more about America’s political system, and as my knowledge develops, I aim to redefine myself: understanding who I once was, accepting who I currently am, and hoping to be more than I can see myself being. 

Throughout my undergraduate experience at Suffolk, I started to research public policy and the reasons why certain legislation exists, which led my research to Europe. I explored the opportunities of college and studied abroad in Spain, where I was able to analyze Europe’s political structure and observe how it affected its citizens. I compared the policies I was accustomed to in the United States’ tainted forms of democracy to more well-rounded socialist views such as universal healthcare and education, that disregards a person’s socioeconomic background. These moments began to unfold into a larger plan that I hope to develop in my future. 

Through leadership roles at Suffolk, such as President of the Black Student Union, Resident Assistant, and a student mentor for first-generation students, I have witnessed the power of being genuine about the trials and tribulations that I have endured in order to help solve problems that stem from similar roots. 

Everyone has a story to tell; my story begins with my identity and family upbringing. By sharing my story, and listening to those of others, I want to continue public policy work until I recognize the changes in America’s systemic institutions. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that have altered who I am today, I am prepared to continue my journey in helping others who are just like me—people whose voices are silenced, and others who do not realize they have a voice at all. I want to be someone my community seeks out in order for their voices to be heard.