In the summer of 2013, I was overlooking the Panama Canal from its bank, watching some of the largest cargo ships in the world glide through with ease. At first glance, this was all I and the other students I was with saw. Then our tour guide asked us to think about the intrinsic value of the Canal. He illustrated to us the billions of dollars in revenue the Panama Canal brings in every year, the tens of thousands of jobs the Canal provides for Panamanians, and described how the Panama Canal has become a symbol of national pride since acquiring it from the United States in 2000. Throughout the remainder of my stay in Panama my research was focused on Panama Canal and it’s effect on the economy of Panama. At the conclusion of my semester in Panama, I knew I wanted to continue to study policy and how policy can empower a community and even a nation.
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I am applying to the University of Louisville School of Urban Affairs to obtain my Masters of Public Administration and Masters of Urban Planning in order to further understand the complex nature of public policy and use the knowledge I obtain to uplift society. The University of Louisville’s School of Urban and Public Affairs is the best school for me to continue my education because of the urban environment and emphasis I am looking for along with the ability to specialize across the Public Administration and Urban Planning programs. Having a deep understanding of urban policy along with community and economic development would best prepare me for my ultimate goal of becoming a policy advisor to campaigns, legislators,in office, or thinktanks. Additionally, while working at Americans for Prosperity, I have used some of Dr. Janet Kelly’s work to gain some understanding of performance based budgeting. Upon realizing Dr. Kelly is the program director for the University of Louisville Public Administration program, I knew the University of Louisville was the most ideal setting for me to conduct my graduate studies. Since coming to Louisville in 2011 from New Jersey to pursue my undergraduate degree in political science, the skills and life lessons I have gained through my experiences have prepared me to continue my education at the graduate level. While interning in Frankfort for the Legislative Research I gained insight into the policy process and the ability to expound policy issues to the public. In my time at Americans for Prosperity, I have refined a sense of grit that has empowered me to meet and exceed my goals. I believe the policy experience I have gained, my ability to communicate those policies to the public, and desire to reach my goals has prepared me to excel in the Masters of Public Administration and Masters of Urban Planning programs at the University of Louisville. After returning to Louisville from Panama, I began to look for additional opportunities that would enhance my knowledge of the policy making process. The Frankfort Legislative Research Committee internship was the exact opportunity I was looking for. The Frankfort Legislative Research Committee Internship is a unique opportunity for collegiate students around Kentucky to shadow legislators in Frankfort and I was blessed to shadow Representative Sal Santoro of Florence, Kentucky House District 60. Interning for Representative Santoro proved to be one of the most valuable experiences of my life. …show more content…
First and foremost, I had a front row seat to how the legislative process was accomplished. From sponsoring a bill, to voting in committee, all the way up to then Governor Steve Beshear signing the bill, Representative Santoro allotted me the opportunity to observe how public policy is developed. Additionally, I gained valuable skills in communicating to the public how the government is working to improve their lives and empower society. My main responsibility while interning for Rep. Santoro was to expound his policy stances and why he took that stance to his constituents who had written or emailed him. I believe these communication skills will directly translate to the classroom while earning my Masters of Public Administration and Urban Planning because all of my research must be pellucid, based on sound reasoning, and promote advancement in society. Post-graduation from the University of Louisville, I was offered to become the Louisville Field Director for Americans for Prosperity,
I am applying to the University of Louisville School of Urban Affairs to obtain my Masters of Public Administration and Masters of Urban Planning in order to further understand the complex nature of public policy and use the knowledge I obtain to uplift society. The University of Louisville’s School of Urban and Public Affairs is the best school for me to continue my education because of the urban environment and emphasis I am looking for along with the ability to specialize across the Public Administration and Urban Planning programs. Having a deep understanding of urban policy along with community and economic development would best prepare me for my ultimate goal of becoming a policy advisor to campaigns, legislators,in office, or thinktanks. Additionally, while working at Americans for Prosperity, I have used some of Dr. Janet Kelly’s work to gain some understanding of performance based budgeting. Upon realizing Dr. Kelly is the program director for the University of Louisville Public Administration program, I knew the University of Louisville was the most ideal setting for me to conduct my graduate studies. Since coming to Louisville in 2011 from New Jersey to pursue my undergraduate degree in political science, the skills and life lessons I have gained through my experiences have prepared me to continue my education at the graduate level. While interning in Frankfort for the Legislative Research I gained insight into the policy process and the ability to expound policy issues to the public. In my time at Americans for Prosperity, I have refined a sense of grit that has empowered me to meet and exceed my goals. I believe the policy experience I have gained, my ability to communicate those policies to the public, and desire to reach my goals has prepared me to excel in the Masters of Public Administration and Masters of Urban Planning programs at the University of Louisville. After returning to Louisville from Panama, I began to look for additional opportunities that would enhance my knowledge of the policy making process. The Frankfort Legislative Research Committee internship was the exact opportunity I was looking for. The Frankfort Legislative Research Committee Internship is a unique opportunity for collegiate students around Kentucky to shadow legislators in Frankfort and I was blessed to shadow Representative Sal Santoro of Florence, Kentucky House District 60. Interning for Representative Santoro proved to be one of the most valuable experiences of my life. …show more content…
First and foremost, I had a front row seat to how the legislative process was accomplished. From sponsoring a bill, to voting in committee, all the way up to then Governor Steve Beshear signing the bill, Representative Santoro allotted me the opportunity to observe how public policy is developed. Additionally, I gained valuable skills in communicating to the public how the government is working to improve their lives and empower society. My main responsibility while interning for Rep. Santoro was to expound his policy stances and why he took that stance to his constituents who had written or emailed him. I believe these communication skills will directly translate to the classroom while earning my Masters of Public Administration and Urban Planning because all of my research must be pellucid, based on sound reasoning, and promote advancement in society. Post-graduation from the University of Louisville, I was offered to become the Louisville Field Director for Americans for Prosperity,