What drew you to apply for Inside Washington a second time?
My first experience at The Washington Center left such a lasting impact that it grounded my decision to pursue a Master's in Global Public Policy. I wasn't sure about grad school at first, but remembering the way I felt at TWC in 2024 inspired me. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have the friendships, the relationships with experts and influential people in DC, or the Suffolk alumni network I'm now part of. Being in Washington during this moment in American history is a real privilege, and I'm so fortunate to learn in DC and in Boston.
How did this experience complement your coursework?
Public policy is everything that creates, changes, or implements activities affecting the public and even if you don't care about it, it cares about you. The panels covered an incredible range of topics: economics, trade, healthcare, border security, education, war, expanded executive power, constitutional law, democracy, media, and more. Hearing from such a diverse group of experts created rich, largely nonpartisan conversations I'll always remember. Issues like climate change, AI, and economic inequality are deeply interconnected, both globally and domestically. At TWC you're in rooms where people are directly involved in making these decisions.
Which moment left the biggest impression on you?
This quote really sticks: Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world; it's the only thing that ever has."
Seeing TWC intentionally platform speakers from across the political spectrum — Democrats and Republicans in conversation with one another and watching how much common ground they shared was eye opening. And the surreal moments: sitting on the floor of the House during ACA votes, watching Bernie Sanders, AOC, Ayanna Pressley, Mitch McConnell, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Nancy Pelosi in person; sitting in the Supreme Court; visiting Bloomberg while they were live on air. It deepened my perspective and understanding of our political reality in a way classrooms cannot replicate.
What skills or insights will you carry into your career?
One conversation I'll always carry with me: methods and results must both be independently defensible — results without valid methods are indefensible. We also met with several Suffolk alumni, including a woman I first met during my freshman year who is now working for the federal government at 25 with the same degree I'm pursuing. Seeing her was a reminder that curiosity, engagement, and soft skills — writing well, showing up, listening, caring are what open doors. This program and Professor Kulich gave me the confidence to pursue seats at tables I had previously never thought possible.
What would you tell students considering applying?
If you have questions about your future or feel disheartened by the state of the world right now, this experience will help put things in perspective. TWC inspired me, challenged me, and reminded me that now is the time to recommit and pay attention. Civic engagement, education, empathy, and advocacy matter, maybe now more than ever.
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