I Am Passionate - Travis
My Major: International Affairs (INTA) and Public Policy (PUBP)
What attracted me to pursuing two majors?
International Affairs attracted me because it helps solidify my opinions about relationships between global institutions. The program helps me maintain a broad focus while specifying specific interests that I want to hone and develop. The Spanish component of my major stems from the studies that shows the growing Latino/Spanish-Speaking demographic within the United States. The Public Policy component of my double major education assists me in not only dissecting the political institutions within the United States, but also examining each country I've visited during my tenure in higher education.
My work in the Senate Budget and Evaluation Office taught me...
A lot about state politics as well as the personal relationships that keep the political machine of Georgia running. Whether it was attending a committee meeting about state budget cuts, or a dinner to learn the latest about biotechnology and how it affects the constituents of Georgia, I really felt like I was gaining a great knowledge base while having fun. I served as an administrative assistant for around 13 colleagues and was invited to continue my position after the internship was completed.
Name a faculty, advisor or staff person that has inspired you in some way and describe how?
Dr. Richard Barke - He opens up alot, shares unique experiences from his life, and cares about the value of learning rather than only assessing knowledge.
My previous internship at the Office of Policy Analysis and Research at the Georgia Tech Research Institute was so valuable.
It helped cultivate a desire to understand the depth and breadth of science and technology policy. In this field we specifically researched the policy ramifications of nanotechnology as an emerging realm in technology and society. Moreover, the experience at the office allowed me to further develop teamwork, delegation, and networking skills.
As an intern for Reto Juvenil in Costa Rica...
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with the coffee growers in the ASOPROLA community of the southern region of the country. Working in the coffee field, experiencing the cutlure, and enjoying a breath of fresh mountain air allowed me to reflect on the world! We are so intimately interconnected; talking to the men and women of this community made me realize how the policies we legislate and execute in the United States directly affect the globe. The thing I enjoyed the most was discussing the repercussions of the TLC (Tratado de Libre Comercio - "Free Trade Agreement") between the US and Costa Rica. The treaty was enacted in Costa Rica by a narrow 50.1% and the controversy exacerbated already existing divides in the country.
What do I see myself doing in the future?
I would love to run for public office in the future. My entire college career has helped mold me to uphold the ideals of democracy, progress and service. People are blessed with different skills and I feel one of my blessings is administration and foresight. Although I'd rather not speculate on how I will serve my state and the nation in the future, a role as a public official and a civil servant is a wonderful profession and passion.
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