Pursuing Impact Through Political Science by Jackson

Pursuing Impact Through Political Science by Jackson - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

Going to the University of Maine at Orono for Political Science offers opportunities and experiences that wouldn’t see the light of day if I attended elsewhere. The primary purposes of my undergraduate degree there are to create novel connections, refine my career path, and experiment with niche topics. Studying Political Science, especially at a place where I am, makes it that much easier to complete these.
Organizations like the William S. Cohen Institute for Leadership and Public Service, the Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, and the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center help me explore overlapping passions for the environment, policy, and leadership, allowing me to gain connections, networking, and internships. However, these organizations would permit me to go much further than that as they seek to implement tangible change through policy initiatives that stem from interdisciplinary research and proper education. In addition, they offer real-life opportunities to participate in workshops or events to connect with political leaders and professionals, furthering my goal of meeting new, influential individuals, especially in a state capital like Augusta. They range from research and education to putting everything into actual practice, aiding in giving me the best idea of what I actively want to do for a career.
Besides all the reasons why these organizations are the best for me, the inverse must be explained as well. I am a perfect candidate for carrying out the duties that these organizations call for because of my past experience with clubs like Mock Trial, Civil Rights Team, Se Beowulf, and Math Team. Mock Trial has progressed my understanding of law and argumentation; civil rights team and Se Beowulf have progressed my understanding of advocacy and outreach through education; and math team has progressed my understanding of quantitative analysis and logical problem solving—all proving to be quite critical in implementing change and analyzing the effects of those changes. All of these clubs have contributed to my life experience and through that have contributed to my decision to major in Political Science, converging all my interests and strengths into one area of study that I know that I can perform well in.
Ultimately, the opportunities that this major offers are unmatched in the lengths that they go to propel my goals forward. While I lack specific career plans, I know Political Science will drive me to find the resources necessary to find my path; however, most of all, it will support me in making a societal impact, which is my grandest goal, regardless of future career.