Biography

     As the daughter of a Scottish-born toolmaker in America, I have learned the value of equality among all people.  My father was a Labour supporter and taught my sister and I the importance of a fair chance for everyone.  My mother was a social worker for an elementary school in a poor neighborhood.  Though my family was never wealthy, I grew up with a perspective on American life through my parents and learned to be grateful for what we had.  At dinner every night we would inevitably discuss politics and how it comes into our lives everyday.  I never realized at the time, but looking back these dinners had an immense impact on my life leading to my interest in politics as a means to be an advocate for those whose voices are not easily heard. 
     I have integrated this understanding of humanity and its interconnectedness through everything I do.  I have never been content to sit idly by as life happens.  Even in high school I worked with my youth group on the district level to provide programs and events.  For me it was partially an escape from a town in which I felt no connection to and partially a chance to take on my first leadership roles. 
     My family moved down South from New York for my father’s job just before I began high school and so I never quite fit in there.  I suddenly found myself in the midst of a conservative community with little understanding of the new culture I was in.  The move gave me a deeper understanding of the myriad of cultures any American can find in our own country.  I was reminded of this again between my sophomore and junior years of college during a cross country trip.  This understanding is vital, I feel, for anyone who wishes to work with politics in today’s divided America. 
     Choosing a college then, with the experience I had in high school, was critical to my peace of mind.  I wanted somewhere that valued me as an individual person and that would help me grow.  Four years later, I can hardly look back on my experiences at Guilford and not recognize that I have.  Though while I’ve changed, I hesitate to use that word.  I feel that it is more appropriate to say that Guilford has helped me grow into myself.  I have gained a sense of confidence in my abilities during my time at Guilford and have been given a chance to better discover myself.
     Throughout my four years I have had so many amazing opportunities.  From my first year on, I was involved in a number of leadership positions that helped me articulate the lessons I learned from my parents and the classes I took at Guilford.  
     During my freshman year, the concept of Servant Leadership that was central to the Leadership Seminar for future Resident Advisors and CHAOS Leaders really spoke to me when I took the class.  In many ways it defined my leadership style and although I had not heard of it before, I recognized it in my actions with First Year Advisory Board and Student Union, two organizations I was involved with at the time.  The idea that you aren’t leading for yourself, but for the people in the group really made sense and clicked with me.  It is an idea that I wish more of our world’s leaders took on, but plan to bring with me as I leave Guilford.
     I spent the fall semester of my junior year abroad in London.  As an intern in the British Parliament, I gained vital skills for the political office environment.  Due to the smaller staff sizes in the House of Commons, I had the opportunity to work closely with constituents, assist with legislative details, and write policy letters.  The environment was such that I was able to learn all that I could about the British political system, which as a dual national, was personally fascinating.
     I built on this experience, learning more about the American political system, the summer before my senior year as a National Intern at Project Vote Smart.  Working in both the Key Votes and National Political Awareness Test departments, I gained greater insight into the American political culture.  The appreciation I have for working at a non-partisan, non-profit organization came from that summer experience.  I recognized the value of the diverse opinions that make up American politics through my work in this internship.  I loved my time in Montana working on the project so much that I applied for a full time position for after graduation.  At least I can take comfort in knowing that while leaving Guilford will be difficult, I am going somewhere that provides me with work I enjoy doing and people I enjoy being with.
     As Community Senate President I have grown still.  This year has brought with it many surprises, but has been amazing nonetheless.  To say that it has been a calm year in Community Senate would be the biggest lie I have ever told.  But I am more than okay with the eventful year we have had.  Controversy breads interest.  And the interest in Senate is at the highest I have seen in my four years here.  Controversy means that people are paying attention and care enough about the issues to take a stand on them. 
      When I started the year out, I knew that I would not always be liked.  In fact, I hoped I wouldn’t be.  Because that would mean I wasn’t doing anything.  For everyone to agree with you means you have done something wrong in my opinion.  This year my Steering Committee has implemented a number of major changes.  That they have not all been well received is good.  It means we had to hold forums and listen to other students.  In the end we came out with a better solution because of these chances to work together.
     Overall, I feel ready to go into the world now.  Though it is not easy to leave my friends behind, I know that Guilford did what I needed it to do.  It has prepared me for life beyond it and helped me articulate just what I want out of life.  I would be antsy if I stayed even another semester.  I’m ready to get out in the world and put theory into practice.