I Am a Compassionate - Amechi
My Major: Public Policy
I chose Public Policy because...
I love knowing the "why" behind a decision, action, or event. To study why laws are made and the thought process behind them just seemed like the perfect fit for me. Ultimately, I want to be able to affect change by participating in the thought process behind laws and other decisions that impact my community.
My inspiration comes from...
When I was around 6 years old, I visited my father's native country of Nigeria and even at such a young age I realized the economic and social differences. I know that experience along with constant education and exposure to social movements, especially the Civil Rights Movement, has made me into the incredibly empathetic person I am today. I know that my life's work can only be to help and better others the best way I possibly can.
My favorite classes have been...
Constitutional Issues and Political Philosophy were amazing classes. I really like learning about history and how it still impacts current ideas and political theories. I actually took Constitutional Issues on a whim just to satisfy an elective credit, but it has turned out to be one of the highest points of my academic career at Tech. I am truly considering law school now with enthusiasm of utilizing the analytical skills I learned from both classes.
Why being involved on campus is important...
I try to be very active on campus. I believe the more experience I can get now the better I will be in corporate organizations later in life. I have a passion for helping my community and I can rarely resist joining a new club or organization where I can make a difference and grow personally. I started out in Emerging Leaders and the African American Student Union. I have also participated in Society of Step, BOPSOP, GT Heroes, the Black Leadership Conference Committee, and the Residence Hall Association. This year I am Secretary of the African Student Association and programs chair, which is responsible for organizing educational and beneficial events for campus and other African Student groups in Georgia. I am also the meetings coordinator for my residence hall. Overall, I love being involved because it teaches me so much about myself and helps develop who I may be in the future.
Beyond the Georgia Tech campus...
I work as a mentor within the Atlanta Public School system to encourage youth into science, technology, engineering, and math fields. While this program does not directly involve the policy process per se, working as a mentor/tutor grants me direct access to the educational system, which I am very interested in, as well as professionals and experts in the field. It is interesting to be on the ground level and be in the trenches, so to speak, learning how policies that are implemented at the local and federal levels impact schools and the surrounding communities so drastically.
My dream after graduation...
After Georgia Tech, I would like to get into law school and work as a human rights lawyer. I also would like to work as a free-lance grant writer and eventually begin my own non-profit organization helping youth in the community by building character, self-esteem, and providing basic social services. With these experiences, I will hopefully create policy that will directly benefit my community.
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