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Inspiring Students
CSB Sophomore Finds Inspiration at Public Policy Conference
By Brittany Mrozek, CSB '06
While some undergraduates are content to stay close to home, Vanessa Williams, a student at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., found herself at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government for the sixth annual Public Policy Leadership Conference Feb. 23-26.
Williams was one of 50 students from around the country to be selected for the conference, and was the only student selected from a Minnesota college or university.
The conference provided an introduction to the field of public policy through a series of policy workshops and noted speakers. Some of the workshops Williams attended included a case study workshop with Professor Steve Kelman, and a skills workshop on resumes and cover letters.
“My favorite workshop was the one on American Indian Sovereignty,” Williams said. “I thought it was really interesting to learn about the unique relationship tribes have with the U.S.”
One keynote speaker that made an impression on Williams was Boston City Council member Sam Yoon. “I found him very inspirational because he, unlike many other politicians, does not come from a ‘political family.’ It shows that anyone can make it; you don’t have to come from the ‘right’ family or the ‘right neighborhood.’ ”
Williams is a sophomore political science major from Maplewood, Minn., and is active in College Democrats and United Students Against Sweatshops. She also serves on the executive committee of the Student Coalition for Global Solidarity and co-hosts a radio show.
Williams was able to connect with many other students at the conference. She found that many students had a dedication to public service, an expanded knowledge of politics and economics and a good sense of humor.
Williams was recommended to attend the conference by Matt Lindstrom, an associate professor of political science at CSB/SJU. Williams “is extraordinarily collegial and has a great sense of humor,” says Lindstrom. “Yet, her engagement with ideas and policy issues does not follow simplistic ‘bumper-sticker’ methodology.”
Although attending the conference alone may have been intimidating to some, Williams appreciates her time at the conference. “I’m just really, really grateful that I got to have this experience. I feel like I met a lot of great people, and learned so much! This is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
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