We are sad to say goodbye to the class of 2014, but we are so excited about where they are heading in their careers. Our Institute of Politics 2014 seniors have helped shape our programming over the past four years and have already achieved so much in the world of politics and public service.
Meet James Pollack. James first got involved with the Institute as a volunteer for our CIVICS program, going into 5th grade classrooms throughout Boston and Cambridge once a week to teach about the structure of government, the three branches of government, elections, media, and current events. In the spring we teach about rights, responsibilities, community engagement, civil rights, and leadership. James went on to serve as chair of the CIVICS program and a member of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC).
When/Why did you get involved at the Institute of Politics?
I first got involved with the IOP when I applied for the Harvard CIVICS Program my sophomore year. I had decided that summer that I needed something new to do, something that involved community service and politics. CIVICs seemed like the perfect fit for what I wanted, but I was nervous about applying. This was the first time I did anything at the IOP other than the occasional forum my freshman year – I hope it can serve as an example of someone who wasn’t involved all four years and still found a place at the IOP. I taught in a classroom in South Boston, and had such a wonderful time preparing each week. After a year in the program, I decided to run for leadership. As the IOP co-chair for CIVICS, I became a member of SAC, and enjoyed my chance to work much more closely with the IOP.
What is your favorite IOP memory?
My favorite IOP memory was each day I got to spend in the classroom. I’ve worked in many different classrooms across Boston and Cambridge, and have visited or substitute taught in almost every school CIVICS works in. The energy, excitement, and enthusiasm of our students reminded me each lesson why I was there. In one school, I helped start a student government. I remember in another one of my classes, I would get high fives from every student as I made my way to the front of the class. It made me feel like a celebrity for an hour a week! My work in the classroom became the inspiration for my thesis, where I dealt with the purpose of education in a democratic society.
What was your overall experience with the IOP?
Overall my experience was extremely positive. It’s nice to have a community of students actually interested in discussing public service and politics. I enjoyed seeing classmates around the IOP and campus – they became my IOPfriends. Having the IOP behind me made leading CIVICS a much easier experience – I felt like the only limits for my program was in my imagination.
Why is public service important to you?
A lot of people are working in so many different areas trying to make a difference in the world (non-profits, science, news, advocacy). Many of these groups go to the government to push for legislative action, changes, or support. The way I see it, why not be the person on the other side of the desk who can make the change a reality? In government, you can work on a variety of topics, improving every facet of community life ranging from food to scientific research to criminal justice to civil rights to energy to foreign affairs. It’s a rewarding and exciting profession, and you have access to some of the largest collections of information in the world. Every day is a new learning experience.
Talk about some of the opportunities the IOP provided you.
The IOP supported my government internships on Capitol Hill and in San Francisco through summer grants– I’m extremely grateful for that support. Without it, summer would have been a struggle for me pursuing a government career. The IOP provided a lot of support when I led CIVICS. They printed curriculum, funded travel for our teachers, helped set up field trips, worked to contact the Cambridge Public Schools so we could expand the program. I truly enjoyed working with the staff, especially Laura, as a program chair. CIVICS would not have been the same without her!
What are you doing after graduation?
After graduation I will be moving to Washington DC, where I hope to find work on the Hill for a House Democrat. I would like to work on education, civil rights, and economic issues.
