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 Katie Walsh. Katie got involved with the IOP's Policy Groups Program as a freshman after coming to the Spring Open House. Later she became student chair of that program and eventually served as the Student Advisory Committee's (SAC) Communications Chair.
When/Why did you get involved at the Institute of Politics?
I joined the IOP my freshman spring. I had taken the fall to ease into college, spending time with friends and on school, by the spring I wanted to start finding an extracurricular home. I went to the IOP Open House and was welcomed by then Cittut chair, Julia Konrad. She was so unbelievably welcoming and had me sold on Cittut in a minute (she has now become one of my great friends). I was then stopped by Ken Liu and Chris Taylor, former Policy Co-chairs. They made me believe instantly in the Policy Program. I joined Policy as well and ended up chair of that program and also great friends with Ken and Chris.
What is your favorite IOP memory?
Election Night 2012 reminded me how much the people on this campus care about our country. The number of people and the enthusiasm in the JFK forum that night was inspiring. Watching the president I admire speak and be embraced by my peers was a magical experience.
What was your overall experience with the IOP?
The IOP truly became a home for me. Not only have some of my closest friends been made at the IOP, but I find incredible support from the staff. I spend many hours now just sitting in the offices of the staff members who have become friends and mentors to me. The staff and the programs have taught me so much about who I am, what my interests are, and how to pursue them. I would not be who I am and I would not have had the wonderful Harvard experience I did without the IOP.
Why is public service important to you?
If people don’t get involved in public service because the perception is negative, then how do we fix the perception? We need people to jump into politics and make our government what we want it to be. Yes America is too partisan. Yes people argue. But the people working for this country are also doing their best to ensure the best life for all Americans. If we join them, and if we join them with a positive outlook, then we can help adjust the problems we see..
Talk about some of the opportunities the IOP provided you.
The IOP gave me an INCREDIBLE internship at the U.S. Small Business Administration. It gave me the chance to meet people like Ben Bernanke, Olympia Snowe, David Axelrod, and many more. It gave me critical writing and communication skills. It has opened up my job networks. It gave me a safe place to talk about things that matter to me. It gave me AMAZING friends. I could go on and on!
What are you doing after graduation?
Not sure yet, I am applying mostly to federal and think tank policy jobs in DC!