Reflections of a Student Worker
During the spring and fall semesters of 2023, two of our PSIA (Political Science & International Affairs) students joined our department’s “Communications Team” in the role of student worker. During their tenure, Orla Fennell and Gabriella (Gabi) Bartlett, both IA majors, did everything from authoring articles for our blog and Newsletters to calling alumni to ask for donations to our Friedman scholarship fund as part of 91ÁÔÆæ’s RISE campaign. In addition, Orla was primarily responsible for creating and sending messages to students via 91ÁÔÆæ Connect, while Gabi put her skills to use organizing and overseeing our social media presence on Instagram and Facebook. They both finished their undergraduate careers in December 2023, but before they left, we asked them to reflect on their time as part of the Comms Team.
Orla
Honestly there have been so many great memories I've had and people I've met throughout my time as a PSIA student worker. Some of the most memorable moments from my time working for the department include attending Bear on the Square to represent the department, interviewing multiple alumni who have invaluable advice and knowledge; the signing; working alongside Gabi, Morgan, and Donny [other student workers]; and being present for the signing of the Dr. Barry Friedman Scholarship Memorandum of Agreement.
I am from Peachtree City, GA and I graduated from McIntosh High School. I decided to come to 91ÁÔÆæ after visiting the college and falling in love with the beautiful and quaint town and campus. I decided to major in International Affairs with a European concentration for no sole reason -- mostly because I liked learning about different countries and how they interact with each other. I can now say with certainty that IA is much more than just countries interacting with each other, and that choosing this degree was one of the best decisions I've made to date. The degree is applicable in so many areas of life and offers a wide range of knowledge and job opportunities. 91ÁÔÆæ’s PSIA department has some of the best faculty, in my opinion, with lots of professors who are passionate about IA and dedicated to each student’s success.
Gabi
I went to Northview High School in Johns Creek, GA and I always wanted to work in the legal field. I interned at a law firm in my gap semester during the fall of 2020 and found that a pre-law degree isn’t absolutely necessary to a future law career and that I could, in fact, pursue any undergraduate program – as long as I did well in the program, any degree would translate well into law. So, I chose to major in International Affairs as I’ve always been interested in international law.
As far as a student intern, I’ve loved the opportunities we’ve had to meet interesting people, but more so the opportunity to really connect with the Department. Getting to know the professors and connect with them on the team level made me more comfortable with my professors and they have given me a lot of advice and insight for my academic career that is invaluable.
We thank Orla and Gabi for their excellent work and contributions to PSIA and wish them both all the best in their future endeavors.
Update: Currently, Orla is serving as a legislative assistant to GA State Senators Greg Dolezal and Larry Walker, while Gabi is pursuing her Masters of Public Policy degree from the University of VA.