Jessica Shumacher '11

50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now
Washington, DC
Major at Wooster: Political Science

Every day, I have to think critically about issues and employ analytical research, writing, and speaking skills to do my job as a researcher for an education policy and advocacy organization. It was my research background at Wooster that prepared me for the rigors of a "real world" research-oriented job. Through classes geared towards preparing me for the Independent Study process and then actually carrying out my own empirical study within the political science discipline, I garnered invaluable critical thinking and writing expertise, which set me apart from other candidates for my job and continue to help me in my every day work. Even though I didn't take a single class focused on education policy at Wooster, I am successful at my job because I learned how to really read, analyze problems, and write at Wooster. I also would not have been nearly as prepared for life after Wooster without the careful mentorship of my professors. From professors who just wanted to help me be successful to those who mentored me during the Independent Study process, the relationships I forged with them helped me get the most out of my Wooster education. After spending a few years working in the education policy world, I plan to go back to graduate school to get a degree in public policy or public administration. I have found my "niche" in education policy and advocacy, working to provide a first-rate education to all children in the United States, regardless of where they live. A public policy degree will only enhance my research skills that were first crafted at Wooster and will provide me with more opportunities to work on the issue about which I am most passionate - reforming America's education system.