again the following year and graduating a year later than I expected, I chose to explore other undergraduate majors and graduate with my class. “Rehabilitation studies helped me become sensitive to the needs of others who are physically or intellectually different. As a foundational degree, I believe it allows me to approach political service in a more compassionate and impartial manner. “Ralph Bunche was the first individual of color to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950. As president of the Winston-Salem State Ralph Bunche Society, I encourage minority students to demonstrate interest in global affairs, to become internationally conscious and to stay connected to current political issues regardless of their field of undergraduate study. As an African American female, I would like to encourage more minority involvement in governmental activities and pending legislation, and bring awareness to various issues on hand that will impact lives. “The Society has given me many opportunities, including my first internship in the summer of 2009 with the United Negro College
Fund Special Programs, Institute for International Public Policy. I also gained the opportunity of studying abroad in the summer of 2010 in Ghana and Benin. Being a member in the Society led me to my current internship with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Emerging Leaders Internship Program. “The purpose of the program is to create a corps of trained, young leaders with the skills, outlook and contacts necessary to generate and sustain positive change in Washington, DC, and local communities. I am also currently enrolled in George Washington University’s Semester in Washington Program. This program is giving me a combination of hands-on coursework and networking opportunities at some of the most famous addresses in the country. “The Emerging Leaders Internship Program placed me at the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the Department of Labor. I am hoping to get more students who attend Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) involved in the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP). This is an amazing program that I am passionate about, and I would like to raise awareness about it for the students who attend the underrepresented minority-serving institutions. I am also currently working on other projects and I am prepared to take action wherever I am needed. My personal goal is to build professional relationships that will foster growth and development. “Upon completion of my internship, I would like to continue to work in the federal government. I am committed to working and promoting the ideals of public service and strengthening America. As a child, my parents told me that ‘the only place you’ll find success before work is in the dictionary.’ I value hard work, commitment and dedication. I entered Winston-Salem State University to learn in August 2007, and I departed to serve on May 14, 2011. I am a proud product of my HBCU.” Amilca O’Conner is a Congressional Black Caucus Emerging Leaders intern with the Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.
President Obama: Help is on the way Meet Demetrius Jones (no relation to Cornell), a junior Political Science major with a minor in Economics, by way of Nuremburg, Germany, thanks to military parents serving in the United States Army. Having that kind of background, there is little wonder that he is deeply passionate about building cross-cultural perspectives and working toward improving international relations. With another year to go before graduation, Jones is clear about his intentions. “I’m going to be the first African-American Senator from the state of North Carolina,” he has said with great confidence. He could very well achieve that goal, considering his preparation for that arena. Jones is heavily involved with the student organization, Black Men for Change. He served as a member of the organization’s executive board and has also served as cochair of the “Black Male Symposium,” an annual program that addresses challenges facing young African American men in the United States.
Through his service and advocacy work, Jones has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a willingness to serve his community through various outreach initiatives, boards, student organizations and community programs. His ability to network and serve as a bridge builder between diverse communities has gained him notice in the wider community. He is the first college student ever accepted into Leadership Winston-Salem, a prestigious community leadership program that educates, connects and energizes leaders to serve and improve the community. He currently serves as the president of the Young Democrats of Forsyth County. He was one of only four African Americans to represent the United States at the 21st International Youth Leadership Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, in January 2011. The conference was a week-long forum on world politics, international relations and social justice to facilitate an exchange of ideas across an ethnically diverse and socially responsible group of young international leaders. Through
the contacts he cultivated with community leaders, business executives and state legislators during his time at WSSU, Jones was able to raise the funds for the trip to Prague. “My world perspective has been broadened through new and diverse cultural and professional experiences,” said Jones. “I have gained a new cross-cultural understanding through the intense workshops, forums, and simulations with student leaders from around the world. I hope these efforts will provide cultural and professional opportunities for other undergraduate students as well.” Jones served as intern with the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, DC, during the summer. ARCHWAY
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