Student’s UN Aspirations

Student’s Career Goal ... The United Nations

By Robert Graham

Earning a BS in political science and history in three years, Robert Johnston graduates this spring, will attend the University of New Mexico School of Law in the fall, and envisions working at the State Department and then the United Nations.

When Robert began his degree in political science, he became aware of the injustice being experienced worldwide. It was then that he set his goal of working for the United Nations protecting human rights. “I want to work for the UN to make sure that where someone lives does not determine whether or not he or she is treated like a human being.”

Robert Johnston outside of the ENMU Administration Building

Photograph by Katherine Moore

Originally from Albuquerque, N.M., Robert attended the pre-law Undergraduate Scholars Program at Chicago-Kent College of Law during the summer of 2012. Robert says the program “was intense, with classes five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.” Classes included Criminal Law, Evidence, Torts, Legal Research and Writing, Trial Advocacy, Property, and International Law. Additionally, Robert visited the world’s largest law firm, DLA Piper, as well as county and federal courts. Robert represented not only ENMU, but also New Mexico, as the state’s only student in the program.

At ENMU, Robert credits many of his professors with helping him to succeed. He speaks highly of Dr. Daniel Acheson- Brown, “whose breadth of knowledge in international politics is unmatched.”

Robert Johnston meeting Judge Anne C. Williams, Circuit Judge for the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Photo courtesy of Robert Johnston

Another instrumental instructor for Robert is Dr. Sue Strickler, who Robert says “guided me through the complicated maze of class registration… and is one of the reasons why I will be graduating in three years instead of four.”

Robert adds, “Dr. Jerry Everhart is the most influential professor in my studies, and I didn’t even take one of his classes!” The two met as Robert searched for a faculty advisor for the organization he founded called Students for Equality.

In addition to founding this organization, Robert serves as a senator from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Robert joined other ASENMU student senators for Legislative Session 2013, representing ENMU’s student body in Santa Fe, N.M.

The motto of “Student Success” is what Robert says “helped me to grow; the University wants me to succeed, and it provides all the resources to do. All I have to do is go for it.” Like those before him, Robert embraces the Eastern experience and realizes that ENMU prepares him for success beyond his current experience.

“ENMU has been more than a place to learn, though I have learned much; it has been a place to grow as a person mentally, emotionally, and professionally.” Robert is a valuable ambassador for ENMU, striving for excellence in the present and preparing for greatness in the future. His global outlook is no metaphor as he sets his sights on the United Nations.