<p>Hey, everyone. I’m a rising sophomore who’s exploring the future. I don’t expect to have a definitive plan at this point, but I’d like some help in contextualizing my situation and locating some resources. Really, I’m looking for any advice or guidance I can get–I receive very little from my parents.</p>
<p>I’m a low-income student, a full Pell Grant recipient, from a small town. I’m realizing that there are whole industries and classes of jobs I’m just not aware of. I’m concerned about picking something that’s viable and not missing out on opportunities.</p>
<p>Honestly, my expectations aren’t that high. Before coming to Emory, I don’t think I’d ever met anyone who made 6 figures–I’m not sure what one does with that kind of money.</p>
<p>I’d really like to land a job in policy/government and I’d like to get involved in politics at the state and local level (eventually holding a state office or being a city manager or local judge). I’m looking at graduate programs in law, social work, and public policy–possibly a program providing combined two of these. I’m concerned about the debt of earning a JD or MPP, and about the living conditions of a social work–though funding for an MSW isn’t terribly difficult to come by and it’s effectively a guaranteed job.</p>
<p>I’ve been really fortunate thus far. I’m making almost $5,000 as an 8-week nonprofit educational policy/research intern in the Carolinas; I have a paid fellowship with a political organization in D.C.; and I’m a fellow for a political campaign. School’s going decently: I have around a 3.5, intending to major in economics and sociology. I’ll graduate with practically no debt.</p>
<p>Also, since my school doesn’t offer public policy, I’m planning on applying for transfer admissions at Cornell, Northwestern, and Vanderbilt to enter Fall 2013. We’ll see how that pans out.</p>