LYCOMING COLLEGE 2024 FALL MAGAZINE

“Upon graduation from Lycoming, I accepted a position as a junior research analyst for the PA House Democratic Caucus’ Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO). In this role, I compile research memos, bill drafts, and co-sponsorship memos, as well as aid in constituent correspondence. Within our office, I’m part of the Natural Resources Unit, so I work specifically on issues relating to agriculture and rural affairs, environmental resources and energy, veterans’ affairs, and emergency preparedness. I enjoy working at the state government level because our work directly affects people’s lives, whether they realize it or not. Although I never anticipated working with the issues that I do, I’ve learned so much in the first year and love that aspect. I get to work on research and legislation that helps people live safer, healthier, and happier lives, and that is all I could ask for out of my work.” For my Haberberger Fellowship research, I chose to study how a person’s belief that their government serves them (political efficacy) influences whether they vote. People who are experiencing homelessness or have low incomes face so many unique challenges based on their circumstances. If these groups aren’t voting or engaging in politics, their elected officials might not know what their needs are or how to address them. My research revealed, as I expected, that people with low incomes didn’t feel like their elected officials listened to their needs and were less likely to vote or engage in politics. This role was a natural progression for me, as I’ve always known that I want to help people, and my special interest in public policy made this a perfect fit. I think there are plenty

“From every new assignment, crisis response, increased leadership responsibilities, and the of leading diverse teams, my educational experience at Lycoming College has served as the foundation for my continued learning and success. It enables me to support and develop creative solutions to multifactorial problems while bringing a human touch to highly technical professions and challenges through authenticity and active listening. I chose public service to make a difference and help improve the daily lives of the public, both here at home and abroad, while striving to connect with the American people and instill a confidence in the skills, passion, and character of career public servants. Public service is necessary to save lives, improve communities, and influence social change. For me, public service has provided immense and enduring fulfillment, enjoyment, purpose, and impact. Public servants should be representative of society, so we need everyone to consider a career in public service. Choosing a career in public service provides a great opportunity to selflessly serve others while offering the ability to address the current and emerging challenges facing the communities we all live in. A real opportunity to make a difference in one life while helping the nation become healthier, sustainable, stronger, and united.” - Herbert Wolfe, Ph.D., MHS-PA ’93 Chief Medical Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Director, Office of Health Security

of people who care deeply about the issues we work on in the public sector every day, but their perceptions of government prevent them from doing this work. Our diverse society demands a public service workforce with a variety of backgrounds, and there will always be a place for people who care about the greater good and want to use their talents to make the world a better place.”

- Olivia Wilson ’23 Junior Research Analyst PA House Democratic Caucus’ Legislative Policy and Research Office

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