I have a genuine interest in the public welfare of both my locality, state, and nation. Having been afforded the privileged opportunities in society that I have, I feel a moral obligation to contribute back to the society that birthed me. I am a civil servant, exercising my capacities intellectually, socially, and emotionally to public service.
I was afforded the opportunity to pursue my degree, and received a B.A. in 2020, majoring in sociology and minoring in psychology. I have always been drawn to the power of the written word and developed as a writer during my time at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Where I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration with the aim of entering the policy analysis profession, I have goals of freeing the mind of which is so heavily constrained. No less, I believe in the public good, in the inherent capacity of good that humanity possesses. I’m compelled to give back what I so gracefully received; knowledge and opportunity.
I have a strong conviction that public goods should be both accessible, attributable to strong public investment, and of a standard that crosses class boundaries. I work toward this aim, believing that, although government needs substantial reform, it should and ought to provide a quality of life affordable to all and not just the privileged few.
Writing from the northern most boundary of the Bible Belt in the Midwest flyover country, I bring a perspective not representative of my geographic and cultural environment; this shapes my convictions to combat prejudice and the ethical violations I see in the region. None more so than scarcity that invokes a fear-based reaction to categorize the other as inhumane. In this regard, I am fortunate enough to exercise the courage this era demands to stand up for what you believe in.
My life experience has afforded me many professional opportunities, areas that have led to personal growth. I approach my work ethically, compassionately, and respectfully just as I was provided the space to develop my own viewpoints in a constructive environment with mentors shepherding my intellectual growth. My logical, scientific perspective comes from an intellectually humble position. I recognize the limits of knowledge and find that the answers to the most profound questions involve sitting with the uncertainty it provides.
-Jake
