If you had told me as a Freshman at FSU that I would live in London and work in Parliament, I would have laughed. However, today, I am so proud that I took the initiative to apply for the Internship Program at FSU because it has changed the trajectory of my life in more ways than one.
Black Women Business Owners’ Struggles and Survival Strategies
As entrepreneurship interventions and initiatives consider other ways to assist new business owners, I hope they consider challenges impacting Black women, specifically. Resources like mentoring, networking workshops, and education related to combating racial and gender discrimination for other owners could alleviate certain problems impacting Black women’s experience with business ownership. Providing the tools to be successful in crowdsourcing, participating in pitch competitions, and juggling full-time employment with personal businesses would also aid Black women entrepreneurs.
Social Science Scholar: Internship with the Cambodian Children's Advocacy Foundation
Because of Social Science Scholars, I was able to completely fund an entire internship in a foreign country, which is an amazing opportunity that few students are able to accomplish. I believe that my time in the program has greatly increased my own confidence in my abilities, along with overcoming my personal dilemmas that may have prevented me from going beyond my own limitations. Social Science Scholars is a phenomenal program that brings out the best in students by encouraging them to go forth into the world and take their knowledge and experience into the field.
Research Spotlight: Police Officer Use of Force and Citizen Complaints
While competing narratives have taken shape in American society little is known as to how officers choose to use force in situations and if there is any racial or gender bias during police encounters that amount in heightened levels of force used. To study this subject more meticulously I analyze citizen complaint outcomes for police use of force from two cities: Indianapolis and New Orleans. Analyzing citizen complaint data from these two cities serves several purposes.
Social Science Scholar: Interning at Lockton Companies
Since joining the Social Science Scholars program, I’ve felt encouraged to pursue a variety of academic and professional endeavors. First, I began by immersing myself in corporate America, interning at Lockton Companies, outside of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Lockton is the world’s largest privately owned insurance brokerage and focuses on providing insurance, risk management, employee benefits…
Reproduction Matters
Every January 1st, local news outlets feature joyous accounts of the first babies born in the new year—a tradition that highlights auspicious beginnings. But throughout the year, few topics capture headlines as frequently as those related to reproduction. On any given day, a glance at the front page of a major newspaper or online source…
Social Science Scholar: Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts in the U.S.
After graduation, I hope to pursue a joint degree in law and public health with a focus on human trafficking. My summer experiences expanded my knowledge, reinforced my passion, and sharpened my technical skills. The development work I did at LCHT can be applied to other areas within the nonprofit field because all nonprofits need funding for their work. In addition, the leadership development program at LCHT provided me with tools for self-care to prevent burnout in a field with such a high turnover. In addition, my research skills and findings from Minnesota will not only strengthen my honors thesis but also contribute to anti-trafficking recommendations in Florida. I am grateful to the Social Science Scholars program for the funding and inspiration to undertake my summer projects.
Social Science Scholar: Off the Street Club
This summer was remarkable. Post-graduation, I plan on returning to Chicago to work for the company that I interned with as an Art Director and also working with Off the Street Club or a nonprofit that works with youth in the Chicago areas. I am forever indebted to the Social Science Scholar program and donors who made this summer a possibility. None of this would have been possible if it had not been for Dr. Tom Taylor and Dr. John Mayo and the entire College of Social Sciences & Public Policy for supporting the summer of a lifetime.
Aging Today: Can We Count on Having Social Security in the Future?
This piece originally aired during WFSU’s Aging Today segment. Social Security has been very successful in reducing poverty among older Americans. But the increasing number of recipients raises the specter that the system cannot be sustained. Economists estimate that without changing in financing, the average benefit will decrease 20% by 2030. Surveys report that at…
From the Dean's Desk: What a Remarkable 2019!
It’s important to note just how fundamental COSSPP is to FSU’s success. As the third largest college on campus (by number of students), displaying the demographic and intellectual diversity that is a signature of the FSU experience, the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is a key element of this rise up the rankings. Over the course of the calendar year, COSSPP will graduate another 1,700+ students, producing 1 in every 6 degrees granted by FSU. Unlike many programs that cap their enrollments or limit their majors, COSSPP’s programs serve all students, and we are a key part of the parity in university graduation rates regardless of race, gender, and background.
