How has your Rockefeller College/University at Albany degree helped prepare you for your career and in life?

I believe that my degree and experience in the political science department is directly responsible for my interest in international affairs, an area that has been a large focus of my career. Specifically, Professor Miroff first peaked my interest in his Soviet Studies course by providing us with insightful, real life experience about the then Soviet Union and giving us projects that made us think from the perspective of another culture. To this day, I use many of the skills I was taught in that and other political science courses to shape my interactions in negotiations with foreign governments and private entities.

What do you remember most about your days here at Rockefeller College/University at Albany?

Besides the snow and cold winters, I remember the accessibility of the professors and the opportunities for a political science major being located in the state capital. First, I can truly say that although Albany is a large school, I never felt like a number. The professors were engaged and worked to encourage students to be active in class. Second, being in the state capital provided a wide-range of opportunities to students. My junior year, for instance, I was able to intern for State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, an experience I treasure for the window it gave me into the legislative process to this day.

Do you have any advice that you would like to share with our current students?

Yes, work hard and keep a positive attitude, and participate in as many activities as you can. First, in terms of working hard –this is true whether at school, in an outside activity, or on the job. If you work hard, both in terms of quantity and quality, you will be rewarded. The people around you will recognize you. If you add a positive attitude to this formula, you will be able to achieve even more.

Second, I truly believe that one of the beauties of being in a large school like Albany is that there are activities for every interest to be taken advantage of. By being active in more than just the academic world, you have the opportunity to become a more well-rounded person.

What would you say to prospective students thinking about attending Rockefeller College/UAlbany?

I would tell them to take a wide-breadth of courses while at the College and to take advantage of being in the capital of New York State. First, although you may think that you want to specialize in a particular area, it may turn out that if you look into other areas as well, you will find them interesting. Accordingly, I believe that you should broaden your academic horizon by taking a wide-breadth of courses in addition to the core courses required for your major. Second, although Albany is a small city, it has a lot to offer in terms of experiences outside the classroom. Whether working for a not-for-profit, the Legislature, the Governor, or another branch of the government, you should take advantage of the accessibility of these resources during your tenure in college.

Is there anything else you would like us to share about you/your career/your family, etc.?

I would like to recommend that students look for a mentor. Throughout my career I have found it very helpful to have mentors along the way to discuss career and family life issues with. In terms of career, for example, my current boss, FCC Commissioner Abernathy, I first met over a decade ago when she was my professor at Georgetown University Law Center. Commissioner Abernathy has always been there as a mentor to me and has helped guide my career choices. Today, I am honored to work for her at the Federal Communications Commission and to be able to teach the law course at Georgetown that she taught me. People, such as the Commissioner, who are willing to take the time out of their busy schedules to spend a few minutes with you as a mentor, are invaluable. Therefore, I encourage you to reach out to Rockefeller College Graduates and people whom you seek out with similar interests, as potential mentors. In many cases, these relationships will be the most valuable of your professional lives.