This summer, 18 undergraduate students from 10 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico participated in the Ford School Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute (JSI)—a seven-week intensive program. The cohort traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in the PPIA Future Leaders Summit alongside their peers at Harvard and Princeton, a historic moment for all PPIA JSI students to come together for the first time. This summer also marked 45 years for the Ford School as a PPIA host site.
Hattie Martinek, a rising senior from University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, answers questions about her experience.
What drew you to apply for the PPIA Junior Summer Institute, and what were you hoping to get out of it?
One of my professors and advisors in the honors college at UTC initially informed me about the JSI, and I decided to apply because of PPIA's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and positive policy change, as well as the Ford School's prestigious reputation for exceptional faculty, policy analysis, and social policy research.
Was there a moment in class—a lecture, debate, or discussion—that really shifted how you think about a policy issue?
During one of our modules with the Education Policy Initiative, we began our session with the question, "Should college be free?" I entered the discussion with a clear, definite answer, but after learning about my peers' financial aid experiences in college and exploring the interactions between various collegiate funding systems, I wasn't so sure. A major takeaway from this experience was that public policy is never binary – there isn't a simple yes or no answer or a right or wrong. Public policy is nuanced, and the intention in positive policymaking is to create the most beneficial policy for the most people.
What has it been like learning from Ford School faculty and guest speakers this summer?
This summer at the Ford School has been enriching and invigorating. I am so incredibly grateful to have been selected to spend the past couple of months learning from such esteemed academics and career professionals. I have enjoyed learning quantitative skills from Dr. Hanson and Dr. Ward and enhancing my writing techniques with Professor Alex Ralph. They have created such a welcoming and nurturing learning environment, and I hope to return to the Ford School in the future and continue my education under their guidance and instruction.
What's it been like being part of a cohort of students from all over the country?
Being a part of such a diverse, intelligent, and supportive cohort from across the nation has been challenging and rewarding. I have learned to let go of assumptions, embrace discomfort, and listen with intention and thoughtful engagement.
PPIA JSI fellows in front of the University of Michigan's Michigan Union, a place for students to study, eat, and connect at the heart of campus What's one thing you'll take with you from this summer—a skill, a mindset, a piece of advice—as you move forward?
As I leave Ann Arbor and return home, I will bring back two suitcases, my Ford School Carhartt backpack, and a renewed sense of dedication to public service. My summer at UMich has taught me to approach the classroom and others with curiosity rather than self-assuredness. I also learned to utilize my resources – I have had some struggles in statistics and microeconomics, but my fabulous grad student instructors, Elizabeth and Darshana, were always ready to explain difficult concepts, provide extra practice problems, and offer a shoulder to lean on or lend an ear. They are not only outstanding academics, but witty and wonderful friends.
What's been your favorite part of exploring Ann Arbor this summer?
My favorite part of exploring Ann Arbor this summer has been trying new eateries, my favorites being Frita Batidos, The Hen, and Blank Slate, and frequenting small businesses at the Kerrytown farmer's market, Rock Paper Scissors, Literati, and Bivouac. I have also enjoyed the lush nature in Ann Arbor, such as the Argo Cascades, the Arb, and the Huron River.
PPIA JSI fellows at Blank Slate Creamery in downtown Ann Arbor If you had to describe your PPIA JSI summer in three words, what would they be?
Adventurous, enlightening, and collaborative.
Any go-to study spot or favorite coffee shop you discovered on campus or around town?
My favorite on-campus study spot is the grad library reference room. My favorite coffee shop is Ondo. I love their pastry selection.
What was your favorite part of the DC trip?
My favorite part of the DC trip was making new friends in the other cohorts and getting to connect in-person rather than online. It was wonderful to learn more about the other cohort's experiences at their host institutions and their motivations for public service careers. I also loved exploring historic landmarks and discussing the future of public service in the epicenter of U.S. politics.
