Rising junior demonstrates passion for Public Service

Rising junior Jessia Avila has a passion for giving back and aspires to make a difference in the world.

Avila, a Political Science and Marketing major with a Spanish minor from Waldorf, Md., is one step closer to her dream career in public service after being recognized with two honors.

She is one of 20 students selected from over 600 applicants across the U.S. as an inaugural Key into Public Service Scholar by The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. (McDaniel is one of 290 colleges and universities with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter.) The award recognizes students who have demonstrated interest in working in the public sector and possess a strong academic record in the liberal arts and sciences.

“I would like to focus on community development and policymaking, especially for underrepresented and marginalized groups. I hope to champion the rights of all individuals, promote educational advancement, and celebrate cultural understanding,” said Jessia Avila.

As a Key into Public Service Scholar, Avila will receive training and mentorship, as well as the opportunity to take part in a virtual gathering, that will assist her with her goal of working in public service.

“It is a blessing to have been selected as a recipient of The Phi Beta Kappa Society’s Key into Public Service Scholarship because this honor represents the value of individual potential, interdisciplinary curiosity, leadership, and service,” Avila said. “The mentoring resources and learning opportunities offered in addition to the scholarship are invaluable avenues for public service careers. It is a connection between my liberal arts education and the underrepresented, marginalized individuals I hope to empower and serve in diverse communities.”

Avila has also been chosen to participate through Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs as a fellow in the 2020 Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSIP) and will complete her internship during Summer 2021. As a fellow, Avila will gain experience by interning at a government agency and receive guidance from a senior-level professional, explore policymaking and state government through seminars and increase exposure to the government sector through events and networking opportunities with state leaders.

“I will also have the opportunity to practice with a group of fellows by presenting a policy analysis and recommendation of our own creation to the governor at the end of the program,” added Avila.

Avila learned of the opportunity to apply for the scholarship program from Political Science professor Christianna Leahy. She said she knew it would help her “grow as a knowledgeable, empathetic advocate.”

“I would be given the skills and resources to embrace the power invested in me, live with purpose, and serve others wholeheartedly,” Avila said.

"Jessia is truly one of the very best students with whom I have had the pleasure of working,” says Leahy. “I believe she will make a real difference in the world. She is the only student in my 36 years of teaching to whom I have given an A+.”

A Dorsey Scholar, Avila is involved in the Global Fellows Program and Model United Nations as well as serves as the secretary of Palabras to Words, a student organization that helps non-English speakers learn English, and McDaniel’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Avila hopes to pursue a master’s degree in the future and have a career in public service at the federal, local or international level.

“I would like to focus on community development and policymaking, especially for underrepresented and marginalized groups,” said Avila. “I hope to champion the rights of all individuals, promote educational advancement, and celebrate cultural understanding.”