International Policies
Thoughts of Global Policies & Journalism
As I sat with my family in the living room, the television flickered to life. It casts a blue glow that illuminates our faces. It was the daily ritual of politics - debates, news segments, and passionate voices discussing the intricacies of American politics. My grandparents raised me primarily. TV politics constantly played an hour every single day, and I was being filled and bombarded with war crimes, and the heavy weight of what the world truly carried. Within the drive of freedom of press in Jamaica, Reporters Without Borders states, a “Media landscape Broadcast media are commercial and convey a variety of viewpoints, and the country’s (Jamaica) main newspapers – Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Gleaner and Jamaica Star – are privately owned. The government has no stake in the vast majority of local media and Jamaica remains very well positioned in terms of content independence.” Meanwhile, in the U.S it is the complete opposite, in a publication by Pew Research, it states, “Roughly six-in-ten U.S. journalists surveyed (57%) say they are extremely or very concerned about potential restrictions on press freedoms in the country, including a third of journalists who say they are extremely concerned. Another 23% are somewhat concerned.”
My grandparents were avid followers of Jamaican and American policy, which would stimulate various conversations between them. Growing up in America, the media freedoms for Journalists are starkly different from Jamaica. The screen had war crimes, deeply opinionated facts and beliefs of particular groups of people, and sometimes–people who were the changemakers, seen as rebels, pushing against the narrative we are forced to believe, to sit back and see people suffer without doing anything about it. But as I grew older, while I was in high school, I gained a deep understanding of American society and politics from the news. It started with the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history. From 2008-2018 events like, Black lives matter, MeToo movement and various international events shaped me to see the reality of the world. I recall the look of terror in all of the teens' eyes as they cried and had to experience such a traumatic experience of a loss of peers. Someone who stood out to me was Emma (X) Gonzalez, gave a viral speech against gun violence, proclaiming "We call B.S." on the lack of action by politicians funded by the NRA.[9] Subsequently, González continued to be an outspoken activist on gun control, making high-profile media appearances and helping organize the March for Our Lives. X also co-founded the gun-control advocacy group. Never
School had been my source of motivation, holding a protest of awareness outside of classes, and I became class president to ensure I could work in union with my peers and educators. This has followed me throughout my school career, I have done several panels for my community college, in an effort to bridge the gap between professors and students in the wake of the George Floyd incident. I have worked with my educators to help spread awareness and provide resources to those affected by systemic racism. As a student striving to be a future journalist, I am committed to using my platform to promote social change and create a more equitable and just society. I became leader of the Black Student Alliance, and worked with the Dean of Students to speak of specific initiatives that can help the college go in a direction that assured student voices are heard, and that educators also can have an opportunity to speak candidly about such topics within the classroom. I firmly believe in the transformative power of education, and as a student, I see myself as a vital bridge between faculty and students. During my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to facilitate forums between faculty and students, providing valuable insights into the mutual desire for these discussions within scholarly settings. These experiences underscore the importance of creating spaces for dialogue that advance both education and relationships between students and faculty. Armed with this passion for advocacy and the potential offered by UMASS Amherst's master's program, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to the field of international education and policy-making. One noteworthy event I orchestrated was the "Black Student Alliance & Afro-Latinx Representation" panel for the Black Student Alliance Organization at my community college. These discussions not only facilitated a deeper understanding of identity and community but also contributed to breaking down stigmas and stereotypes surrounding specific groups of people. Creating a space for students and faculty to engage in meaningful conversations about how school systems can better support them has been a driving force behind my initiatives.
I believe as students we are all striving to be our best selves but the problems of this world will always drag our thoughts and our well being away. It causes stress: the war with Russia overtaking Ukraine, the War in Palestine as well as other global/international issues that causes our perspectives to be challenged and our needs to be overlooked. The lack of resolution or tangible progress on these issues can be disheartening, leading to a sense of disillusionment and apathy. As educators and mentors, it's crucial to create spaces where students can engage in constructive dialogue, seek support, and channel their concerns into positive action. Encouraging resilience, empathy, and critical thinking skills can empower students to navigate these challenges while striving to be their best selves amidst a complex and ever-changing world. I believe academia is a space to speak of such issues, student leaders, like myself who have come from underprivileged backgrounds have a voice that deserves to be heard, and I believe that being within the Public Policy program, it will give me the tools to not only formulate plans and initiatives to help the underprivileged and underrepresented but also allow me to have connections with various students and educators who are willing to make their voices heard on a international level. The Public Policy program has governance, education, and family relations as well as international opportunities I want to experience. Studying a Public Policy program with a focus on governance, education, family relations, and international opportunities aligns well with my aspirations.
As a journalist I have learned the power and importance of storytelling. Everyone has a story to tell, but I would like to help those who are voiceless, as a journalist I believe that I can contribute to creating a space for those who need it the most. By speaking to people who are in tragic and disadvantaged situations, within education systems around the world, or women and children, I want to be there to help them. Through Public Policy I can use my one and one relationships with individuals to assure communities around the world-their needs are met. Public Policy will better structure my goals to the path that would assure I can make the most impact. I would like to Incorporate narratives of marginalized and underrepresented people, events, and societal changes to illustrate the relevance of historical methods in understanding and addressing current policy challenges. For instance, you could explore the history of educational reform movements or the evolution of international human rights law through compelling storytelling.
With my background in History studies, understanding the historical context of public policy issues provides valuable insights into their origins, evolution, and impact on societies. By studying past policies, legislation, and socio-political movements, you can identify recurring patterns, successes, and failures that inform present-day policymaking. I hope to Conduct comparative analysis that allows for the examination of policy approaches and outcomes across different countries, regions, or time periods. By identifying similarities and differences, you can identify best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions applicable to diverse contexts. Craft comparative narratives that highlight the experiences of individuals or communities affected by various policy approaches. By showcasing real-life examples, you can demonstrate the impact of different policy choices on people's lives and well-being. I believe the work of Crafting compelling narratives that highlight the human dimensions of policy issues, drawing on personal testimonies, case studies, will draw success to engage audiences emotionally and intellectually. By connecting policy proposals to real-world experiences, we can foster empathy, solidarity, and collective action towards positive social change.
Storytelling as a Tool for Policy Advocacy:
What are the most effective storytelling techniques for engaging policymakers and mobilizing public support for policy change?
How do grassroots advocacy campaigns utilize storytelling to advance human rights agendas and influence decision-makers?
The Public Policy department would introduce me to ways I can create reform to tackle these issues. I would like to modify my studies in a journalistic and socio advocacy way, where I can assure these stories are shown while also creating ways to have my peers and I be trailblazers for the ones after us. My future plans would be to This program may be my first step to achieving these goals. public policy, governance, or international affairs. By taking on leadership roles, you can advocate for changes within the program, such as curriculum enhancements, guest speaker events, or networking opportunities. My aspirations in international education drive me towards attending graduate school, with a specific focus on leveraging educational policies and social welfare to support students and families. Enrolling in the master's program at UMASS Amherst holds the key to unlocking the tools necessary for thorough research and active participation in spaces that align with my educational goals. My ultimate vision is to become a policy maker within the education system, advocating for equitable resources for students across the spectrum, from K-12 to college academia.