Undergraduate

Ella Paul

  • Class

    Class of 2024
  • Program

    B.A. in Political Science; minor in Public Policy Leadership ( College of Liberal Arts )
  • Hometown

    Springfield, IL ()
  • Involvement

    Service and Community Engagement
  • Social Media

  • About

    Ella is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Policy Leadership. She is a member of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, and Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society. She has interned with the Newberg Group working on political campaign fundraising, and the Illinois House of Representatives.

Why did you choose to attend UM?

I chose to attend UM because I fell in love with the beautiful town and campus. Coming from Illinois, I knew I wanted to go out of state and somewhere new, that many people from my high school weren’t attending. The bright, welcoming atmosphere and the numerous internship opportunities that were provided to me helped me make my final decision.

What would you tell a high school student about your major?

I would say that you need to keep an open mind about everything. It is extremely easy to allow for politics to take over your views of certain courses or topics, but these debates and conversations can be extremely productive! Being a Political Science major shows you’re passionate about making others’ lives better and learning about your country’s political processes. In order to get the most out of our major, you must be willing to collaborate and understand everyone’s opinions regardless of your own. The most important thing to know as well is that everything you learn about politics in school changes completely once you have worked in the political world. You must be able to work spontaneously and with the unpredictability of politics, if you choose to go that direction.

What are your 3 favorite things about your major/department at UM?

  1. I like that you are able to choose your own emphasis on a subject you care the most about.
  2. Our advisors are continuously looking out for you and giving you every opportunity to advance through internships and seminars.
  3. Every class is uniquely different and surrounding interesting topics.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

After graduation I will be receiving my master’s degree in public policy/Public Administration while interning with the Illinois House of Representatives as a legislative analyst. After my master’s, I plan to attend law school. I hope to one day hold public office and work in the political field.

What is your go-to meal in Oxford?

My favorite meal in Oxford is the Hotty Toddy Balls from Volta Taverna. I have never had a bad meal here!

What are some dream travel destinations?

My dream travel destinations would have to be Italy and Greece! I hope to travel to one of these places after graduation!

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self?

The plan you come into college with will almost never be the plan you leave with. Anything can happen in school and your interests can change and that is okay! You may have pressure to know exactly what you want to do with your life, but the truth is that nobody knows! I always need to remind myself to not put so much pressure onto myself and relax!

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