A Student Guide to The Fellows Program
Photo via GU Politics
VILDA WESTH BLANC: Fellows season is among us; whether you have just joined a Student Strategy Team (SST) for the first time, or are curious about the program from the student body perspective, this guide is for you.
Every year, GU Politics brings in an amazing cohort of fellows, each from different career backgrounds and experiences that will appeal to a vast range of student interests. This year, the fellows come from a rather strict political background, which is very fitting for the current events we are and will be experiencing here in DC as election day approaches.
While some fellows might be more approachable than others, office hours are the best way to break into their bubble and their personal sides, while also letting them see yours. Office hours are open to the entire student body, so even if you are not available for the discussion time, it is your chance to connect with the fellows on your own time.
You may have noticed the line to speak to the fellow following each discussion group—save yourself the waiting and just sign up for office hours! There is no need to prepare anything for your meeting—many of the fellows are even happy to talk about things that have nothing to do with their discussion.
Ashley Gunn, one of the fellows this semester, said “I hope to open some doors for students and give insight into opportunities beyond politics.” She added, “The political world is so toxic right now, we need to take time to listen to each other, to be kind, and understand people’s different backgrounds; there are always two sides to a pancake and we are all more similar than we are different.”
This is also a time for political and personal growth. Afterall, I have no doubt that you all are interested in politics if you are involved in an SST. My biggest recommendation is to take this time as an opportunity to speak with students who have very differing views from your own. Step outside your comfort zone and attend discussions with fellows who are on the opposite political spectrum! Dare to speak up at a fellow’s discussion where they might say something you completely disagree with. Start the debate and be willing to learn— you might leave the discussion with a different perspective and opinion than when you walked in.
“In a place surrounded by such high achieving students, the college experience is even harder now since covid and we should all just be nicer to each other” Gunn said. “As a mom, I just want to be a warm blanket to the students that attend these discussions.”
By attending office hours and regular discussions, you can earn the perks of being on an SST and attend field trips around DC hosted by the fellows. Be on the lookout for these opportunities and snag your spot as soon as the invites are sent out!
As a member of an SST, the team ambiance is mostly dictated by the team lead’s contributions, but don't feel hopeless if that's not you! You can make a huge difference in the team morale and influence the direction that you want to take your discussion group in. Throughout this experience, you will get out as much out as you put into the SST, your discussion group, and your fellow.
Marina Chernin, SFS ‘27, who was on Machalagh Carr’s team last year shared, “The connections I made on my SST will truly last a lifetime—my teammates are some of my best friends! One is literally teaching me how to cook once a week this semester.” She added, “I also had the opportunity to intern for one of the fellows whose team I was on over the summer, and it was an incredible learning experience. Especially exciting after diving into the intricacies of his industry in all of our discussions!”
The fellows program with GU politics often flies under the radar for the general study body, but it is a great way to get involved with the political scene on a personal level. There are plenty of cool guest speakers that come to Georgetown, but GU Politics gives you a rare, hands-on opportunity where you can meet one-on-one with professionals in the field and build close relationships. The fellows aren’t here for long, and even if you are not directly staffed on an SST, seize the chance to get involved and make the most of your resources!
Vilda Westh Blanc is a staff writer for OTR and a sophomore in the SFS studying IPOL security. She is a citizen of France and Sweden but now resides in a small town outside Nashville TN. She was on an SST last semester with national security reporter Dan Lamothe.