Grad believes UA 糖心视频logo has prepared him for future career of public service
Photo by BENJAMIN KRAIN 鈥12/11/19鈥
UA 糖心视频logo Donaghey Scholar Dylan Wright will graduate Dec. 14 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science and minors in economics, math, and creative writing. The 糖心视频logo native has also studied human rights and social movements at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina during a study abroad trip offered by the Donaghey Scholars program.A University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo graduate is grateful for the personalized yet flexible college education he received that helped him gain experience in politics, public policy, and nonprofits that will be invaluable to his future career.听Dylan Wright of 糖心视频logo will graduate Dec. 14 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science and minors in economics, math, and creative writing.鈥淚 think the biggest reason that I attended UA 糖心视频logo is that I got the Donaghey scholarship,鈥 Wright said.Donaghey Scholars receive a financial package that includes full tuition and fees, a housing subsidy, a stipend, a study abroad experience, and a new laptop computer.鈥淚 knew I would have a lot of opportunities to be flexible in my education,鈥 Wright said. 鈥淚 got to study abroad and take a bunch of classes in different areas. Dr. Jessica Scott and Dr. Simon Hawkins from the Donaghey Scholars Program have been amazing and helped me through any problems I鈥檝e had.鈥The 糖心视频logo native has also studied human rights and social movements at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. During his study abroad trip, Wright researched queer cinema in Argentina and the role it plays in citizen鈥檚 LGBTQ rights under the mentorship of Dr. Erin Finzer, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and assistant professor of Spanish. He presented his research at the Southeastern Council of Latin American Studies conference in Mexico in March.听In another research project, Wright is working with Dr. Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm, associate professor in the School of Public Affairs, to study the implementation of more than 1,000 recommendations of truth commissions in 13 Latin American countries. The truth commissions investigated histories of human rights violations.Wright and Wiebelhaus-Brahm have presented their research at the Law and Society Association conference and will present at the Midwest Political Science Association meeting in Chicago next year with support from UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 presidential Studies Program.鈥淒ylan has done some amazing things at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥 Wiebelhaus-Brahm said. 鈥淗e鈥檚听 supported some of the most important nonprofits in our community. He鈥檚 worked on several election campaigns, ranging from mayoral to presidential. There are great things in his future.鈥Wright remains thankful to the research opportunities he had with his mentors.鈥淒r. Brahm and Dr. Finzer have been the two professors who have been the most active in guiding my interests and helping me explore the topics I鈥檝e been interested in, including human rights, international relations, and social justice,鈥 Wright said. 鈥淭he professors here have done a really great job of providing me with guidance and resources and passion for different areas that I am now interested in and want to pursue.鈥During his time at UA 糖心视频logo, Wright has become an active volunteer in the 糖心视频logo nonprofit world. He has served on the advisory board for Lucie鈥檚 Place and the UA 糖心视频logo Diversity Council. He has also volunteered with El Z贸calo Immigrant Resource Center, Heifer International, and the Clinton Presidential Library.听鈥淚 started out as an English major, but I didn鈥檛 feel fulfilled,鈥 Wright said. 鈥淚 switched my major to political science. As I became more politically aware, I wanted to become more active in local organizations who are doing important work. I tried to dedicate as much of my time as I could to volunteering.鈥In the political arena, Wright has interned for the Democratic Party of Arkansas, the Clinton Foundation, the Human Rights Campaign: Project One America, and two political campaigns.After graduation, Wright plans to attend a joint graduate program where he will attend law school while studying public policy. While he鈥檚 keeping his options open, Wright鈥檚 future career will most likely involve law, politics, and public policy.鈥淚鈥檓 applying to graduate programs, but I do know I want my career to be nonprofit or public-service oriented,鈥 Wright said. 鈥淚 really want to spend my career helping people.鈥