Hudson University Personal Statement
Hudson Institute Political Studies Fellowship
Personal Statement
I grew up with my grandparents in a small town in the capital of Ethiopia. My mother immigrated to the United States when I was two years old, after winning the Diversity Visa lottery. My father was taken as a prisoner of conscience days after I was born. I remember visiting my father in crowded jail cells throughout my upbringing. I never knew where he was and I did not value his presence as a father whenever my grandparents took my sister and I for visitations.
In 2004, nine years after my birth, my father was released. He had finished paying the price of speaking for democracy and equality in a country with a government that saw these principles as a threat to its authority. My father played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of politics. He taught me about the meaning of democracy, rule of law, and most importantly good citizenship. It was then, just at the age of 9, when my interest for politics in general took its roots.
I left Ethiopia in May 2005, on the eve of what became to be known as the most competitive elections Ethiopia has ever held. After I arrived in the U.S. a day later, the ruling party declared victory. Following that announcement, a vast protest ensued and over 200 civilian lives were lost. Since then, I became involved in Ethiopian politics …show more content…
Throughout the program, I am looking to learn more about the foundation of politics and its evolution, especially in the American context. As a Graduate student in Public Policy, I am exposed to the multi-faceted issues and challenges that are of significant concern to policy makers and the American public. The Hudson Institute Summer Fellowship will equip me with a new perspective and an in-depth analysis on American Public Policy and its various approaches towards addressing current and pressing national
Personal Statement
I grew up with my grandparents in a small town in the capital of Ethiopia. My mother immigrated to the United States when I was two years old, after winning the Diversity Visa lottery. My father was taken as a prisoner of conscience days after I was born. I remember visiting my father in crowded jail cells throughout my upbringing. I never knew where he was and I did not value his presence as a father whenever my grandparents took my sister and I for visitations.
In 2004, nine years after my birth, my father was released. He had finished paying the price of speaking for democracy and equality in a country with a government that saw these principles as a threat to its authority. My father played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of politics. He taught me about the meaning of democracy, rule of law, and most importantly good citizenship. It was then, just at the age of 9, when my interest for politics in general took its roots.
I left Ethiopia in May 2005, on the eve of what became to be known as the most competitive elections Ethiopia has ever held. After I arrived in the U.S. a day later, the ruling party declared victory. Following that announcement, a vast protest ensued and over 200 civilian lives were lost. Since then, I became involved in Ethiopian politics …show more content…
Throughout the program, I am looking to learn more about the foundation of politics and its evolution, especially in the American context. As a Graduate student in Public Policy, I am exposed to the multi-faceted issues and challenges that are of significant concern to policy makers and the American public. The Hudson Institute Summer Fellowship will equip me with a new perspective and an in-depth analysis on American Public Policy and its various approaches towards addressing current and pressing national