Emily Campbell, a junior at PennWest Edinboro, is forging a unique educational path that combines political science with data analytics and Spanish. Originally from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Emily came to PennWest with plans to work in political research.

"Coming to Edinboro, I originally wanted to go into political science with the intent of exploring different demographics and maybe working at companies like Politico, some sort of big poll taking political research," Emily explains. Her interest in data analytics stemmed naturally from this goal: "That's originally where my data analysis interest came from, as I thought I wanted to go into intaking data and figuring out where people voted and why."

Her academic journey took an unexpected turn after completing an internship with the Institute for Women's Health in Washington, D.C. "I really fell in love with the nonprofit world and what policy advocacy looks like on that end," she says. What attracted her to the organization was its holistic approach: "I wanted to make sure that I worked with a group that aligned with my morals, one that looked at the woman as a whole person and every part of her life."

The opportunity came through the Washington Center program, which partners with PennWest's political science department. As a PASSHE student and resident of the Commonwealth, Emily received substantial financial support: "Since I'm a PASSHE student and a resident of the Commonwealth, they were able to cover almost the entire cost of the program through the funding from the state, which is a huge help for experiential learning for students like me."

While in D.C., Emily proactively sought out the perfect internship match. "I knew I wanted to work with Women's Health," she explains. Her initiative led her to the Institute for Women's Health, where she found an organization that perfectly aligned with her values. During her ten-week stay, she lived with other students in program-provided housing and benefited from comprehensive professional development training. "The Washington Center helped with a lot of professional development," she notes. "They helped us with everything from wardrobe and workplace communication to developing professional relationships."

Looking ahead, Emily sees herself continuing in the nonprofit world while also exploring ministry work. "I really do love this nonprofit world of helping women going into different countries all over the world and seeing what kind of tactical ways we can help women and children and family."

Her advice to undecided students is refreshingly practical: "Don't be afraid to explore the areas that are just an interest of yours... education is a good on its own, right? Anything that we learn is beneficial to our minds."