As Wayeera Robertson stood before economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland to present her research on residential electricity rates, she witnessed the culmination of academic curiosity transformed into professional accomplishment. This interdisciplinary studies major with an economics minor had successfully navigated the journey from classroom concept to real-world impact. That journey began as a final project for an econometrics class, where Robertson needed to choose a topic, research its economic impacts, and present her findings. She focused on the critical issue of U.S. residential electricity rates, examining the effects of private ownership and deregulation, unaware this assignment would become such a significant stepping stone. Her professor, impressed by the work, encouraged Robertson and classmate Diletta Mungo to submit proposals to the undergraduate research conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank.

Getting accepted was "super exciting," Robertson recalls, though she admits, "In the beginning, I didn't really understand how big of a deal this program was." As she participated in training sessions and even served on the peer review board, the significance dawned on her. Seeing the effort involved in selecting and developing proposals made her realize the weight of the opportunity. "Wow, this is a really big deal," she says of her realization. "Being accepted made me realize I actually have something as an economist." The acceptance wasn't just validation; it was a moment of self-discovery and empowerment.

Presenting at the conference was nerve-wracking. "I was terrified," Robertson admits, especially during the question-and-answer session following her presentation. Facing queries from experienced economists brought up points she hadn't considered. "I really felt like... my research was getting... picked apart," she reflects. However, that initial feeling quickly shifted to appreciation. "I was like, wow, I've learned so much and I... can improve my work so much." The experience ignited a desire for future opportunities to engage with professionals and peers, learn, and grow within the field. The conference wasn't just about presenting; it was about immersion in the world of economics. Networking with professionals, hearing about their diverse career paths on a panel, and learning about the global reach of the discipline were eye-opening. "I just learned how diverse economics is, how you can basically start from anywhere and get into this field," she explains.

This transformative experience came just as Robertson approached graduation. The confidence and clarity gained helped solidify her next steps. She is now heading to a Master's program in Quantitative Economics and Public Policy at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on international governance. Her journey highlights how PennWest provides platforms for students to explore their interests, test their abilities on professional platforms, and gain the practical experience and self-assurance needed to pursue ambitious goals, demonstrating the university's commitment to providing purposeful education that fosters resiliency and puts ambitions within reach.