This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UIC chapter.
Her Campus UIC sat down with Elliott Minge, a second year at UIC, and got a little down and personal about his passion and for Politics and his interest in Political Science!
HC: What activities did you do in High school that have helped you get into the political world?
EM: In High School, I joined the High School Democrats of America in order to learn more about the political process. The organization motivated me to become involved in youth organizing and politic in general. Seeing as there was no state high school democrats organization in Illinois I teamed with a group of students and founded the Illinois High School Democrats. Although out of high school the organization continues to drive my ambition for youth outreach. The methods in which political actors both domestic and international interact is intriguing, and it is this reason why I study the process.
HC: What opportunities/experiences have you had with politics?
EM: Aside from the youth outreach activities I have been active in a number of political internships. During high school I worked as a Congressional intern with U.S. Congressman Brad Ellsworth of Indiana’s 8th District. Most recently, I completed an internship in Springfield at the office of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. During both of the internships I worked with the constituent affairs departments, which basically serves as liaison between citizen and government.
HC: Where do you hope to see yourself in 10 years?
EM: After gaining my B.S. in Political Science I plan to attend law school. Specifically University of Chicago, Yale, or Harvard Law. My dream career choice would be to serve as a U.S. diplomat to the United Nations. The specific organs or the UN that I desire to work are numerous, although I very much desire to work with the UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency).
If you feel like striking up a convo with El, you can find him sitting behind piles of books at the library, or out and about enjoying a night in the city!