As I approach my final weeks at the University of Georgia as a student, I find myself reflecting upon the profound impact my time here as a student, particularly within the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), has had on my personal growth and development.
Being a SPIA student has allowed me to explore different subject fields and find my interests in its varied course selections. One subject that captured my interest was the Supreme Court— which eventually became an unintended focal point of my undergrad experience.
I have studied the Supreme Court through many different lenses in SPIA. I focused on its controversies, both legal and social, with Dr. Vining, the impact of
Supreme Court case law on women and gender rights with Dr. Haire, and I now get to focus on the justices themselves with Dr. Leeper in my last semester. Each professor and course allowed me to dissect the complexities of the Supreme Court from multifaceted perspectives, giving me a new insight into the Court, its powers, the law, and how it impacts each of us as individuals. All of this equipped me with invaluable knowledge that enriched my academic journey and enhanced my capacity to be an informed and engaged citizen.
My time in the Applied Politics Cohort, overseen by the exceptional Dr. Haynes and Professor Watson, was also incredibly transformative. This one-of-a-kind program opened me up to a world of politics, communications, and public affairs that I had no idea existed. This course, its instructors, guest speakers, and hands-on learning opportunities have brought me so many exciting opportunities and experiences already and have empowered me to navigate the
intricacies of the political affairs landscape—a journey I never envisioned embarking upon before my time in the cohort.
However, it is not just these specific courses and programs that have impacted me so significantly, but all of the courses and instructors I have had in my time as a SPIA student. From foundational theory and methods classes to on-a-whim elective choices, each facet of my education has contributed to my growth as a scholar and thinker. I am beyond grateful for the dedication and mentorship of every professor who has been a part of my academic experience in SPIA.
As I sit here reflecting on the last four years, I cannot help but express gratitude to my past self — amidst the uncertainty of a pandemic — for choosing both a major and a college that has afforded me unparalleled opportunities for growth and discovery. My journey at UGA, particularly within SPIA, has been nothing short of transformative, and for that, I am forever thankful.

Niamh Dempsey – SPIA Ambassador
Majors: Political Science and International Affairs
Minor: Law, Jurisprudence, & the State