Hello everyone! My name is Gabriela null, and I am a third-year political science and English student with a minor in Law, Jurisprudence and the State. I was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, as the youngest of four children – all of whom are proud graduates of the University of Georgia. Stepping onto this campus felt both familiar and inspiring. My time here at UGA has truly shaped who I am and who I aspire to be.
When I first arrived at UGA, I planned to major in Criminal Justice. I loved everything related to the law, history, and writing. I was fascinated with all the coursework that I took during my first semester. However, I quickly realized that I was eager to go deeper than just my major. I wanted to understand the structures, psychology, and ideas that influence the world around us. Everything shifted when I enrolled in an elective course on Supreme Court politics. This SPIA professor opened my eyes to the broader field of Political Science, and by my second semester, I had officially become part of SPIA. From that moment forward, I felt like a whole new world had opened.
Since then, I’ve taken courses ranging from international politics and constitutional law to theory-based courses involving prediction and coding. The sheer variety of focus areas within political science and SPIA is truly one of the things I love most. Every class challenges me to think differently, push myself further, and continually expand my perspective. The opportunities to gain knowledge extend way beyond the classroom. Because of SPIA, I have had the privilege of attending incredibly insightful lectures. Speakers like Daniel J. Sharfstein, who discussed property law and systemic racial exclusion, and Ryan Prior, who spoke about the long-term effects of COVID and transforming personal experiences into action, have truly inspired me.
This school has equipped me with communication, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills that carry over into my English studies as well. I often find myself applying the same theory concepts and analytical tools to my writing and literary coursework. Beyond academics, SPIA has given me the opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Serving as a Student Ambassador has strengthened my leadership skills and allowed me to connect with students with a wide range of passions.
The School of Public and International Affairs has truly deepened my passion for public service and academics. I am beyond grateful for the professors, classes, and experiences that have helped shape the student and person I am today.
Author:
Gabriela Null
