Imani Fields (Class of 2019)

photo of Imani Fields

  • junior Political Science and International Studies double major
  • minor in Chinese Studies
  • from Columbus, OH
  • learned political advocacy as an intern for the Borgen Project (nonprofit organization seeking to end poverty and hunger)
  • participated in Miami's first MU2DC program, where she shadowed a Miami alum in the US State Department and attended the 2017 presidential inauguration (January 2017)
"Possessing a broad range of skills is extremely important in this ever-changing world. You could be a brilliant finance major, for example, but not know how to correctly format a memo to your colleagues. Liberal arts at Miami teaches critical thinking skills, communication, writing, public speaking, and research. These are all important for any number of potential careers, and everyone should have a great foundation in them."

Why Miami?

Imani Fields and some fellow travelers

"My uncle went to Miami and played football along with Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers, so I knew that Miami produced some successful individuals. After doing more research, what attracted me the most was the quality of Miami's education. The undergraduate teaching at Miami is comparable to top Ivy League schools, but Miami was more affordable and close enough to home. I was confident in my journey following graduation from high school.

"When I first came in as a freshman, I think I lacked a certain drive — to want to learn and do more and utilize all of my resources. Finding those resources was how I spent my first year, talking to my advisors to figure out what I wanted to major and minor in. It was an important learning experience, but then I was able to make decisions, move up, and actually do stuff with this knowledge.

"Although I chose to major in political science, I didn't come from a poly sci background. My parents never discussed politics or the news, and I'm still not sure which party they align with! What got me interested was finding an organization on campus and being able to vote for the first time in 2016. This made me realize that I should really understand the candidates and the issues. This thinking is what sparked my interest in political science.

"I feel that it's important for people to know that they can help fix problems by voting. That kind of political power was already in me although I hadn't yet utilized it. By declaring my major, doing some research, and voting, it was a great feeling to actually use that power."

Best Miami Experiences

"All of my professors have been amazing. It's because of them and staff in their departments that I feel so encouraged. Faculty and staff at Miami are great at answering student questions and helping us find the resources we need.

"I discovered a 4-month summer internship opportunity in the spring of 2017 by doing some online research and talking to the staff at the Center for Career Exploration and Success. Based in Seattle, the Borgen Project is a professional nonprofit dedicated to ending poverty and hunger. They focus on lobbying members of Congress to bring foreign aid policies to the president to be signed into law.

"The internship was a great learning opportunity that gave me lots of experience on key issues and talking to people about them. It's a national effort, so as interns we make contact with the three congressional leaders that represent us in D.C. and meet with their staff to discuss foreign aid legislation. We speak to classes and organizations about the Borgen Project while also getting other people to contact their leaders about the cause.

The United States Capitol

"It doesn't take much — when you call you just say who you are and what you want to support. Their staff takes a tally of every phone call they receive, so they could say, for example, 'Oh, we received 30 calls about world poverty today!' The member of Congress will be more inclined to sponsor legislation if they feel their constituents care about the issue. I was able to discuss foreign aid bills with staff members in the offices of Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and our representative here in Oxford, Congressman Warren Davidson (OH-08).

"During these meetings I would go into detail about how an increase in foreign aid (used in the most effective ways) can create American jobs, stimulate the US economy, and protect us from terrorist attacks. This was pretty much the premise of every conversation, and each office seemed to be very receptive.

"Another great experience I had as a Miami student took place during J-Term 2017, when I was part of the inaugural group of students for the MU2DC experience. The program is three weeks long, with the last week being spent in D.C. meeting with Miami alumni who work in and around Capitol Hill, job shadowing for a day, and for my group, attending the 58th Presidential Inauguration."

Miami and the Liberal Arts

"Possessing a broad range of skills is extremely important in this ever-changing world. You could be a brilliant finance major, for example, but not know how to correctly format a memo to your colleagues. Liberal arts at Miami teaches critical thinking skills, communication, writing, public speaking, and research. These are all important for any number of potential careers, and everyone should have a great foundation in them.

"I can honestly say I have never hated a class here at Miami. I've found all of them at least interesting and worthwhile for my future. For example, I enjoyed both an architecture class I took my first semester as well as a couple of microbiology classes!

"One of my favorite classes was POL 356 - Mass Media and Politics which was taught by lecturer of political science Christopher Kelley in Fall 2017. The course really opened my eyes to the important and powerful role the media plays in the political process.

"Other key faculty members for me were instructor Nicollette Staton, who taught my international studies introductory course, and visiting assistant professor Matthew Atkinson, who taught a course on American government. Although they're no longer here at Miami, both of them were confident and comfortable with their teaching, extremely intelligent, and inspired me to focus on my current two majors."

Networking with Alumni, Politicians, and Lobbyists in Washington, DC

Imani discusses her Winter Term 2017 experience as part of the inaugural MU2DC program, where participants spent a busy few weeks meeting with Miami alumni working in Washington, DC.

A Capital Experience Video Transcript

Advice to Students

"Use your resources here at Miami, especially your CAS advisors, the Center for Career Exploration and Success, and the Howe Writing Center. Make an appointment, meet with the staff in those offices, and talk to your professors. In many cases they could be looking for someone to work with them in a summer internship or even over the semester, or they might know someone in their circle who does.

"Just talk to people you see every day and then do your own research as well: LinkedIn, Handshake, and even just Google. You definitely need to talk to people, get online, and do your own research. Don't leave everything to someone else!"

[February 2018]