Student Spotlight: Annie Nelson

Can you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to attend a school of public service? 

While I have always wanted to work in the public sector, my passion for public service was solidified when I taught fifth grade at a public charter school in Colorado during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a teacher to a classroom of thirty-three students with diverse learning needs (who had lost significant instructional time during the pandemic), I felt that I lacked the resources to ensure my students received the high-quality instruction they deserved. Recognizing the numerous barriers teachers face in creating equitable learning environments, I sought to learn more about how public schools are funded and managed. This curiosity led me to work in the Colorado State Senate, where I observed how assembly members negotiate the state’s education budget and school finance formula (and how removed these conversations are from the perspectives of impacted communities!) I ultimately chose to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration to learn how to evaluate policies and governance models with the goal of shaping a more equitable public school system.

Reflecting on your experience that has led you to pursue a degree at Wagner, what skills or lessons have you gained that might help you navigate your grad school journey?

I feel fortunate that the variety of work experiences I had before attending Wagner allowed me to start school with a clear vision of what I wanted to learn and accomplish. Focusing on education policy motivated me to tailor my coursework and internships toward acquiring skills and knowledge relevant to that sector. For example, I’ve pushed myself to take data analysis courses because I recognize the importance of quantitative research in the education space. I’m also spending this semester learning at Columbia Law School’s Center for Public Research and Leadership (with whom Wagner has an ongoing partnership) to learn more about theories of change in public school systems. 

At a more granular level, I think my prior work experiences set me up with valuable skills and mindsets to navigate Wagner. Teaching taught me a lot about humility and being responsive to feedback. Working as a legislative aide taught me how to navigate different personalities, balance a hectic schedule, and skim complex policy papers – all of which are definitely useful skills in graduate school!

What do you enjoy most about your role as chair of the Stonewall Policy Alliance? 

As a first-year representative for Stonewall Policy Alliance last year, I really enjoyed the opportunity to build community with fellow LGBTQIA+ students (and allies!) on campus. I also loved participating in the panel SPA hostel on community responses to housing insecurity in the  LGBTQIA+ community. As I step into the chair role, I’m excited to use this opportunity to get to know more of the Wagner community and to facilitate more important conversations around policy issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for SPA in this new academic year? How can people get involved?

I hope SPA can continue to be a welcoming space where LGBTQIA+ students feel supported and connected, especially in an environment like graduate school that can sometimes be isolating. I want our events to not only foster a strong sense of community but also drive meaningful conversations around policy issues that affect our members. 

The best way students can get involved is by joining our executive board, for which applications are due October 4! We’re also hosting a networking happy hour with students, staff, and alumni on October 25. And, stay posted for another historical walking tour and panel discussion in the spring semester!