My favorite Rose project has been our analysis of California’s economic competitiveness. While the project started out as a contract, the team was able to subsequently make use of the same data to develop answers to research questions of our own. This project helped expose several research assistants to the kinds of data science skills that are exceedingly useful in a variety of careers, while also creating opportunities for creative problem-solving and empirical analyses of narratives that dominate media headlines.
Some of my favorite Rose memories have taken place outside of Rose project work—students often come to the workroom at all hours to study and complete homework for their classes. Spontaneous discussions about a wide variety of political topics inevitably occur, regarding everything from foreign policy to housing market regulation. These conversations often include a diversity of thoughtful viewpoints and provide a crucial venue for students to interact with those who think differently from themselves.
Choosing to apply to the Rose was one of the best decisions I have made during my college years. Even beyond the plethora of research skills that I have been able to develop and practice and the breadth of state and local government policy areas that I have become familiar with, the Rose community has been the most valuable part of my experience at the Rose. Being able to work collaboratively with other students and professors who are interested in the same kinds of policy issues that I am has been extraordinarily fulfilling, and has also created a clear path towards internships and other opportunities in public policy. I am truly grateful to have been able to experience and contribute to the Rose over the past few years and hope that students for many years to come will have the same opportunity at the Rose that I had.
Anna is the first non-CMC Student Manager of the Rose Institute.