Senior Arthur Tripp plans a future in government. He was part of UGA’s inaugural class in the Washington Semester program. Particularly, he worked to open communication with college textbook publishers and helped create cheaper textbooks for students. He has also represented UGA students on the Student Alumni Council, which is responsible for fostering a relationship between UGA and alumni. Tripp has been on numerous ad hoc advisory boards hosted by the administration where he has worked to develop solutions for students on campus. Finally, he was selected to represent the students of UGA in the Archway to Excellence campaign as a student speaker. This campaign has raised more than $653 million for our university. Other campus involvement includes being selected as a member of Leadership UGA, LeaderShape UGA and the Student Government Association. After graduation, Tripp plans to start working, and eventually he would like to become a foreign diplomat.
Hometown:
Duluth,Ga.
High School:
Duluth High School
Degree objective:
A.B. in political science
Expected graduation:
Spring 2009
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
During my junior year I was selected to participate in the inaugural Washington D.C. Semester Program. While in the program, I worked for Congressman David Scott who serves the 13th District of Georgia. The program also allowed me to visit the oval office and to meet senior members of the State Department and White House. Additionally, during my sophomore year I founded the mentoring organization ‘Making the Difference.’ Through this program a group of campus leaders visit different elementary and middle schools in poor areas with high rates of single parent households. We try to show young people that they can achieve their dreams.
Current Employment:
I recently finished employment with Congressman David Scott in his Washington office. I was thoroughly excited to work in this capacity because of the exposure that I had to key leaders on a daily basis. Very frequently I would speak with the Congressman and senior staff about solutions to the issues that Americans face. On frequent occasions, I attended briefings as a representative for Congressman Scott. My favorite issue to discuss was regulating government contractors. After my experience with Congressman Scott, I worked for my hometown mayor, Shirley Lassiter, this summer. Mayor Lassiter launched a campaign for Gwinnett County Commissioner in which she successfully completed.
I chose to attend UGA because…
…of its rich tradition and high academic standards. I’ve always wanted to attend a school that has high expectations not only for its students but for alumni as well. It is evident that UGA holds this standard both academically and professionally. I also knew that the School of Public and International Affairs was fairly new, so I took pleasure in having the ability to become a part of tradition and create history simultaneously.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
…taking a nice long jog at the intramural fields and watching the Redcoat Band practice. I get the chills every time I hear them warm up.
When I have free time, I like…
…to mentor young minds. There is a group of young students here at UGA that I love to spend time with. This university has many amazing students with endless amounts of potential. I hope that I can teach teach them some of what I’ve learned so they will continue a legacy of tradition.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
During my junior year, as a member of the Terry College of Business Leadership Advancement program, we had to complete the ropes course at the UGA intramural fields. This was no typical ropes course! I remember climbing the tallest pole there and jumping off—because it was a part of our team mission. The pole had to have been at least 20 feet high! I used to be terrified of heights, but because I did not want to let down my team, I conquered my fear.
My favorite place to study is…
…the fourth floor of the Miller Learning Center in the Thomas study room. This room overlooks a large part of campus and has a beautiful view highlighted on a sunny evening.
My favorite professor is…
…Fred Manget. He is a person with incredible depth and knowledge of world issues. Professor Manget recognizes the value of learning for learning’s sake. He also has unique teaching methods and has always challenged his students.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…Barack Obama. Beyond political interests, Mr. Obama has blazed a trail for young Americans hoping to achieve a dream regardless of color, ethnic background or financial standing.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…develop a group of American college students and young professionals to meet with different world leaders and make sure they recognized the value of human rights. I feel that every world citizen has a right to clean food, water, shelter and access to health care.
After graduation, I plan to…
…secure a career that will help me to bring about social change in the world. My long-term goals include becoming an international diplomat for the United States. I would enjoy meeting with world leaders to discuss world issues.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
…walking on campus as a student for the first time. I remember walking on North campus with the cool breeze in my face and having my iPod playing the battle hymn. I was proud to have finally become an official member of the Bulldog Nation.