Hands-on, Career-ready
Meet Christina Stocks
In the virtual country of Ottania, government officials convened to discuss the influx of asylum seekers and the impact of forced migration. What policy decisions should be made? How will they affect the country's citizens and the economy?
These were questions Christina Stocks, B.A. '17, and her fellow classmates answered this past February at the 2019 Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) – Batten Student Simulation Competition.
During the simulation, Christina and her team needed to assess their country's resources and consider the political dynamics among surrounding countries to grant resources and implement policies.
Even though Ottania is a virtual country, the practical skills needed to navigate policy decision-making and evaluation are very applicable to real-world situations.
Christina is the president of the Graduate Public Administration Student Association and recently completed her first year in the Master of Public Administration program at UBalt – a program that prides itself on encouraging students to gain hands-on experiences in public service prior to graduation.
"From day one, our curriculum is preparing us inside and outside the classroom," says Christina. "I have already grown so much in my brief time in the program, and I can only imagine who I will be when I graduate."
In addition to the simulation competition, Christina had the opportunity to attend several conferences this past year – all made possible by the College's Pathways to Public Service Fund – including the Social Equity Leadership Conference, where she presented on the impact of food insecurities and on the Housing Authority of Baltimore City public housing developments and the connection to crime.
Supported through gifts from alumni and friends, the Pathways to Public Service Fund provides financial assistance to offset costs for students to attend conferences or professional development opportunities that pair classroom learning with real-world experiences.
"These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance our education, but allow students to build their network and professional confidence," describes Christina. "And, the fact that students are able to receive grants to help us attend these events is incredible."
Learn more about the College of Public Affairs.