Demitri Dawson: 'In 10 years I would like to be helping communities and states as a member of Congress.'

Demitri Dawson

Government

Spokane, WA

What accomplishments/activities are you most proud of while at Cornell?

I am most proud of the fact that I have held down employment with a political consulting and fundraising organization for the past several years while at Cornell. Looking back, I am glad that I was able to step out of the academic bubble every day and engage with aspects of the political system that are hard to interact with while being devoted to educational pursuits.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most? How or why?

I think one professor, Thomas Pepinsky, has influenced my Cornell education the most. I met him freshman year in his politics and markets course and throughout freshman year he offered me substantial insight into the topic and political science as a whole. Since then, he has remained in my life as an appreciated mentor and friend. His advice and guidance has been something I have cherished all four years at Cornell. 

What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I plan on living in D.C next year and working on the Hill so that I can gain a better understanding about policy implementation and the dynamics of political life. Ten years from now, I would like to be helping communities and cities and potentially even states as a member of Congress. I believe that the political arena is still a place where we can accomplish many great things and enact powerful change. So, if I can use a position in government to help those that need it most, that is exactly where I'd like to be.