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Sean Lopez, Political Science

Not many people can say that they lived in the same dorm as their parent did way back when, but then again, not many people are Sean Lopez.

Lopez, who will graduate from the program in May, has had a tremendous three years at ������Ƶ and has taken advantage of the different opportunities available to him, such as interning in Washington, D.C., where he researched legislative proposals for the United States Senate.

He also made three trips to the National Model United Nations Conference in Washington, D.C., and New York City through ������Ƶ Model UN, including one that marked SMUN’s 10^th anniversary and culminated in an Outstanding Delegation Award.

After graduating, Lopez will attend Texas A&M University to pursue a master's degree in Public Service and Administration on a full scholarship.  

But before that, Lopez was a child listening to city hall meetings as his mother worked for the City of Vineland’s Health Department. He credits this early exposure to politics and growing up surrounded by the side effects of poverty in Vineland as his reason for pursuing public service.

“When I got older, I learned more about the chronic issues that hold our country back from being its best self, and this motivated me to think of solutions to this issue. Additionally, I've seen the struggles that poverty causes, such as food insecurity, substance addictions and homelessness. Pursuing a career in public service will give me opportunities to solve these problems and improve my community,” Lopez shared.

Working toward this goal included his recent internship in Washington, D.C., which Lopez was grateful to experience.

“Representing New Jersey in government is what I have always wanted to do, so having the opportunity to do that at 19 years old was amazing,” Lopez said. “I had a great time experiencing all there is to do in D.C. while getting the exact type of job experience I was looking for.” 

Joining ������Ƶ Model UN during his second year also had a profound impact on him, saying that it provided him with “a community of like-minded and driven students.” This community and support system he created helped him through the tough times of his university journey, including the deaths of several family members and the subsequent mental health challenges caused by his grief. He credits them and their support for his resilience.

“It was not always easy to stay committed to my goals and have the confidence to be myself. Fortunately, I had supporting parents and great friends to get me through some of the hardest times in life,” Lopez said. “My people always encourage me to go out and do the ambitious things I aspire to do and work hard to get there. Life isn't always easy, but it's important to remember that hard times always pass, so we must make sure to appreciate the good times while they are there.”

Lopez is looking toward a bright future that includes breaking bread with friends (“There's nothing better than sharing a homecooked meal with my team!”), policy making, leadership and public service.

“I want to utilize my ������Ƶ degree and my future master's degree to earn a career in congressional legislating, whether that is for the state of New Jersey or in the private sector working in lobbying,” Lopez said.

“I will miss the tightly knit community and welcoming energy that I experienced at ������Ƶ. I was able to develop close relationships with several of my professors who gave me quality advice about not only our class but also the field of political science and potential career options. I will always be grateful for the faces and places that have now become familiar that welcomed me in and helped me have a great experience at ������Ƶ.”

His words of wisdom for Ospreys still in the nest: take the risk!

“Try something new: and speak with them. You will make lifelong friends, make great memories and develop skills you will be able to use for the rest of your life,” Lopez said.